If you’re a writer in the state of Alaska, you are probably well aware of the indefatigable Carol Swartz because of the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference which she wrangles into magnificence each year. You might not know how influential she’s been in several nonprofits in Homer, or how she started out her work in Alaska in social work with women’s issues. Carol is just a force of nature, and it brings me great joy that she has agreed to be part of the Storyknife Advisory Council.
Carol has been the Director of UAA’s Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College since 1986, overseeing its many programs and services. As such, she is also the Director of the highly-acclaimed annual Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference. Previously, she was the founding Director of Haven House, Co-Director/Clinician of the initial local Community Mental Health Center and the Kenai Peninsula’s first Guardian ad Litem.
Carol is a member of several non-profit organizations including Kachemak Bay Rotary Club and has served on several area and statewide Boards of Directors. She was a co-founder of Bunnell Street Arts Center and served on its board for twenty years. She has been a trustee of the Homer Foundation since it was formed in 1991.
In 2013 she was honored with the University of Alaska Meritorious Service Award, and in 2012 she received the Governor’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts and Humanities. Other recognitions include the 2009 Alaska Center for the Book “CLIA” Award and the 2009 Homer Woman of Distinction.
Storyknife Writers Retreat 