Meet The Treasurer
Growing up in North Dakota, State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt learned the values of hard work, keeping her word, and the importance of serving her community. Those are the same values that led her to public service and continue to guide her decisions as she represents the people of North Dakota.
In January 2005, Schmidt was sworn in as North Dakota’s 33rd State Treasurer. She was re-elected in 2008 and 2012. Treasurer Schmidt has been committed to an administration focused on modernization, accuracy and transparency. She believes strongly in ideas of limited and efficient government and has spent her tenure as Treasurer working hard to ensure taxpayer dollars are used in an efficient and effective manner.
She has promoted localized economic development through an initiative called BidND which fosters economic growth. BidND has placed millions of dollars in North Dakota communities, garnering additional interest income for the state.
She has improved the technological infrastructure through the implementation of computer technology and training. The Tax Distribution/Outstanding Check system has increased accuracy and productivity. Always believing “The People’s Treasury is the People’s Business”. She has worked to provide analysis, data and explanation to the public and assist legislators in achieving their goals as efficiently as possible, while limiting the cost to the taxpayer and maximizing the potential for investment revenue.
As State Treasurer, Schmidt serves as a member of the North Dakota State Investment Board, the Teachers Fund for Retirement Board (TFFR), State Board of Tax Equalization, North Dakota State Historical Society, and the North Dakota Board of University and School Lands.
Recognized by her peers as a national leader, Treasurer Schmidt was elected and served as President of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) in 2011. In addition to her role as President, Schmidt was able to secure North Dakota as the host state for the 2011 NAST Annual Conference. She is past Chair of the National Association of State Treasurer’s (NAST) Foundation which oversees the educational activities of the foundation which include the New Treasurers Symposium, the International Project assisting Mexican Public Finance Officials as well as initiatives to promote financial literacy across the nation. She is a past member of the Board of Directors for the National Jump$tart Coalition and the American Savings Education Council. In 2009, the Council of State Governments named her a “Toll Fellow” for her achievement and service to state government.
Kelly and her husband, Chuck, have four sons and one grandson. They reside in Mandan, ND.
