Laura Swanson
Executive Director
Laura is the Executive Director of the Enterprise Center at Salem State University. The Enterprise Center is an entrepreneurial support organization and a hub for regional business growth with an accessible community for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking professional growth and business development on the North Shore. As Executive Director, Laura is responsible for over 70+ business programs offered by the Enterprise Center, as well as the management of the Center’s 53,000 sq. ft. building that houses approximately 40 tenants. She has been with the Enterprise Center since 2008 and previously served as its Chief Operating Officer.
Laura also heads up the work of the North Shore Alliance for Economic Development which is a regional economic development organization that supports thirty communities north of Boston. The Alliance is a cogent, broad-based voice of collaborative advocacy on issues of economic development, transportation and infrastructure planning, education and workforce issues. The Alliance bring regional leaders from 30 communities together to explore and takes action on economic development issues that can help grow the region, including those that advance the Commonwealth as a whole. She is a member of the Workforce Skills Cabinet Northeast Regional Planning Team and the City of Salem’s Economic Development Recovery & Revitalization Task Force. She also hosted the weekend radio show North Shore Conversations on 104.9FM. She works closely with Salem State University in its entrepreneurship programs for students and serves on the President’s Leadership Cabinet and the Bertolon School of Business Advisory Board.
Laura was selected to participate in the inaugural LEADS North Shore Fellows cohort which began in September 2022. LEADS is a 10-month Executive Fellowship program that is developed and delivered in partnership with Faculty/Staff from Harvard Business School. LEADS fellows are diverse, cross-sectional leaders, already working in positions of influence and committed to making positive change in the greater Lynn, Salem, Peabody and/or Beverly communities.
Before coming to the Enterprise Center Laura worked with orthopedic practices for 20+ years and had her own business, where she provided consulting and project management services for physician owned practices. She graduated magna cum laude from Salem State University with a degree in History in 1996.
Laura has played a very active role in the City of Salem and North Shore community for many years. She was a member of the Salem City Council, serving as a Councilor-at-Large for four years, as well as a Commissioner for the Salem Parks and Recreation Commission. She currently volunteers her time to numerous organizations that include the North Shore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Essex Heritage Board of Trustees, Essex Tech Program Advisory Counsel and Bishop Fenwick Parents Council. Laura lives in Salem with her husband and their two daughters.
Bill Ronan
Facilities Manager and IT Support
Bill plays an indispensable role, overseeing all facility and operations related issues and making certain that everything in the Enterprise Center runs smoothly and seamlessly. As testimony to Bill’s skills and flexibility, he also is in charge of all AV & IT Support of Enterprise Center.
Cherl Cros
Administrative Assistant
With over 30 years of professional experience spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Cherl brings a wealth of expertise in administrative leadership, customer relations, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Maine and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Boston University. Her career includes roles in product coordination, executive support, and regional sales, where she managed multimillion-dollar accounts and led consultative sales efforts. Throughout these positions, she has demonstrated exceptional skill in communication, logistics, and stakeholder management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cherl is deeply committed to community service. She has volunteered with numerous local organizations, served as a local election official, and is a certified Notary Public in Massachusetts, with prior certification in Tennessee. Recognized for her organizational excellence, attention to detail, and collaborative approach, Cherl thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments that demand multitasking, customer service, and impactful results.
