Swift, Al

Al Swift was born in Tacoma, Washington on September 12, 1935, where he graduated from Lincoln High School. Swift attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington from 1953 to 1955. He graduated from Central Washington University located in Ellensburg, Washington in 1957 with a B.A. in Journalism. While attending college, Swift began his career in broadcasting by working for local radio stations. After graduation, he joined KVOS Television and Radio in Bellingham, Washington. Swift was promoted to program director of KVOS in 1962. In 1965, Swift joined Congressman Lloyd Meeds' (D-WA) staff as his first administrative assistant. Swift remained on Representative Meed's staff for the next five years.

In 1969, Swift returned to KVOS as news and public affairs director. While at KVOS, he produced many programs on state and local issues and, in the process, won many awards, including the prestigious Emmy award. While in Bellingham, Swift remained active in community affairs. In the early 1970's he played a key roll in rewriting Bellingham's 1906 city charter. By 1975 he had became chairman of a citizen's advisory committee on Bellingham schools and was appointed by Mayor Ken Hertz to the Bellingham Housing Authority.

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