Meet The Board: Scott Swaldo, Chris Groves
The Bluecoats “Meet the Board” series is a spotlight series featuring the members of the Bluecoats Board of Directors. In each profile, you’ll learn about their professional paths, community involvement, and the experiences that brought them to Bluecoats. Together, these stories highlight the care, perspective, and steady leadership that support Bluecoats on and off the field.
In this issue, we are proud to introduce Scott Swaldo and Chris Groves.
Scott Swaldo, Bluecoats Board President
Scott Swaldo
Board President
Bluecoats Years Marched: 1981-1985
Scott Swaldo joined the Bluecoats Board of Directors more than two decades ago and currently serves as Board Chair. He is the CEO and General Manager of Gervasi Vineyard, a family-owned destination winery, resort, and spa, and previously held executive leadership roles at ASC Industries and in health care management. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University. In addition to his service with the Bluecoats, he serves on the Visit Canton Convention and Visitors’ Bureau Board and Executive Committee, is an ex-officio board member for ArtsInStark, and has held leadership roles with the United Way of Greater Stark County.
Scott’s connection to the Bluecoats began as a member in 1981, where he marched snare drum and later served as drum major, instructor, tour coordinator, volunteer, and bus driver. Serving on the board reflects his belief in the power of music education and the arts to shape young people and strengthen communities. He values the on-field and off-field experiences the organization provides and remains deeply passionate about its mission. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Scott enjoys cooking, traveling, and cars, and brings a perspective shaped by successfully building careers in fields where he was not initially the expert.
Scott’s Favorite Bluecoats moment: “Having been around for 46 years, it’s hard to name one, but two stand out: making Finals for the first time in 1987 and then winning in 2016 were moments I will never forget. Both seemed impossible and unattainable in the early years of being a part of the Bluecoats, and both shows remain my favorites.”
Chris Groves, Bluecoats Vice President
Chris Groves
Board Vice President
Bluecoats Years Marched: 1995
Chris Groves joined the Bluecoats Board of Directors in 2017 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the board with nine years of dedicated service. He is the Senior Vice President of Operations and Transformation at Call Management Resources, where he brings extensive experience in marketing, operations, and organizational strategy. Chris holds a B.S. in Marketing from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Ohio University. His professional background also includes 12 years with United Way, where he worked in digital marketing and supported nonprofit fundraising efforts.
A Bluecoats alumnus, Chris marched as a baritone player in 1995 and later volunteered with the merchandise team from 2014 to 2019, deepening his long-standing connection to the organization. Serving on the board allows him to give back to an activity that has shaped his life while contributing his skills to help guide the corps’ strategic direction. He enjoys bowling, even if he claims he is not very good at it, and once designed an advertisement that appeared in David Letterman’s “Funny Newspaper Clippings” segment. Chris especially treasures moments that celebrate the corps’ achievements and the pride of the Bluecoats community.
Chris’s Favorite Bluecoats moment: “In 2016 when they said ‘Bluecoats, the field is yours’ for our winning encore. Favorite show is 2023 Garden of Love.”
