Hometown: Pennington, N.J.
Role: Assistant director of public information, New Jersey Office of Legislative Services. Swords was also one of the “founding mothers” of the Legislative and Information Communication Staff association, known as LINCS, and served as its first chair.
Years of legislative service: 26
Currently listening to: Joni Mitchell’s “Court and Spark”
Why did you choose to work at the legislature?
Public service is very important to me. I also appreciate the nonpartisan aspect of the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
I love using my writing and editing skills for the benefit of the agency.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
A quote I found from Albert Einstein: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
Who or what inspires you?
My family and other loved ones; also, great writing.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
Everything! New Jersey is incredibly diverse: its people and their passions, geography, food, weather. It’s all here.
What are you currently reading/watching?
Reading: “The Heroine’s Journey,” by Gail Carriger
Watching: “Outlander” and news programs
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
For its “Staff Snapshots” series, State Legislatures News is asking legislative staff about their role in the legislature. To suggest a staffer for this series, please use the email icon above to contact Holly South.