Visionary Looks Ahead - Thomas M. Cooley Law School

feature“It is a trend in health care for smaller, ruralhospitals to become affiliated with a larger hospitalin a larger city,” said Swan. “We are nodifferent. Often, larger hospitals have greaterresources, helping the small hospitals to recruitand retain staff, all with the goal of keepingaccess to care in those communities.”Swan sets the tempo for change, empoweringteams who lead efforts and collaborateacross departments.“Working in silos is never beneficial,”said Swan.The skills learned and honed at Cooley areever present in Swan’s daily work. He useshis legal and negotiating skills while workingin collective bargaining, negotiating joint venturesor dealing with tax concerns.“We have nearly 80 agreements withMichigan State University alone,” said Swan.Swan admits that he has a tough time peelinghimself away from his work. But he managesto do so every Friday night for a weeklymovie at the theater.“My wife, Kathy, and I gather with friends andsee a show every Friday night,” said Swan.“Everyone is invited and sometimes we get apretty good crowd. It is a two-and-a-half-hourescape each week.”The skills learned and honed at Cooley are ever presentin Swan’s daily work. He uses his legal and negotiatingskills while working in collective bargaining, negotiatingjoint ventures or dealing with tax concerns.When driving to work, passersby can seeSwan enjoying his other hobby – cars. WhileSwan currently has a BMW Z4 and a ChevyTahoe, he admits to being a Corvette guyat heart.“I’ve liked every one (Corvette) that I’veowned,” said Swan. “I don’t know why Isold the last one (a 2008).”As Swan continues to lead the largestemployer in the Lansing region, one thing isfor sure. He’s sure to be driving change.BENCHMARK FALL 2010 COOLEY.EDU13