Shannon Reardon Swanick is a civic leader and data ethics advocate who helps communities design fairer systems for education, housing, and local governance. She is best known for combining empathy, technology, and trust to create people-first public solutions that include every voice.

She is widely respected for her calm leadership style, tech-for-good approach, and unwavering belief that every voice matters.

Quick Facts Box

Early Life & Roots in Service

Born in 1981 in Burlington, Vermont, Shannon grew up in a home where service wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected.

Her father, a public school principal, emphasized discipline with compassion. Her mother, a nurse and environmental advocate, taught her to care for both people and the planet.

Shannon cared about her community from a young age. From literacy tutoring to weekend park clean-ups, she found meaning in small acts of service that connected people to one another.

Education: A Crossroads of Data and Humanity

Shannon attended Smith College, where she majored in urban sociology with a minor in computer science. It was there she began exploring how digital tools could amplify resident voices in policymaking.

Her thesis project focused on public feedback loops in urban zoning decisions—a theme she would revisit often in her future work.

She went on to complete a master’s degree in Sustainable Urban Development at Columbia University, deepening her focus on data ethics, civic trust, and inclusive design.

Building Systems That Listen

Launching the Community Data Initiative (CDI)

In 2015, Shannon founded the Community Data Initiative (CDI)—a nonprofit that helps communities collect and use local data with care, transparency, and purpose.

Rather than extract information from communities, CDI empowers them to co-create solutions. From participatory budgeting tools to school equity dashboards, CDI offers technical guidance, policy design, and training programs tailored for smaller towns and underrepresented voices.

PlanTogether: A Civic Feedback Platform

One of Shannon’s signature projects is PlanTogether, a civic technology platform that allows community members to weigh in on zoning, transit, and infrastructure planning in real time.

The platform integrates qualitative stories with quantitative data—allowing cities to balance hard metrics with human experiences.

Since its launch, PlanTogether has been adopted by over 20 municipalities and has led to more inclusive urban plans and stronger resident engagement.

Programs That Uplift & Empower

Mentorship Circles

In response to rising dropout rates in underfunded schools, Shannon developed Mentorship Circles—small-group peer and professional mentoring programs for high school students.

Participants showed a 25% increase in academic engagement, and over 70% of seniors in the first pilot group pursued college or vocational training.

Digital Equity Labs

During the pandemic, Shannon noticed a growing digital divide, especially among low-income families and seniors.

In 2020, she launched Digital Equity Labs, a mobile-based initiative that delivers free Wi-Fi devices, tech training, and digital literacy classes to underserved neighborhoods.

Within 18 months, the program reached more than 800 households, restoring online access for work, education, and telehealth.

Civic Engagement Academy

To help young people understand how policies are made, Shannon built the Civic Engagement Academy, a youth-focused leadership pipeline.

The program teaches local teens how city budgets work, how to give public comment, and how to design policies that reflect community needs.

Graduates have gone on to become community board members, nonprofit organizers, and public service fellows.

A Philosophy Built on Three Pillars

1. Deep Listening

Shannon starts every initiative with “community listening labs”—small-group conversations where people speak freely about their concerns, dreams, and lived realities.

She believes that designing without listening leads to systems that exclude the very people they intend to serve.

2. Data With Dignity

Where traditional models emphasize surveillance or efficiency, Shannon’s work emphasizes trust, context, and care.

She advocates for privacy-first data collection, clear communication of goals, and consent-based participation—especially in communities with historic mistrust of institutions.

3. Incremental Change With Lasting Impact

Shannon’s approach to impact is rooted in steady, people-driven progress. Instead of quick-fix programs, she invests in systems change that grows over time—with local leadership at the helm.

As she often says:

“Trust doesn’t come from tech—it comes from showing up again and again, especially when things get hard.”

