Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift named Executive Chair of the Ultimate Medical Academy Board of Directors

Tampa, Fla., January 10, 2017– Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift has been appointed Executive Chair of the Board of Directors of Ultimate Medical Academy, a Tampa-based nonprofit higher education institution, effective immediately.

“We are honored to have Governor Jane Swift actively lead the Board of Directors of our institution,” said former UMA Board Chairman Richard J. Friedman, who will continue to serve with other current Board members. “She is uniquely qualified to represent our institution, providing insight and expertise to support our cutting-edge online education as we fulfill our mission to equip and empower adult students to succeed in healthcare careers.”

UMA President Derek Apanovitch said, “I am eager to work with Governor Swift to deploy her years of relevant experience in the private and public sectors to promote successful outcomes for our students and to support our administration, faculty, and staff.”

Governor Swift joined the Ultimate Medical Academy Board of Directors in October 2016. She brings expertise in education and learning technology gained from both her public and private sector positions. She served for 15 years in Massachusetts state government, including as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, and as a state senator.

“Our country is facing a critical challenge providing practical post-secondary education to students who have not previously experienced success in our traditional higher education system,” Governor Swift said. “As a member of the Ultimate Medical Academy Board, I have been impressed with the institution’s commitment to student outcomes and its organizational mission and values. I look forward to lending my professional experience and energy to Ultimate Medical Academy’s continued success.”

Governor Swift also serves on the boards of several organizations and has a background working with innovative educational providers. She was CEO of Middlebury Interactive Languages from July 2011 to March 2017. Governor Swift received her undergraduate degree from Trinity College and holds several honorary doctorate degrees. She served for more than a decade as a distinguished visiting lecturer in Leadership Studies at Williams College.

Mr. Friedman served as Chairman of the Ultimate Medical Academy Board for the past three years. In addition to a career-long commitment to serving the public interest, Mr. Friedman has extensive experience in nonprofit management. Since 1996, Mr. Friedman has served as managing attorney of Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA), a nonprofit corporation that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families in Philadelphia.

Biographies of UMA board and administration members can be found at ultimatemedical.edu/about/administration/.