Nancy Swanson

Chautauqua Bookstore Assistant Manager

Chautauqua Bookstore — Marketing and Communications

About Nancy

I have worked at the Chautauqua Bookstore since 1997. I started as a shipping/receiving assistant and within a year became assistant manager, in charge of merchandise and part-time employees.

My first experience working at Chautauqua Institution was in the summers of 1973 and 1974 for Webb’s, a little candy/bakery shop in the Colonnade. For the 1976 season, I was assistant hostess at the Wensley House to Winnie Lewellen in her first season as hostess. I have also waitressed or worked retail off and on since I was 15. In 1977 I earned an associate degree in human services and supervised a daycare in Pennsylvania. I was then a stay-at-home mom for my two children and ran an in-home daycare until my youngest started school full-time. That is when I went around to different businesses with my resume (no online applications back then) applying for a sales position, and here I am!

Why did you choose to work at Chautauqua? What do you like about working at Chautauqua?

Chautauqua, off-season, has always been a part of my life. I grew up and am still a member of Hurlbut Church. When I needed a job back in 1997, Chautauqua seemed like (and still is) a really cool place to be.

Current and Former Volunteer or Board Roles

Former board member: Panama (New York) United Methodist Church Preschool

Professional Affiliations

Current: National Association of College Stores (NACS)
Former: American Field Service (AFS) and KOINONIA of Jamestown, New York

Personal Interests

Hiking, reading, crossword puzzles. I have white water rafted and zip lined and would like to again sometime.