Pat Swanson was appointed administrator of the USDA Risk Management Agency in March 2025 by the Trump administration, after recently serving as a member of the USDA’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board (FCIC). She oversees the delivery of federal crop insurance and risk management tools that serve as a foundation for farmer financial stability and long-term resiliency.
Swanson brings more than two decades of experience in agriculture risk management. She co-owned and operated Son Risk Management from 2002 to 2025, where she specialized in crop insurance solutions for producers across southeastern Iowa. Her family also owns and operates a seventh-generation farm near Ottumwa, Iowa, raising corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Her public service includes leadership on the Iowa Farm Service Agency State Committee, as well as her time on the FCIC board of directors. She also worked in the private sector as a software engineer before returning to the farm.
Swanson supports rural development and youth leadership through volunteer service. She represented southeast Iowa as a director with the Iowa Soybean Association and served on the American Soybean Association board. She also serves as secretary for the Wapello County 4-H Foundation and participates in outreach through Iowa 4-H and Command Ground Iowa.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Iowa State University.
Swanson and her husband, Don, along with their family live and farm near Ottumwa, Iowa, and are deeply connected to their community and agricultural roots.
About Me
Quick Facts:
Seventh-generation family farm near Ottumwa, Iowa
Crop insurance agent for more than 20 years
Served on the USDA’s FCIC Board
Contact
Phone: (202) 690-2803
Email: rma.risk-ed@usda.gov
Location: Washington, D.C.