Rick Swart has taken on the role of Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Chad as of February 28, 2025. Prior to this appointment, Swart served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the same embassy from August 23, 2023, to February 28, 2025.
Swart is a seasoned diplomat who began his career in 2002. His assignments have included postings in Niamey, Niger; London, United Kingdom; Manila, Philippines; Geneva, Switzerland; Baghdad, Iraq; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Washington, DC. He has held various roles such as political officer in Niamey and desk officer for the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Washington. Additionally, he worked as a humanitarian assistance officer for Africa in Geneva and addressed several sub-Saharan Africa issues while based in Washington. Swart's consular experience includes positions like deputy consul general and consular section chief across multiple cities including London and Manila.
Before joining the State Department, Swart volunteered with the Peace Corps in Mali and participated in an outdoor leadership expedition program with NOLS in Kenya. In his private sector career based out of Hong Kong and Beijing, he engaged in architectural and design projects throughout Asia and later Africa. He also contributed to elections organization efforts with IFES on the African continent.
A native of San Diego, Swart holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Colorado. He earned a master’s degree in African Studies from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and another master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. Swart is proficient in Bambara and French.