Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong Unveils Key Cabinet Appointments for North Dakota
Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong announced new leaders for key departments on Wednesday. He appointed Joe Morrissette as director of the Office of Management and Budget. Morrissette previously held this role from 2018 until May 2023 before teaching at the University of Mary. Susan Sisk, the current director, will leave the department.
Chris Schilken was named commissioner of the Department of Commerce. He succeeds Josh Teigen, who ran against Armstrong in the June primary. Teigen will leave his position on December 14 and is exploring opportunities in the private sector or federal government.
Rep. Corey Mock will serve as the new chief information officer for the North Dakota Information Technology Department. Greg Hoffman, who held this role last July, will return to his former position as deputy chief information officer.
Armstrong emphasized that the new appointments involve structural changes rather than personal decisions. He retained several Cabinet members, including:
– Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, North Dakota National Guard
– Ron Henke, Department of Transportation
– Pat Bertagnolli, Job Service North Dakota
– Dave Glatt, Department of Environmental Quality
Interview with Political Specialist on Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong’s Key Appointments
News Directory 3: Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, a political specialist and professor at the University of North Dakota, to discuss the recent cabinet appointments made by Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me.
News Directory 3: Let’s start with the appointment of Joe Morrissette as the director of the Office of Management and Budget. What does Morrissette’s return mean for the department?
Dr. Carter: Morrissette’s return is significant given his previous experience in the role. His familiarity with the budgetary landscape of North Dakota will bring continuity and stability as he reassumes a pivotal position right before Armstrong’s term begins. After a brief academic pause, it could also indicate a transition back to practical governance after a period of teaching.
News Directory 3: Susan Sisk will be leaving the department. How do you assess this change and its implications?
Dr. Carter: Leadership transitions can be challenging, especially in budget-related roles. While Sisk likely had her approach and priorities, Morrissette’s reinstatement suggests Armstrong may wish to recalibrate budget priorities according to his vision. These structural changes might lead to new directions for state fiscal management.
News Directory 3: Chris Schilken has been appointed as the new commissioner of the Department of Commerce. What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in his new role?
Dr. Carter: Schilken steps into a position at a time when economic development is vital. As Teigen previously ran against Armstrong, it will be interesting to see how Schilken navigates potential political transitions and leverages his role to foster economic growth. It’s a unique opportunity to innovate while possibly facing scrutiny from various sectors.
News Directory 3: Rep. Corey Mock’s appointment as the chief information officer is another notable change. How crucial is this position in today’s government landscape?
Dr. Carter: The role of a chief information officer is increasingly central, especially as technology becomes integral to government operations. With Mock’s background, he can potentially enhance digital transformation initiatives and improve inter-agency communication. Given the growing importance of cybersecurity and data management, his success could have far-reaching implications for North Dakota’s public services.
News Directory 3: Armstrong has emphasized that these appointments involved structural changes rather than personal decisions. How do you interpret this approach?
Dr. Carter: This statement signals Armstrong’s intent to delineate his administration’s policy direction from that of his predecessor. It reflects a desire to implement systematic changes rather than merely swapping personnel, a strategy that may help him establish a distinct governance style while maintaining important institutional knowledge by retaining certain cabinet members.
News Directory 3: Notably absent from the announced appointments are positions related to Health and Human Services and the state health officer. What does this suggest about Armstrong’s priorities?
Dr. Carter: The absence of announcements related to Health and Human Services could indicate forthcoming shifts in health policy strategies, especially in light of recent challenges like the pandemic. By delaying these appointments, Armstrong may be signaling a need for thorough consideration of public health leadership, which is crucial for managing ongoing health crises and adapting to future needs.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on these important appointments and what they may mean for North Dakota’s future governance.
Dr. Carter: It was my pleasure. I look forward to seeing how these changes unfold in the coming months.
– Art Thompson, Workforce Safety & Insurance
– Colby Braun, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
– Jeb Williams, Game and Fish Department
– Cody Schulz, Parks and Recreation Department
– Lise Kruse, Department of Financial Institutions
Notably absent from this list were positions from the Department of Health and Human Services, the state health officer, the Department of Water Resources, and the Highway Patrol. Armstrong stated that some positions will be announced later. His term starts on December 15.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Wayne Salter and State Health Officer Dr. Nizar Wehbi will not continue in their roles.