Julie A. Swindler, LCSW, has dedicated her career to strengthening children, families, and communities in Palm Beach County for more than four decades. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in 1982 and her master’s degree in social work from Barry University in 1985. Her professional foundation includes extensive clinical training and direct service experience in mental health and child and family social services, including early service with Families First of Palm Beach County at its inception in 1990.

Ms. Swindler was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Families First of Palm Beach County in 1992, where she has provided consistent, mission-driven leadership marked by strong fiscal stewardship, programmatic excellence, and strategic growth. Throughout her tenure, she has remained deeply engaged in evidence-based practice, with particular expertise in maternal and infant mental health, behavioral health programming, and community-based family supports. Under her leadership, Families First has successfully achieved four national accreditations from the Council on Accreditation for Children and Families, as well as national accreditation through Healthy Families America and Child First, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. She is also an active participant with the Child Welfare League of America.

A respected community collaborator and advocate, Ms. Swindler remains actively engaged in local, state, and national issues impacting children and families. She is a founding board member and past president of the Nonprofit Chamber for Health and Human Services of Palm Beach County, has served on the Board of the Glades Initiative since 2002, and previously represented nonprofit executives on the United Way of Palm Beach County Board of Directors. Her additional leadership includes service with the Fetal Infant Mortality Review team, Leadership Palm Beach County (Class of 2012), past steering and governance committees of Healthier Delray, and service on the Board of Directors of Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, where she chairs the Outreach Committee.

Ms. Swindler’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional role. She serves as an Extraordinary Minister at Holy Name Catholic Church, providing communion to parishioners who are ill and homebound, and contributes her expertise as a member of the church’s Finance Committee. Her leadership reflects a lifelong dedication to service, collaboration, and improving outcomes for children and families across Palm Beach County.