Recognition & Influence

Shannon’s work has earned national attention, but she remains grounded in her community-first values. Her recognitions include:

• Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business”
• James Boggs Civic Innovation Award
• Guest lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School and MIT Civic Data Labs
• Featured in Civic Tech Weekly, Next City, and Public Sector Digest

Her programs are now used as models by both rural and urban municipalities seeking to rebuild trust in public systems.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Neighborhood Signals

Shannon is currently piloting Neighborhood Signals, a community-owned sensor and storytelling initiative.

This project installs low-cost environmental sensors in public spaces—but with a twist: community members co-interpret the data and record lived experiences to bring numbers to life.

The goal? Combine data with human stories to advocate for better air quality, safer walkways, and responsive urban services—without sacrificing privacy.

National Civic Equity Network

Shannon is also assembling a national working group of civic leaders, technologists, and youth mentors under the Civic Equity Network, aiming to share tools, strategies, and ethical standards for future-forward governance.

Why Shannon Reardon Swanick Matters

In an era where public trust in institutions is declining, Shannon offers a new blueprint—one based not on authority, but on collaboration.

She reminds us that:

• Technology should work for people—not control them.
• Communities already know what they need
• True leadership begins by listening, not leading

Her quiet strength, paired with her visionary thinking, is helping redefine what meaningful civic change looks like in the 21st century.

Final Thoughts

Shannon Reardon Swanick’s work proves that lasting impact doesn’t require noise—it requires care, clarity, and commitment. By centering data around dignity and public systems around people, she is helping communities across the U.S. build stronger futures. Shannon Reardon Swanick leadership reminds us that real progress is measured not in speed, but in shared trust and long-term inclusion.

Jeff Pinciak is a senior finance and operations leader with a track record of guiding high-growth companies through transformation. As SVP at Covercraft Industries, he oversees strategic finance, operations, and modernization efforts.

With 15+ years of experience, Jeff has raised over $190M, led acquisitions, and built scalable financial systems. He blends data-driven strategy with people-first leadership to drive lasting business impact.

Early Foundations: Driven by Curiosity

Raised in a close-knit American town, Jeff Pinciak grew up asking big questions and solving practical problems. He was drawn early to numbers, systems, and how things worked—an instinct that laid the groundwork for a lifelong career in finance and strategy.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, one of the nation’s top-ranked international business schools. There, he not only gained technical fluency in finance, but also developed a global mindset that would define his cross-sector career.

Early Career: Public Finance to Investment Banking

Jeff launched his professional journey at Public Financial Management (PFM) as a Senior Analyst, advising municipalities and government agencies on financial planning and debt strategy.

He then transitioned to the private sector, joining Barclays Investment Bank as an Analyst, where he worked on infrastructure and transportation financing, followed by a role at Wells Fargo as an Associate in corporate finance.

These foundational roles gave Jeff experience with forecasting, capital markets, and valuation modeling—skills that would serve him well as he stepped into larger leadership roles.

Accordion Partners: Operationalizing Strategy

In 2018, Jeff became Vice President at Accordion Partners, a consulting firm that supports private equity-backed businesses. Here, he worked directly with C-level executives and PE investors to optimize financial operations and build scalable planning systems.

Jeff didn’t just advise—he implemented. His cross-functional leadership helped companies align goals, track key metrics, and prepare for funding rounds, acquisitions, and exits. His clear thinking and calm under pressure made him a go-to strategist for portfolio transformations.

H1: Fueling Health-Tech with Financial Strategy

In 2021, Jeff joined H1, a fast-growing healthcare technology company, as Head of Strategic Finance. H1 leverages AI to streamline clinical trial data and improve healthcare decision-making.

At H1, Jeff led multiple successful funding rounds—Series A, B, and C+—raising over $190 million. He also played a central role in the company’s acquisition of Carevoyance, extending H1’s reach into medical device analytics.

Jeff’s work at H1 went beyond finance. He acted as a key bridge between product and operations—ensuring growth strategies were backed by reliable data, long-term vision, and measurable impact.

Medi‑Weightloss & PartnerCare: Leading Finance in Healthcare

Jeff’s next roles brought him into the heart of healthcare operations:

• As Vice President of FP&A at Medi‑Weightloss, Jeff restructured financial reporting, improved forecasting accuracy, and built dashboards for over 50 clinics nationwide.

