BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong today announced his transition team and initial appointments to key roles in his administration. Armstrong appointed retired Adjutant General Alan Dohrmann as Chairman of his transition team, with former Office of Management and Budget Director Joe Morrissette and Armstrong-Strinden Campaign Manager Jacy Schafer serving as co-chairs.
“It’s an honor to work alongside Governor-Elect Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor-Elect Michelle Strinden as we lay the foundation for their administration,” said Alan Dohrmann. “I look forward to helping shape a team that’s prepared to serve with the same dedication and resilience that has always defined our great State of North Dakota. I’m excited to bring my experience to our transition and to work on behalf of our state’s great people.”
Additional key appointments in Governor-Elect Armstrong’s administration include:
Roz Leighton, Chief of Staff – Leighton currently serves as Armstrong’s Chief of Staff in Congress, was Special Assistant to the President and Regional Political Director under former President Donald J. Trump and was the Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party.
Alan Dohrmann, Chief Operating Officer – Dohrmann, a retired Adjutant General of the North Dakota National Guard, dedicated 41 years to the United States Army and North Dakota National Guard.
Christopher Joseph, General Counsel – A veteran of the United States Navy and former Assistant Attorney General, Joseph has served in the North Dakota Legislative Council as Assistant Legal Division Director since 2016.
Jacy Schafer, Deputy Chief of Staff – Schafer previously served as Deputy Director of Communications for Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and as Vice President of Government Affairs for Nebraska Cattlemen.
Aaron Weber, Policy Director – Weber brings extensive experience from his work in the office of U.S. Senator John Hoeven, currently serving as Senior Advisor. He has also worked as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Confidential Assistant for Farm Production and Conservation and as an agriculture policy advisor to Governor Doug Burgum.
Mike Nowatzki, Communications Director – Nowatzki has served as Communications Director for Governor Doug Burgum throughout his two terms, bringing eight years of experience and deep knowledge of North Dakota’s state government and strategic communications.
Conner Swanson, Senior Advisor – Currently a Senior Advisor to the U.S. House Committee on the Budget, Swanson has served as Communications Director for Congressman Armstrong’s Office and Deputy Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
“I’m incredibly proud to introduce this talented and dedicated team who will bring unmatched experience and commitment to North Dakota,” said Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong. “Each of these individuals understands that our top priority is to serve the great people of North Dakota. We’re building a team that will meet every challenge with integrity and resilience. I’m excited about the future, and I’m confident that with this team, we’ll accomplish great things for North Dakotans.”
Those interested in joining Armstrong-Strinden Administration can learn more at ArmstrongStrinden.com.
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