NDSU alumnus appointed to lead North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Conner Swanson, a 2017 NDSU alumnus, is taking on a new role serving North Dakotans after being appointed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong to lead the ND Department of Health and Human Services.
Swanson has served as a senior advisor in the Governor’s Office since Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden took office in December 2024. His portfolio includes DHHS, the largest agency in state government with an approved two-year budget of over $5.7 billion, including federal funds, and a team of nearly 2,500.
“I’m grateful to Gov. Armstrong for this opportunity and excited to officially become a part of the team at the Department of Health and Human Services," Swanson said in a press release. "Since December 2024, I’ve worked closely with the department through my role with the Governor’s Office. I have seen firsthand their commitment to the mission and the people we serve, and I am thrilled to join HHS and help build upon that energy and dedication.”
Swanson brings extensive experience navigating complex policy issues at both the state and federal levels — experience that will serve him well as he works to improve health outcomes for North Dakotans.
“From Capitol Hill to the State Capitol, Conner has navigated complex policy issues with skill and a depth of understanding that will serve North Dakotans well – a great example being his behind-the-scenes leadership on the Rural Health Transformation Program that is deploying hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants to improve health outcomes across our state,” Armstrong said in a press release. “We look forward to Conner building on the work of outgoing Commissioner Traynor and the team at DHHS to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation.”
For Swanson, the appointment represents another step in a career dedicated to serving North Dakota; one that began when he was a student at NDSU.
While pursuing his master’s degree in natural resources management, Swanson interned with then-U.S. Rep. Rick Berg and U.S. Sen. John Hoeven. The experience gave him an early opportunity to work on complex policy issues and see firsthand how decisions made at the state and federal levels can affect communities.
His time at NDSU also helped prepare him to take on challenges that extend well beyond the classroom.
Swanson’s career is an example of how an NDSU education can open doors across industries and prepare graduates to make an impact in their communities. Through rigorous academics, hands-on experiences and opportunities to engage with real-world challenges, NDSU students develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue meaningful careers and become leaders in their fields.
Swanson begins his new role as DHHS commissioner on Aug. 29.