LP 40 for 40 – Stephen C. McSwain

The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40^th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.

We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.

Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 29, Graduate, Stephen C. McSwain, Chief Operating Officer of ARTA Travel. He began his professional career in Beverly Hills, CA at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard.  Steve worked as a Branch Store Controller at Gump’s which sold China, Crystal, Silver, Jewelry to many celebrities and leaders of industry.

Steve joined Tammy at ARTA Travel in 1991. Steve and Tammy purchased complete ownership of ARTA Travel on November 2, 2002. ARTA Travel has been on an aggressive growth pattern since and has tripled in size since the ownership change. Steve serves as Chief Operating Officer of ARTA Travel. He is a past member of the Plano West Rotary Club, Richardson and Plano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Past President of the American Heart Association, and graduate of Leadership Plano Class 29.

Steve has been married to his high school sweetheart, Tammy, for 32 years. He and his wife have a 28-year-old daughter Lauren and a 26-year-old son Grant.

1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?

To learn more about the city of Plano and explore opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the community.

2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?

Touring the 911 call-center, jails & prison, healthcare day and the City of Plano Emergency Command Center.  Having lived here over 30 years and my wife and her family living in Plano 50 years, there is still a lot about Plano I didn’t know.

3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?

Educating people on what is happening to make the community so great and learning about opportunities to contribute to that effort.

4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?

There is more happening behind the scenes than you know.  If you have a question about something, explore all options because there is probably a reason for why things happen.  Its not just coincidence.

5. Why was your class the “Best Class Ever”?

Because of the great instructors, participants and we remodeled the Assistance Center of Collin County which is the hub of all non-profits in the county and vital to providing the needed support in the community.