Matthew Swift 🇺🇸

Co-Founder and Executive Chairman @concordiasummit Moderator of #TheSwiftHour | Views are my own

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

There’s no better way to wrap up The Swift Hour’s 2026 series than with my dear friend Dr. Eduardo Padrón, President Emeritus of Miami Dade College and a valued member of Concordia's Leadership Council.

In 1961, Eduardo arrived in Miami from Cuba through Operation Pedro Pan. He was 16 years old and spoke no English. What followed is one of the great American stories.

He went on to lead Miami Dade College for nearly 25 years and turned it into one of the largest and most respected colleges in the country. Along the way he opened the door to higher education for many thousands of students who, like him, were chasing a better future. In 2016 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Eduardo has seen how education can change a life, first in his own and then in the lives of the thousands of students he served.

You can catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour: https://t.co/JEQSMgbrLV

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was an honor to welcome the Hon. Henrietta Fore, Chair and CEO of Holsman International and a valued member of Concordia’s Leadership Council, to The Swift Hour.

As the former head of both USAID and @UNICEF, Henrietta has spent much of her career leading aid efforts from the inside. Our conversation turned to a question with growing relevance: what role should American aid play in the world today?

Many of today’s most pressing challenges, from pandemics and food insecurity to climate shocks and displacement, are not contained within any one country’s borders. That reality is shaping how policymakers, practitioners and the public think about where aid goes, how it’s delivered and what it should achieve.

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour: https://t.co/JEQSMgbrLV

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was an honor to welcome Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Will Swenson, Medal of Honor recipient and Managing Director at AE Shoals, to The Swift Hour.

Decisions made in capitals thousands of miles away have real consequences on the ground. Will knows this firsthand. Few people can speak as clearly about how policy and politics shape what happens on the battlefield, and about what that means for the soldiers carrying out the mission.

Will earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary courage at the Battle of Ganjgal in Afghanistan. But his story doesn’t end with a single day of valor. He returned to uniform, served the Army through 2023, and continues to serve today. He helps strengthen our national security through his work with AE Shoals, and as a board member of the National Medal of Honor Museum (@MohMuseum) he helps preserve the stories of courage and sacrifice for future generations. His life is a reminder that service isn’t only a moment. It’s a lifelong commitment.

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour: https://t.co/JEQSMgbZBt

#TheSwiftHour #MedalOfHonor #MedalOfHonorMuseum

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was a pleasure to sit down with John Kluge Jr. (@klugesan), Co-Founder of the @RefugeeInvest and founder of @ThistlerockMead, to The Swift Hour.

John has spent years working on one of the defining challenges of our time: global forced migration. Through RIN, he has helped show that refugees aren’t only people in need of aid. They’re entrepreneurs, workers and builders, and investing in them can create lasting economic opportunity for them and for the communities that welcome them.

That idea is woven into the American story. Generations of refugees and immigrants have arrived with little more than determination, then started businesses, raised families and helped shape the country we know today. Their contributions aren’t separate from the American identity. They’re a core part of it.

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour: https://t.co/JEQSMgbZBt

#TheSwiftHour #RefugeeInvestmentNetwork

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was a pleasure to sit down with Senator @OmarLFernandez of the Dominican Republic on The Swift Hour.

Growing up as the son of a president, former President Leonel Fernández, comes with a unique set of expectations. There is the weight of a family name, the constant public eye, and the question of how to step out of a long shadow and build something of your own.

Omar has answered that question through service. Today he represents the National District in the Senate and is forging his own path in public life. He honors where he comes from while showing that leadership is earned, not inherited.

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour: https://t.co/I7uHEMagtd

#TheSwiftHour #DominicanRepublic #PublicService

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was a privilege to welcome @JayPrehistoric of Prehistoric Inc. to The Swift Hour.

Jay has spent his life on a single mission: changing the relationship between people and animals. He wants us to see these creatures with curiosity and respect instead of fear, and to understand them before we judge them.

His story is also one of challenge and consequence. Jay has faced obstacles most of us will never encounter. When the biggest tests of his life arrived, he didn’t step back. He stepped up. By his own account, the most challenging moments of his career turned out to be his best.

Now a confession. I am not a fan of snakes. Spiders scare me. Holding a giant reptile was never something I planned to do. But Jay pulled me well outside my comfort zone, and in doing so he reminded me of something worth holding onto: people are so often at their best in the hardest of times.

That is Jay Brewer.

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour: https://t.co/amtwg3TvDf

#TheSwiftHour #JayBrewer #PrehistoricInc

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was a pleasure to sit down with @joshrogin, author, journalist and Lead Global Security Analyst at Washington Post Intelligence, on The Swift Hour.

Josh has spent more than 22 years in journalism and has watched the media landscape transform again and again. Platforms have changed, the pace has changed, and so has the way audiences find the news. Through all of it, one thing has stayed the same: trust is everything.

That trust runs in more than one direction. It’s the bond between a journalist and their readers, and it’s the understanding between reporters and the officials they cover. Many of the norms that once held those relationships together have been tested, and in some cases broken, in recent years. That makes credibility, and staying true to your readers, more important than ever.

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour here: https://t.co/JEQSMgbrLV

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was a privilege to welcome Dr. Mark D’Esposito, Distinguished Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at UC Berkeley’s Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, to The Swift Hour.

As AI shows up in more and more of our lives, Mark offers a perspective worth hearing. AI isn’t a replacement for the human brain. It’s a force multiplier. Used well, it can help us reach our highest potential and greatly increase what each of us can create and share with the world.
But the tool is only as powerful as the mind that guides it. As we enter a more AI-enabled world, the value of the human brain cannot be overstated.

