Richard E. Swarttz Appointed Acting Director of the Peace Corps

WASHINGTON - President Donald J. Trump has appointed Richard E. Swarttz acting Director of the Peace Corps.

"I am honored and humbled by the President's faith in me, and his faith in the work of the Peace Corps and the volunteers who serve in more than 60 host countries around the world," said Swarttz. "The Peace Corps plays a vital role in advancing U.S. global engagement and I am committed to positioning the agency for a successful future, one that will help make America safer, stronger and more prosperous."

Swarttz will serve as acting Director until President Trump nominates a Peace Corps Director and the nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Paul Shea, who has served as the chief executive officer since August 2025, will continue with the agency as a senior advisor.

Having served as the agency's chief of staff since September 2025, Swarttz has more than 35 years of experience in senior leadership in the Federal government and the non-profit, information technology, and manufacturing sectors. During the first Trump Administration, Richard served as Peace Corps chief financial officer for three years during a pivotal time in the agency's history. He also led the Trump-Vance Agency Review Team for the Peace Corps during the transition period after the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Prior to the Peace Corps, Swarttz served as chief financial and administrative officer at Lead for America, whose signature program is one of the nation's leading AmeriCorps service organizations.

Originally from Philadelphia, Swarttz attended Philadelphia University and received both a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in business administration with a concentration in management.

Swarttz currently resides in Virginia with his wife, Harriett.