STILLWATER, Okla. (Aug. 25, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that Zachary Swartz has been appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as USDA Rural Development state director for Oklahoma.
As state director, Swartz will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of 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 Rollins.
“I am honored to be 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.”
Swartz is a native of Sulphur, Okla., and a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. Prior to his appointment, he worked in the energy infrastructure field supporting the growth of American energy independence. He has also held positions with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
State directors serve as the chief executive officers of USDA Rural Development in their respective states and territories. They 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. They also provide leadership to foster a missiondriven, accountable and highperforming workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust and stewardship of taxpayer resources.