As co-leader of @BrainHealth's BrainHealth Project, his research is revealing that when people are empowered with practical tools to improve their brain’s performance, measurable and ongoing improvement is achievable.

Check out this clip and you can watch our full conversation here:https://t.co/CXwvVbBHxA

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was a pleasure to welcome @BolsonaroSP, former Federal Deputy for São Paulo, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and brother of presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, to The Swift Hour.

Long before politics, Eduardo got to know America the way many young people do: by working in restaurant kitchens and traveling. Through long shifts, new cities and everyday conversations, he saw American culture firsthand and fell in love.

To me, that’s the beauty of cross-cultural experience. It rarely happens at a podium or a summit. More often it happens in the most candid settings: side by side with people, doing work you enjoy and experiencing places that captivate you.

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour at the link in bio.

#TheSwiftHour #EduardoBolsonaro #Brazil

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

It was an honor to welcome @wyclef to The Swift Hour. He took the time to share his story: where he was born, where he grew up, and the journey that shaped him.
What stood out most was how Wyclef carries so many worlds at once. Haiti and the United States. Faith and culture. Music and purpose. He is a remarkable musician and a true ambassador of culture, a man of faith who has never forgotten where he comes from. Today he’s on a mission to make a positive impact on the world through music, culture, faith and love of country.
Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour here: https://t.co/JEQSMgbrLV
#TheSwiftHour #WyclefJean

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

I had the best time sitting down with @DaphneOz , a friend of over 20 years, on The Swift Hour. We’ve come a long way since we were newsroom interns together, and our conversation is a deep dive into the lessons she’s learned throughout a life in the public eye: dealing with scrutiny, valuing curiosity over certainty, and why she would always rather “be pistachio than vanilla.”

Daphne is a bestselling author, award winning television host, chef and mother of 4, and her newest venture, The Mothership, may be her most important yet.

@TheMothershipP is a home for honest, open conversation where people can speak their minds without bracing for a fight — and share the hard-earned and actionable wisdom that has made their lives extraordinary. That kind of dialogue has become rare, and Daphne has tapped into how much people are hungry for it, especially women. You can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — first episode launches Tuesday, Oct 13!

Watch the clip, and catch our full conversation on The Swift Hour. https://t.co/YWqfKIEO6q
#TheMothership #TheSwiftHour

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

Earlier this week, I announced that I will be stepping into the Executive Chairman role at @ConcordiaSummit, with Rodney Ferguson taking over as President & CEO effective Oct 1.

Grateful for the outpouring support - excited for what’s ahead!

See my full letter to the community here - https://t.co/NtVbxKtYxs

[Concordia @ConcordiaSummit]

Welcome to Concordia's Leadership Council, H.E. @Nassiralnasser.

With extensive experience in global diplomacy and multilateral governance, you bring invaluable expertise in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and sustainable development.

Your counsel will strengthen our work on international cooperation.

[Concordia @ConcordiaSummit]

Big news: Rodney Ferguson has been named CEO Designate, effective immediately. Both he and Matthew Swift take on new roles October 1st, Ferguson as President & CEO, Swift as Executive Chairman of Concordia.

Full announcement: https://t.co/wSgx2kUTjC

Register for the 2026 Annual Summit, September 20th–23rd in NYC: https://t.co/4RHbxAEaYj

[Concordia @ConcordiaSummit]

Announcing the first of our 2026 Concordia Leadership Award recipients: @Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert, recognized for his work in the private sector.

More honorees to be announced soon.

Read more: https://t.co/42VzUnXWnV

#LeadershipAward #ConcordiaSummit2026

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

After 16 years as President & CEO, I'm transitioning to Executive Chairman of @ConcordiaSummit effective Oct 1 — with our Board unanimously appointing Rodney Ferguson (current Vice Chairman) as CEO Designate. I'll also devote more time to Montfort Group, where I serve as CEO and Founding Partner.

Grateful beyond words to my co-founder Nick Logothetis for building this with me.

The photos here capture some moments from Summits over the last 16 years.

See you in NYC this September for #ConcordiaSummit.

— Matt

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

Only a few more days to register for the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit with our early bird rates! Register now: https://t.co/C1jeNHS7Kj

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong voice in the United States Senate. His friends, family, colleagues, and constituents are in my thoughts.

[Concordia @ConcordiaSummit]

We mourn the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, a towering figure in American foreign policy and a valued voice within the Concordia community. He spoke at our 2016 Annual Summit and 2024 Americas Initiative. His legacy of principled leadership will endure.

Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues.

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

@juantomasdiazi @ConcordiaSummit Thankful for you, friend!

[Matthew Swift 🇺🇸 @MatthewASwift]

Thank you @juantomasdiazi and Paola for the warm welcome into your home. It was an unforgettable evening in Punta Cana.

Looking forward to more eventful nights in the future!

[Juan Tomás Díaz @juantomasdiazi]

It was a true privilege and honor to welcome @concordiasummit this past Thursday. Receiving you was not only a special occasion for us, but also a meaningful moment filled with warmth, friendship, and shared purpose.

We extend our deepest and most sincere appreciation for accepting our invitation and for allowing us the opportunity to host such a distinguished guests. Your presence brought great value and inspiration to our home.

We truly cherished every moment together and look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds we share.
@cesardargam
@sanzlovaton
@espaillatny
@bivianariviero
@matthewaswift