Jim Swigert manages NDI's democratic development programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. NDI, presently with field offices in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela, has worked for more than 25 years in the Americas to support and strengthen democratic institutions and practices by strengthening political parties, civic organizations and parliaments, safeguarding elections, and promoting citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
Before joining NDI in 2005, Mr. Swigert spent 30 years as a career diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, during which time he served at embassies in Latin America and Europe. While in Washington, he held a series of increasingly responsible positions dealing with policy issues in Latin America, Europe and international organizations. From 2002-2005, Mr. Swigert was principal deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs and from 1999-2001, deputy assistant secretary of state for Southeast and Central Europe.
Throughout his government service, he was a strong advocate for the work of independent civic organizations in strengthening democratic practices around the world. His languages are Spanish and Serbo-Croatian.
