North Dakota – Gov. Kelly Armstrong appointed Conner Swanson to lead the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), with the appointment taking effect Aug. 29.

Armstrong cited Swanson’s experience handling complex policy issues at both the state and federal levels, as well as his work with DHHS through the Governor’s Office over the past two years.

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 responsibilities have included oversight of issues involving DHHS, the largest agency in North Dakota state government.

DHHS has an approved two-year budget of more than $5.7 billion, including federal funds, and has nearly 2,500 authorized full-time equivalent positions. The department’s commissioner also serves as a member of the governor’s Cabinet.

Swanson will succeed Pat Traynor, who began serving as interim DHHS commissioner in June 2025 after taking civil service leave from his position as executive director of the Dakota Medical Foundation.

“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,” Armstrong said. “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 he expected Swanson to build on the work completed by Traynor and the DHHS team as the state continues efforts to improve health outcomes.

Swanson, a Bowman native, previously worked as a policy advisor and communications director for Armstrong from 2020 to 2024, when Armstrong served as North Dakota’s lone U.S. representative in Congress. Swanson also served as a senior advisor to the U.S. House Budget Committee.

His federal experience also includes work with the U.S. Department of the Interior during the first Trump administration. In North Dakota, he previously served as an assistant to the House Majority Leader.

While attending North Dakota State University, Swanson completed internships with then-U.S. Rep. Rick Berg and U.S. Sen. John Hoeven. He earned a master’s degree in natural resources management from NDSU in 2017.

Swanson said his work with DHHS through the Governor’s Office had given him an opportunity to see the department’s operations and its commitment to the people it serves.

“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. “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.”

Armstrong also thanked Traynor for his service during his time leading DHHS and said he would return to his leadership position at the Dakota Medical Foundation.

“Pat’s boundless energy and passion for improving the health and well-being of all North Dakota citizens reverberated through not only DHHS but our entire administration,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong also credited Traynor with helping implement the Rural Health Transformation Program and taking on other initiatives and challenges during his tenure.

Swanson is set to officially take over as DHHS commissioner on Aug. 29.