Meet The Speaker: Edward Swaim

We are excited to introduce Edward Swaim as one of our speakers for the 2026 Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference and Irrigation EXPO.

Edward Swaim has served as Executive Director of the Bayou Meto Water Management District since April 2019, overseeing a project that will provide irrigation water, flood reduction, and wildlife habitat in five Arkansas counties. Prior to this position, he served as chief of the Water Management Division at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, where he coordinated the Arkansas Water Plan 2014 update involving over 1,000 citizens.

His career includes roles as counsel for the Natural Resources Commission, along with service as an Assistant Attorney General. He was a Judge Advocate officer in the US Army Reserve for ten years and now sits on the Plum Bayou Irrigation District board of directors.

Originally from England, Arkansas, Swaim earned degrees from Hendrix College and the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Come see his presentation, Surface Water Diversion Projects—History and Status in Arkansas, at the Arkansas Soil and Water Education Conference and Irrigation EXPO at the Arkansas State University Student Union on January 14.