• At PartnerCare, where he served as Chief Financial Officer, he oversaw capital planning, compliance, and strategic budgeting for a multi-specialty healthcare platform.

In both positions, Jeff focused on building scalable systems that aligned people, process, and performance—combining strategy with empathy in service of better care and stronger organizations.

Covercraft Industries: Financial Strategy for Legacy Growth

In late 2024, Jeff took on the role of Senior Vice President at Covercraft Industries. Established in 1965, Covercraft is an American company known for producing high-quality automotive and outdoor protective gear.

At Covercraft, Jeff leads strategic finance and operational alignment. He supports everything from cost optimization and supply chain strategy to modernization of legacy systems—ensuring that the company’s financial health evolves alongside its product excellence.

Leadership Style: Calm, Strategic, People-First

Jeff Pinciak is often described as a leader who brings clarity without ego and strategy without stress.

He leads with:

• Analytical discipline—always grounded in data
• Emotional intelligence—valuing people as much as outcomes
• Collaborative execution—focusing on alignment, not authority

He mentors emerging leaders, builds team trust, and creates environments where people can thrive under pressure while staying mission-aligned.

Why Jeff Pinciak’s Leadership Stands Out

Jeff Pinciak exemplifies the role of finance as a driver of growth, innovation, and cultural strength. His impact spans industries and business models, combining strategic finance with operational rigor and human-centered leadership.

Key Achievements

• Raised $190M+ across Series A, B, and C+ rounds in healthcare tech
• Led H1’s acquisition of Carevoyance, expanding AI-driven analytics
• Built FP&A infrastructure across 50+ clinics at Medi‑Weightloss
• Oversaw PartnerCare’s capital planning and strategic budgeting
• Modernized financial and supply chain systems at Covercraft Industries

Core Expertise

• Strategic Finance · Forecasting · Fundraising
• Healthcare & Digital Health Innovation
• Private Equity Value Creation · M&A Prep
• Supply Chain Finance · Cost Optimization

As companies seek leaders who can balance growth with integrity, Jeff Pinciak offers not only financial excellence—but a clear, scalable, people-first model for transformation.

Future Vision: Scaling with Integrity

Looking ahead, Jeff is focused on helping businesses grow responsibly. His vision centers on:

• Tech-enabled finance operations
• Sustainable business growth
• Mentorship and leadership development
• Healthcare innovation that’s both equitable and efficient

He believes finance leaders should not only drive value—but also protect what matters most: people, purpose, and progress.

Final Thoughts: Why Jeff Pinciak’s Career Matters

Jeff Pinciak’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about numbers—it’s about meaning. Across every role, he has quietly but consistently shaped organizations that thrive under his guidance.

From healthcare startups to manufacturing giants, he brings the same principles: clear vision, operational rigor, and a deep belief in the potential of people.

For anyone building something lasting—Jeff Pinciak offers not just a model of financial excellence, but a map for leading with intention.

Rhett Benton is a real estate developer and project supervisor at GRACO Real Estate Development in Texas. Known for his sustainable approach and people-centered leadership, he oversees projects that combine technical precision with environmental responsibility. Benton’s work reflects a new era of real estate—one where innovation serves communities, and buildings are designed with purpose and care.

Early Life and Influences

Texas Roots and Community Values

Rhett Benton was raised in Texas, where close-knit community life shaped his understanding of what makes spaces truly livable. He grew up appreciating the importance of thoughtful design, practical problem-solving, and the power of physical spaces to connect people.

A Clear Career Path

From a young age, Benton showed an interest in how things are built—from neighborhood parks to commercial plazas. His curiosity evolved into a calling: to build spaces that not only serve a purpose but also uplift the people who use them.

