President and CEO

Swati Adarkar is executive director of the Children's Institute based in Portland, Oregon. Swati has a wealth of experience in research, communications, child advocacy and public policy development. She plays a pivotal role in bringing business, civic and philanthropic leaders together with early childhood specialists and advocates to create meaningful change for Oregon's children. Swati was an instrumental leader in the 2007 expansion of Oregon Head Start Prekindergarten and continues to be a champion for high-quality early care and education prenatal to age 8.

Swati has helped shape the growth of the Children's Institute since its inception, first serving as vice president of research and communications. Prior to that, she advised nonprofit organizations on public policy and communications, served as policy director for Children First for Oregon, and was director of community affairs for Children Now. Swati has a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor's degree in communications studies from UCLA.