U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Zachary Swartz is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Oklahoma. Director Swartz will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.
“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Secretary Rollins.
“I am honored to be a key part in delivering for President Trump's promise to put America First again and assist in his vision of bringing real economic impacts back to Rural Oklahomans,” Swartz said. “Secretary Rollins and I are fully committed to supporting the rural communities that our Oklahoma farmers and ranchers depend upon to deliver the food security and high-quality products America has been known for.”
Director Swartz is a native of Sulphur, Okla., and is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. Prior to his appointment by President Trump, Swartz worked in the energy infrastructure field supporting the growth of American energy independence. He has also worked at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
State Directors serve as the Chief Executive Officer of USDA Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with leading teams to carry out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of all rural Americans. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for advancing the key priorities and initiatives of the Presidential Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors also provide key leadership to foster a mission-driven, accountable, and high-performing workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s leadership and programs, view www.rd.usda.gov.