Chuck Swanson, longtime executive director of Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa, has announced his upcoming retirement.

In a video message to Hancher Partners and other supporters, Swanson cited the need for “fresh eyes” to guide the organization through a transitional period marked by pandemic contingencies and budgetary changes.

Swanson was a UI student when the original Hancher Auditorium opened in 1972 and often describes his joy at experiencing early Hancher performances. In 1985, he became Hancher’s business manager, and was named executive director in July 2002. Swanson led Hancher through some challenging times, including overseeing the construction of a new Hancher Auditorium over an eight-year period after the original facility was destroyed by flood waters in 2008. During those years, the Hancher team continued to present world-class artists in alternate venues, an experience that served the organization well when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to online presentations for a significant period of time.

A specific date for Swanson’s retirement has not been announced, but he anticipates ending his tenure during the summer of 2022, ahead of Hancher’s 50th anniversary season.