Introduction
JR Swanson is currently a Military Intelligence Officer with the Minnesota Army National Guard and a Legislative Assistant IV in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
He holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, where he was also elected to the Professional Student Government as its Senator. He previously earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in history and international relations.
Prior to attending the Humphrey School, JR served for two years in an AmeriCorps program in Duluth, MN where he mentored at-risk youth. He was also actively involved with the Royal D. Alworth, Jr. Institute for International Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
His research focus is primarily around U.S. foreign policy and national security issues. He was a research intern in the summer of 2019 in the Just Security 2020 program at the Stimson Center located in Washington, DC.
Resume
Experienced government affairs professional with a varied managerial background in sectors including nonprofits, youth/community development, and hospitality. Currently focused on state/local politics within Minnesota as well as national security and military affairs broadly.
Education
Master of Public Policy
Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Gerald W. Heaney Fellowship
Focus: National Security Policy, Global Public Policy
B.A. Political Science
University of Minnesota Duluth
Honors
Thesis: "The Limits of Liberalism: U.S. Cold War Policy in Latin America"
Recent Experience
Legislative Assistant IV
MN House of Representatives
Nov 2019 to Present
Military Intelligence Officer
Army National Guard
Dec 2020 to Present
Senator
Professional Student Government
Sep 2019 to May 2020
Research Assistant (Paid Intern)
The Stimson Center
Jun 2019 to Aug 2019
Affiliations & Memberships
Heritage Academy Fellow
The Heritage Foundation
Working Group, Legislative and Committee Staff
American Legislative Exchange Council
Member
Committee on Foreign Relations, Minnesota
Honorary Member
DeMolay International
Member
Ionic Lodge #187
Testimonials
“JR interned with my Just Security 2020 Program through the Humphrey School’s competitive (and paid) summer internship program [...] His skills as a writer, editor, and researcher were particularly appreciated in co-authoring the inaugural Doha Forum Report on the theme of “Reimagining Governance in a Multipolar World.” [...] He’s also a natural team player who has an impressive work ethic and is always there to lend support to other team members in achieving our program’s ambitious policy research and outreach goals.”
“JR was an outstanding colleague during his internship with the Just Security 2020 Program at the Stimson Center. [...] He has advanced research, analytical and editing skills — reflected in the 2019 Doha Forum report, “Reimagining Governance in a Multipolar World,” to which he contributed substantively; policy briefs; and an Action Plan [...] JR has demonstrated professionalism and excellent organizational, interpersonal, and research skills. He has shown to be a responsible, honest and motivated team player, and based on his overall performance, I strongly recommend him for future positions.”
“JR is a great asset to our caucus. He embraced his role on the leadership staff and always represents our caucus with professionalism. He seeks new opportunities to lead and contribute to our goals and is a consummate team player. I would recommend him highly for any organization that wants an intelligent and dedicated colleague.”