John Swanson is the Director of Innovation Portfolio for the Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC), powered by the Greater Akron Chamber. In his role, John connects companies, researchers and regional partners to the tools, relationships and ideas that move polymer innovation forward. 

Jon’s lifelong interest in science and engineering has shaped his career every step of the way, from building and experimenting as a child to solving complex challenges today. Polymers became a defining part of his career at age 19, when he joined the Costanzo Research Group at California Polytechnic State University and worked on polymer materials designed to make military ordnance safer. After graduating from Cal Poly in 2011, he pursued a PhD and a career as an industrial polymer scientist, drawn to The University of Akron by its world-renowned reputation in polymer science and engineering, its facilities and its faculty. That move brought him to Northeast Ohio—and even inspired him to claim the 330-POLYMER phone number. 

John stayed in Northeast Ohio and built his career across roles with Avient and NeoGraf, working in product development, innovation management and customer-focused technology solutions. His career includes 12 patents, nine peer-reviewed publications, materials used in commercial products and multiple Avient Technology Excellence Awards. 

John’s personal motto has evolved into “Do science, make money, have fun.” For him, that means using science to solve sustainability challenges while making the places and teams he works with better. Through the Polymer Industry Cluster, John is energized by helping partners make meaningful connections, explore new approaches to innovation and strengthen Greater Akron’s position as a global center for polymer science, manufacturing and commercialization.  

Outside of work, John lives in Lakewood with his wife, Juliet, and their son, Julian. He enjoys running, playing guitar, cooking, building software tools and tinkering with technology projects at home.