Philo Board of Directors
2024/2025
President: Ruth Swanty
Originally from Arizona, Ruth moved to Loveland with her husband and three children in 1994. A graduate of Arizona State University in Elementary Education, she later helped start an insurance business and welcomed her fourth child in 1997. Ruth spent over 10 years volunteering with Animal Friends Alliance, leading fundraising efforts, before seeking work focused on people and community. She joined Philo in 2018, saying, “I’m glad to be part of this caring and community-engaged group of wonderful women.”
Vice-President: Lorie Smith
I first joined Philo in 1990, taking a break to raise my daughters and complete graduate school, and returned in 2019 after retiring. Since then, I’ve served on the scholarship, golf, and ATV committees, and I’m currently ATV chair. My husband, Mark, and I have lived in Northern Colorado since 1973 and in Loveland since 1976. I retired from CSU, where I was Director of Training and Organizational Development and a faculty member in the School of Education. In my free time, I enjoy watercolor painting, knitting, weaving, and golf.
Recording Secretary: Eileen Huddle
I moved to Loveland in 1978 with my husband, Larry, and our two children when Hach Company transferred 100 families to start a new branch. We’ve loved the community and the mountains ever since. I worked as a secretary at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, then spent 21 years at Monroe Elementary before retiring in 2005. Retirement has given us time to travel, visit our kids, and enjoy our three grandchildren in Colorado Springs.
Inspired by Philo’s service in the community and invited by a friend, I joined 16 years ago. Since then, I’ve chaired and served on many committees, including the Rotary Duck Race, Canned Food Drive, Integrated Early Childhood, ATV, and Golf Tournament. I look forward to continuing to serve Loveland through Philo for years to come.
Corresponding Secretary: Amy Black
I grew up in Loveland, watching my mom, Debbie Boose, actively involved with Philo. Some of my favorite memories include helping her shop for families at the Holiday Mart. After attending Santa Clara University and spending 10 years in California as a teacher, I moved back to Northern Colorado in 2000 to be closer to family and raise my own.
Since joining Philo, I’ve served on the Integrated Early Childhood, Sunshine, and Holiday Giving committees, created the monthly newsletter, and now serve as communications secretary. I’m also active at Zion Lutheran Church and volunteer at the Food Bank of Larimer County. I’m grateful to be part of such a caring group of women dedicated to strengthening our community.
Treasurer: Peggy Pellizzari
As a 16-year member, I recently volunteered to serve as Philo’s Treasurer for the second time (I previously held the role from 2010–2014). I’m happy to be back on the board, staying connected with upcoming events and the inner workings of Philo. I’ve also chaired the Canned Food Drive and served as Web Administrator for more than eight years.
Prior to joining Philo, I worked at Hewlett-Packard for 32 years, retiring in 2005. These days, I manage my daughter’s online Costa Rican coffee business while enjoying travel, golf, bowling, and time with family and friends.
Past President: Carol Rieser
Carol moved to Loveland in 2007. Before moving to Loveland, she lived in Longmont for over twenty years. She recently retired from a lengthy career in nursing and hospital administration. Between she and her husband, they have four sons, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Carol enjoys baking cookies for the grandchildren, reading, golfing, and knitting.
Carol has been a member of Philo since 2019, serving as chair of the Rotary Duck Race Ticket committee and, most recently, as President of Philo.
