Sarah Swanson was elected to the Board of Education in November 2017 to a four- year term. Ms. Swanson was re-elected to a second four-year term in November 2021 (2021-2025). Her fellow Board Members elected her Board of Education President in December 2023.

Since moving to Gilpin County in 2011, she has dedicated much of her free time to supporting the community. She has served on the Board of the Gilpin County Education Foundation since 2012 and is currently President. She also served as the President of the Board of Directors for Eagles Nest Early Learning Center from 2012-2015. She has been a troop leader for Girl Scouts of Colorado and a classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement. She was also a volunteer coach for youth soccer, basketball, and baseball through the Gilpin County Recreation Center.

Sarah and her husband have two children in Gilpin County Schools who have both been students since pre-school. Sarah is a professional fundraiser with over 20 years of experience. She currently works at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO as the Executive Director of Friends of the National Center. Sarah has a BA in Journalism from the University of Oregon and a MA in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University.