11.9.17 – Ed Swart

Edward C. Swart, PhD, Rotary District 6290 Governor 2017-18

Ed, a semi-retired clinical psychologist, holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University and completed a residency at Northwestern University Medical School.  For eight years, he was the clinical director of Ottawa County Community Mental Health Services, and he was in private practice (Psychological Services Center, LC, with PDG Don Moss) for 25 years in Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon, and Allendale. For several years he was president of one of the largest psychologist-owned practices in Michigan.  In his semi-retirement, Ed currently is a consulting supervisor to a local counseling agency.

Volunteering has always played an important role in Ed’s life.  He spends several days a week in elementary schools; he chairs the Rotary Leaders for the 21^st century leadership training program for middle schoolers which is co-sponsored by the Holland and Zeeland Rotary clubs; he has served on, and chaired, a number of church and community boards, including a local Cub Scout committee and the local chapter of the American Red Cross where he also started the Disaster Mental Health team.

Ed has been a member of the Rotary Club of Holland since 1984 and was President when the club sponsored the Holland AM Club.  He has been active in Rotary Youth Exchange as YEO, host parent, Youth Protection Officer, and District Chair, and has mentored Rotary Ambassadorial and Peace Scholars.  In the International Rotary arena, Ed has attended Rotary International Conventions in three countries and has served in Honduras for HHOP (Health and Humanitarian Outreach Projects) on their water and sanitation projects.

In 2004, Ed received his Club’s Distinguished Service Award.  In the spirit of supporting the work of Rotary International, he is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and that tradition continues in the family with his wife Carol, their three children and his late wife Jan, all being Paul Harris Fellows.  Ed and Carol first met in Rotary so it was a natural that he proposed to her at a Club meeting.

They enjoy football – GO BLUE! – theater, concerts, sailing, being active in Rotary, and spending time with their three children and three grandchildren.