Meet the Commissioner

• Elected State Tax Commissioner by North Dakotans in a statewide election in November 2006.



• Dedicated to promoting:
• Sound fiscal management to stay within budget.
• Effective administration in hiring capable employees, training them, making certain they have the tools to do their jobs, and that they are meeting the needs of taxpayers.
• Accountability in making wise use of resources, ensuring strong customer service, efficient and effective technology advancements, and that sound policy decisions drive the tax department’s business processes in every way.
• Responsibility in the important job of administering the tax laws of North Dakota.


• Experience in:
• Senior management of a large and diverse staff of professional employees.
• Development of team leadership skills in settings involving individuals ranging from teenagers, college age, adults, and professionals, within work settings, community service, and the political arena.
• Leadership development of self and coworkers in various college, community, and professional environments.
• Planning and implementing enhanced use of effective technology.
• Legislative agenda development and follow through.
• Building coalitions consisting of divergent groups to arrive at responsible solutions.
• Developing effective communication skills in working with elected officials at local and state levels in promoting new voting methods.
• Establishing networks with state and local officials across the state to promote awareness of how tax department programs can benefit community development.
• Using a team approach to work with various state agencies to promote economic development efforts.
• Developing trusting relationship with legislators, other state and local officials, and business and community leaders.


• Past experience:
• Director of Elections, Office of the Secretary of State, State of North Dakota
• Deputy Director, North Dakota Republican Party, 2000
• Deputy Secretary of State, Office of the Secretary of State, State of North Dakota
• Director, Governor John Hoeven’s re-election campaign, 2004
• Deputy Commissioner, Department of Commerce, State of North Dakota
• Appointed State Tax Commissioner to fill a vacancy effective June 1, 2005


• Born in Great Falls Montana.



• Graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in political science and speech communications.



• A resident of Bismarck since 1994.



• Cory, his wife Cecily, and son Conrad, reside in Bismarck.