Educational Background

Studying Construction and Sustainability

Rhett completed a Bachelor’s degree in Building Construction Technology at Tarleton State University from 2019 to 2023. His coursework included:

• Construction management
• Sustainable building practices
• Site safety and compliance
• Materials science
• Scheduling and cost estimation

Learning Beyond the Classroom

What set Rhett apart wasn’t just his academic performance—it was his passion for applying real-world solutions. While at Tarleton, he often participated in student-led projects and workshops focused on green building design and collaborative planning.

Career at GRACO Real Estate

About the Company

Founded in 1979, GRACO Real Estate Development, Inc. is a Texas-based firm with a reputation for delivering high-quality retail, office, and industrial developments. The company prides itself on simplifying the leasing and build-out process, allowing tenants to “just move in and operate.”

Project Supervisor Role

Rhett joined GRACO in late 2023 and quickly assumed a vital role as Project Supervisor, managing:

• Project planning and scheduling
• Budgeting and resource management
• Coordination with architects, engineers, and contractors
• Compliance with building codes and zoning laws
• On-site problem solving and quality assurance

Benton’s leadership ensures that projects are not only completed on time and on budget but also reflect the values of environmental stewardship and community integration.

A Philosophy Built on Purpose

Development with a Human Touch

For Rhett, a successful building isn’t just measured by square footage—it’s measured by impact. He listens closely to tenants, residents, and stakeholders, incorporating feedback into each phase of development.

Whether designing a retail space or reimagining an urban corner, his goal is simple: create spaces where people want to be.

Championing Green Construction

Rhett is a strong advocate for sustainability. He promotes:

• Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems
• Uses recycled and local materials for sustainable building
• Drought-tolerant landscaping
• Environmentally responsible stormwater management

Through these practices, he ensures that every project reduces its environmental footprint while enhancing long-term usability.

Project Highlights and Achievements

While many of GRACO’s developments are internal, Rhett’s influence is evident across several key initiatives:

Faster Turnarounds

Thanks to his detailed scheduling and coordination, tenants experience significantly reduced wait times between project completion and operational launch.

Smart Solutions in the Field

On a recent project, Rhett resolved a major site complication involving soil instability—adjusting the foundation design within hours, saving the project both time and budget.

Community Engagement

In collaboration with local municipalities, Rhett has helped organize planning sessions that incorporate neighborhood voices—ensuring that developments fit the community’s character and needs.

Mentorship and Leadership Style

Leading by Example

Benton is known for being a boots-on-the-ground leader. He regularly visits sites, listens to workers, and encourages open communication—creating trust across teams.

Supporting the Next Generation

He also serves as a mentor for younger professionals entering the construction and real estate industries. By offering guidance on both technical skills and ethical practices, Rhett helps foster a more inclusive and forward-thinking field.

Vision for the Future

Smart, Sustainable Cities

Looking ahead, Rhett Benton is focused on projects that integrate:

• Renewable energy systems
• Smart-building technologies
• Mixed-use developments that encourage walkability and reduce car dependence

Affordable, Accessible Housing

Rhett believes that great design should be available to everyone. He supports efforts to build affordable housing units that don’t compromise on sustainability, aesthetics, or dignity.

Career Pathways for Youth

He is currently exploring partnerships with schools and nonprofits to launch construction-focused educational programs—especially in underserved communities.

Why Rhett Benton Stands Out

Rhett represents a new generation of developers who understand that real estate has social, economic, and environmental consequences. His approach includes:

• Technical precision grounded in modern education
• Environmental responsibility that goes beyond marketing
• Empathetic leadership that values every voice in the room
• Commitment to community, not just construction

In short, he’s building more than buildings—he’s building trust, opportunity, and lasting value.

Conclusion

Rhett Benton’s journey—from a Texas upbringing to leading meaningful projects across the state—reflects a rare combination of vision, ethics, and skill. He brings together sustainability, smart design, and human connection in every build.

As the future of real estate shifts toward equity and climate responsibility, professionals like Rhett show that it’s possible to lead with heart while delivering with excellence. Rhett focuses on more than just structures he’s committed to creating lasting, positive impact in the communities he helps build.