Thursday, May 23, 2024 - 12:36 pm

Bismarck N.D. - Paul Richard, North Dakota Ethics Commission Chair, has announced his intent to step down from the Commission at the end of August 2024.

Mr. Richard indicated that “it has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Ethics Commission and be part of the launch of the Commission, which was approved in November 2018 by the North Dakota voters through the adoption of Article XIV of the North Dakota Constitution. In the last 5 years, the Commission has adopted procedures, rules, and processes to implement Article XIV and related North Dakota statutes. In my view, the five Commissioners, together with our excellent staff, have successfully implemented the goals for which the Ethics Commission was created. I have great confidence that the Commission will continue to achieve the goals intended by Article XIV of the North Dakota Constitution.” 

Richard was one of five initial members of the Ethics Commission in August of 2019. Due to legislation requiring the Commission members terms to be staggered, Richard initially served a two-year term and was then reappointed to a four-year term in 2021. Richard was elected by the Commission to serve as Chair in August of 2022. Richard is a licensed attorney in North Dakota and a retired health care lawyer and executive. He earned bachelor’s degrees in nursing and business economics at NDSU and his juris doctor degree from UND. 

“Richard’s service to the citizens of North Dakota on the Commission was paramount to the implementation of Article XIV and effective ethics rules in North Dakota. Richard is an impactful leader, innovative thinker, and advocate for government transparency. We are grateful for his dedication to the Commission over the past five years” said Executive Director Rebecca Binstock. 

Appointment for Richard’s replacement will be made by the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader. Richard will remain on the Commission until a new commissioner is appointed. 

For more information contact Ethics Commission Executive Director, Rebecca Binstock, at 701-328-5325. Individuals interested in serving on the Commission may apply through the Governor’s Office at: Boards (nd.gov).