Doug Burgum

Doug Burgum is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician serving as the 33rd Governor of North Dakota. He is a member of the Republican Party and has been in office since December 15, 2016. Burgum has been involved in various initiatives, including the Main Street Initiative and the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy, which involved Energy Transfer Partners, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He has also worked with Microsoft, Great Plains Software, and Arthur Ventures.

● Early Life and Education

Doug Burgum was born on August 1, 1956, in Arthur, North Dakota, to Kathy Burgum and Ray Burgum. He grew up in a family of Norwegian-American descent and was raised on a farm near Arthur, North Dakota. Burgum attended North Dakota State University, where he earned a degree in university studies and later received an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. During his time at North Dakota State University, he was involved in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and developed an interest in entrepreneurship, which would later lead him to work with Bill Gates and Microsoft.

● Career

Before entering politics, Burgum had a successful career in the technology industry, working with companies such as Microsoft, Great Plains Software, and Arthur Ventures. He served as the CEO of Great Plains Software, which was later acquired by Microsoft. Burgum also worked as a venture capitalist and invested in various companies, including Arthur Ventures, which focused on healthcare and technology investments. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Kathryn and Doug Burgum Family Fund, which supports education, healthcare, and arts initiatives in North Dakota and beyond, including the Bush Foundation and the Casey Family Programs.

● Governor of North Dakota

As the 33rd Governor of North Dakota, Burgum has focused on initiatives such as the Main Street Initiative, which aims to revitalize downtown areas in North Dakota cities, including Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. He has also been involved in the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy, working with Energy Transfer Partners, Standing Rock Indian Reservation, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to find a resolution. Burgum has worked with United States Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and United States Secretary of Energy Rick Perry to promote energy development in North Dakota, including oil and natural gas production. He has also collaborated with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier of Saskatchewan Scott Moe to strengthen trade relationships between North Dakota and Canada.

● Political Positions

Burgum has taken positions on various issues, including taxation, education, and healthcare. He has supported tax reform efforts, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump. Burgum has also advocated for education reform, including the implementation of Common Core standards in North Dakota schools. He has worked with United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to promote school choice initiatives, including charter schools and voucher programs. Burgum has also been involved in healthcare policy, including the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion in North Dakota, working with United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

● Personal Life

Burgum is married to Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, and they have three children together. He is a Presbyterian and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Kathryn and Doug Burgum Family Fund, which supports education, healthcare, and arts initiatives in North Dakota and beyond. Burgum has also been involved in various civic organizations, including the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce and the Greater North Dakota Association. He has received awards and recognition for his contributions to North Dakota, including the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award and the North Dakota State University Distinguished Alumni Award. Burgum has also been recognized by Forbes as one of the most influential people in North Dakota, along with Gary Tharaldson and Ron Offutt.