Swenson serves as Marist University's Vice President for Advancement, overseeing the Advancement and Alumni Relations teams. He leads efforts to strengthen philanthropic support, deepen alumni and donor engagement, and advance the University's long-term strategic priorities. Swenson joined the Marist community in November 2025.

Prior to joining Marist, Swenson served as Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he led the modernization of the Advancement Office and guided the most successful fundraising period in the institution’s history. He launched UNC Asheville's Centennial Campaign, secured multiple transformational gifts, and played a central role in establishing the Gateway Scholars Program. His leadership also advanced major capital projects and expanded community partnerships, including Asheville's community leadership program and the nationally recognized Asheville Ideas Fest.

Swenson's prior higher education experience includes advancement roles at Dickinson College, Cornell University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester, and Ithaca College.