Fargo attorney appointed to North Dakota Ethics Commission

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – The North Dakota Ethics Commission has appointed Mark Western as its newest commissioner. His term started on Nov. 19, 2025.

Western‘s appointment is a one-year term, filling the unexpired term of Commissioner David Anderson who passed away in May 2025.

A native of Stanley, North Dakota, Western received an undergraduate degree in Social Studies Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, and then graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law with distinction.

From 2001-2004 Western taught high school social studies and coached speech and cross country in Hayfield, MN. He also served as a member of the Hayfield City Council. Since 2007, Western has been in private practice in Fargo and currently practices with the Fremstad Law Firm, with a focus on complex civil litigation and mediation.

“Western’s many years of legal work and volunteer service demonstrate a deep commitment to his community and the people of North Dakota. He brings both valuable legal and leadership experience to the Commission.  The Commission is excited to have Mark serve as its newest member,” the state Ethics Commission said in a statement.

Commissioners are appointed by consensus agreement of the governor, the majority leader of the senate, and the minority leader of the senate.

Western lives in West Fargo with his wife and their blended family of four school-age children.