Stacey Swift named Women's Leadership Guild chair

PULLMAN - Stacey Swift was named Chair of the Pullman Regional Hospital Women's Leadership Guild.

The Women's Leadership Guild is a volunteer-led group of over 40 women who support the hospital's foundation and regional non-profits through grant-making.

Joining the guild in 2017, Swift has served on the board since 2018 and was appointed Chair in April this year.

"We are here because we believe in the value of having access to top medical services and how that connects to and serves our growth as a community," Swift said about her service in the guild.

She stated they are there to learn about giving back to the agencies serving women and children in the area, networking, and growing together with the community and non-profits.

Swift believes that she's helped make a significant impact by pooling her giving with others.

"I want to show others this concept in action through our membership and meaningful events," she said.

Swift and her husband, Kiall, grew up in Whitman County. Her husband helps run the multigenerational family farm in Lamont while working as a CPA at Presnell Gage.

Swift has fourteen years of experience in banking and leading teams and is Vice President Branch Manager for Umpqua Bank in Pullman.

Swift was a speaker for the regional Smart Women Smart Money conference and spoke about work and life balance through her experience as a working mom of three kids.

She also serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Pullman as Vocation Committee leader and on the allocations committee of the United Way of Whitman County. In addition, she has coached 10U Palouse Havoc softball for the past three years.

The guild will hold its signature annual event, Girlfriends Gather, Tuesday, May 16, at the WSU Brelsford Visitor Center at 6 p.m.

"I love this event; the energy in the room is palpable," Swift said.

All $100 attendee contributions will be pooled and given away that evening to one regional non-profit.

"Every $100 gift adds to the impact," Swift said, "One hundred women contributing $100 means a $10,000 gift," she added, noting that it's truly empowering.

"If you want to see what the Guild is all about, register for Girlfriends Gather," she said.

The Women's Leadership Guild has raised and gifted more than $265,750 through membership contributions and giving events since 2015.

Every year it awards funds to regional non-profits through a grant award process.

The recipients of 2022 were Lauren McClusky Foundation, Palouse Discovery Science Center, Palouse School Food Pantry, and Willow Center for Grieving Children, receiving $2,000.

Board members are Ginger Flynn, Cheryl Over, and Susie Skavdahl.