Doug Burgum is an American businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician. He currently serves as the Governor of North Dakota, a position he has held since 2016. Here's an overview of his background and career:
Early Life and Education
- Born: August 1, 1956, in Arthur, North Dakota.
- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from North Dakota State University (NDSU).
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1980.
Business Career
Great Plains Software:
- Burgum joined Great Plains Software, a small technology company in Fargo, North Dakota, and became its CEO.
- Under his leadership, the company grew significantly, specializing in accounting software for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Microsoft Acquisition: In 2001, Microsoft acquired Great Plains Software for $1.1 billion. Burgum stayed on as a senior vice president at Microsoft, leading the company’s Business Solutions division until 2007.
Investor and Entrepreneur:
- After leaving Microsoft, Burgum became a venture capitalist and investor.
- Founded Kilbourne Group, a real estate development firm focused on revitalizing downtown Fargo.
- Co-founded Arthur Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage software companies.
Political Career
Governor of North Dakota (2016–Present):
- Elected in 2016 as a Republican, Burgum ran as a political outsider with a business-oriented focus.
- Re-elected in 2020.
Key Policies:
- Economic Growth: Advocates for diversifying North Dakota’s economy beyond agriculture and energy, with an emphasis on technology and innovation.
- Energy: Supports North Dakota's oil and gas industries while promoting carbon capture and renewable energy solutions.
- Education: Focused on improving K-12 education and expanding career and technical training opportunities.
- Technology: Promotes digital transformation in government and supports tech startups.
COVID-19 Response: Gained attention for his measured and data-driven response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing personal responsibility over mandates.
Personal Life
- Family: Burgum has three children and is married to Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, an advocate for addiction recovery and mental health awareness.
- Hobbies: Enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.
2024 Presidential Run
Burgum announced his candidacy for the 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination in June 2023. His campaign focused on his business background, fiscal responsibility, and a vision for modernizing government.
Current Role: Although his presidential campaign garnered limited traction, his leadership experience and pragmatic approach to governance have kept him prominent in Republican circles. He has now been nominated for Secretary of the Interior in the upcoming administration.
Doug Burgum is often described as a problem-solver and pragmatist, combining his business acumen with a results-oriented approach to politics.
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