DECEMBER 2, 2025 – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle appointed Matthew Swartz as his executive director, a newly-established senior leadership position created to enhance coordination, drive continuity, and advance the Navy’s strategic priorities of Foundry, Fleet, and Fight.
This role is part of a broader CNO initiative to synchronize efforts across the Navy’s enterprise and reinforce unity of purpose throughout its Total Force — both uniformed and civilian.
“Our Total Force, comprised of Sailors, civilians, and the industrial workforce, is our most decisive warfighting advantage,” said Adm. Caudle. “Investing in our people’s development and well-being is not separate from combat power — it is the very foundation of our Warrior Ethos, which is not exclusive to those in uniform. It’s a mindset marked by honor, integrity, resilience, and a relentless commitment to excellence and service.”
As executive director, Mr. Swartz leads cross-functional coordination and staff integration, while also serving as the senior advocate to the CNO for the Navy’s civilian workforce.
In this role, he will champion efforts to embed the warfighting mindset across the total force and ensure continuity in long-term strategic initiatives. He will also continue his engagement with various partner organizations to build upon the critical relationships with community and academic leadership.
“It’s an honor to serve in this new role at such a pivotal time for our Navy,” said Swartz. “Coordination, continuity, and a unified vision across our total force are essential to delivering on the Navy’s priorities of Foundry, Fleet, and Fight. I’m committed to fostering the alignment, innovation, and enduring partnerships that will strengthen our warfighting advantage and ensure we are ready to meet any challenge — now and in the future.”
Prior to this assignment, Swartz served as the executive director and senior civilian for U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, VA.
He also served in multiple other federal senior executive positions: deputy commander, Naval Information Forces; chief information officer (CIO) of the USDA Forest Service; the executive director and CIO for U.S. Fleet Cyber Command; and the director for assured command and control within the directorate of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) Information Warfare.
Prior to government service, Swartz held executive and senior leadership roles in the commercial industry.
Swartz holds a bachelor’s degree from Mary Washington College and Master of Science degrees from the University of Virginia and the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He has received numerous awards to include a Presidential Rank Award, the Department of Navy Superior Civilian Service award (two awards), the Department of Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award, the Department of Navy Information Management/Information Technology Excellence Award. He also led the Navy team that won the National Security Agency (NSA) information systems security national award for organizational excellence.