While some leaders simply build teams and oversee programs, Dr. Roy Swift has gone far beyond those tasks throughout his career. During his most recent position of serving as Workcred’s executive director, he has forged bridges across continents, professions, and possibilities, and has created a legacy that will continue to inspire – all with infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy. As Roy steps into retirement, we pause to celebrate his remarkable achievements, and the vision and drive that made them possible.
Over a remarkable career—from 28 years serving healthcare professionals in the U.S. Army Medical Department to founding Workcred in 2014 and transforming how America values workforce credentials—Roy has consistently turned bold ideas into enduring institutions. He has testified before Congress on credential quality, advised the National Academy of Sciences, and received the 2025 Career Achievement Award from the Association of Test Publishers. And prior to Workcred, he built ANSI’s personnel certification accreditation program based on standard ISO/IEC 17024, helping to assure the competence of workers across industries and across continents.
“I first met Roy in 2001 when we needed to find a magician to take on the development of the ANSI credentialing accreditation program,” said Reinaldo Figueiredo, vice president, conformity assessment strategy for the ANSI National Accreditation Board. “He struck me as very nice, knowledgeable, and approachable, which set the tone for a great friendship and an excellent professional relationship. One of the many achievements and success stories that keeps the credentialing world sane in the conformity assessment world was Roy planting the seed in the International Accreditation Forum to include competencies of persons as part of its requirements. Throughout all the years, Roy has supported me with advice and mentorship. Roy is a wonderful person, both professionally and personally, and I will miss him greatly.”
Under Roy’s leadership, Workcred became the nation’s trusted authority on credential quality, producing groundbreaking research that has shaped how America understands workforce credentials. He has contributed to publications including the report, Examining the Return on Investment of Manufacturing Credentials, that uncovers the impacts of credentialing in manufacturing, an issue brief discussing Certification and Its Relationship to Further Learning, and a blog about how important standards are to credentialing: Standards – A Foundational Component of Quality Credentials.
Roy also created numerous vital resources—from credentialing ecosystem diagrams to serving as an expert on educational videos that help organizations navigate the complex credentialing landscape. He established Workcred’s Government Credentialing Network and Credentialing Body Advisory Council, building communities that continue to advance credential quality and transparency across sectors.
“As Roy enters retirement, we celebrate a truly exceptional professional—a model of integrity and generosity who mentored and taught countless colleagues, and whose leadership and dedication helped build Workcred and its reputation as a national leader,” said Laurie E. Locascio, ANSI president and CEO. “Thank you for everything, Roy. Congratulations on a truly remarkable career, and best wishes for an equally remarkable next chapter.”
But Roy’s greatest legacy extends beyond these professional milestones. He has created something even more enduring: a culture of mentorship and a commitment to lifelong learning. Those who worked alongside Roy speak beyond his professional accomplishments: they reflect on warmth, humor, and genuine care that made so many achievements possible.
“As the saying goes, everyone is replaceable. But this could not be more wrong when talking about Dr. Roy Swift,” said Dr. Cynthia Woodley, vice president, chief operating officer, and psychometrician at Professional Testing, Inc., and member of Workcred’s board of directors. “His leadership at Workcred, ANSI, and the entire credentialing community has been an extraordinary example of his irreplaceable leadership skills, conviction, tireless energy, and kindness to everyone. His ability to forge forward with what he strongly believes in, together with his ability to laugh at himself (I’ve been collecting “Royisms” —unique sayings Roy has adopted over the years—for decades), is what makes him such a dynamic and special person. We are all going to miss him tremendously, and no one more than me!”
For the past 12 years, Roy has been the pillar of Workcred – a true leader who has guided us with unbridled passion and wisdom. His dedication has built a legacy of excellence and quality here, and we really wouldn’t be where we are now without him. Roy has made us better professionals, and even better people. While we will miss Roy greatly, we are so excited for this new chapter in his life—and may it be filled with the same joy, happiness, and passion he brought to all of us.
