Gov. Armstrong appoints Fargo consultant to State Board of Higher Education

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong announced his pick to fill a vacancy on the State Board of Higher Education.

The vacancy was created after Levi Bachmeier resigned from the Board of Higher Education in November to serve as superintendent of public instruction.

In a release on Thursday, Armstrong named Michelle Kommer of Fargo to the position, effective immediately.

“As a business owner and former state agency leader who understands the crucial role of higher education in addressing our state’s workforce challenges, Michelle will bring valuable perspective and experience to the board,” Armstrong said. “We appreciate her willingness to serve and look forward to working with her and the entire board to ensure that our campuses are aligned with changing workforce needs and continue to be our state’s best recruiting tool.”

Kommer previously served as North Dakota Labor Commissioner after being appointed to the position by then Gov. Doug Burgum, and served from 2016 until she was appointed Commerce Commissioner in 2019.

Kommer also owns Highroad Partners, which, according to their website, “deliver(s) unique HR and Benefits solutions” for businesses.

Kommer will serve the remainder of Bachmeier’s four-year term on the board, which expires June 30, 2029. Her appointment must eventually be confirmed by the state Senate.