Doug Burgum

Doug Burgum is an American entrepreneur and politician who serves as the 33rd Governor of North Dakota. He was born on August 1, 1956, in Arthur, North Dakota, and has had a varied career spanning the technology industry and public service.

Here is an overview of Doug Burgum's background and political career:

Technology Entrepreneur: Prior to his political career, Doug Burgum was best known as a successful technology entrepreneur. He co-founded Great Plains Software, a company that specialized in accounting software for businesses. The company grew significantly and was eventually acquired by Microsoft in 2001.

Microsoft Executive: After the acquisition of Great Plains Software, Burgum became an executive at Microsoft, where he played a key role in the company's business solutions division.

Governor of North Dakota: Doug Burgum entered politics and was elected as the Governor of North Dakota in November 2016. He took office on December 15, 2016, succeeding Governor Jack Dalrymple. As governor, he has focused on a range of issues, including economic development, agriculture, and technology innovation.

COVID-19 Response: Governor Burgum faced the challenges of managing the COVID-19 pandemic in North Dakota, implementing various measures to mitigate the spread of the virus while balancing economic considerations.

Innovation and Education: Burgum has been an advocate for innovation and technology in North Dakota, promoting initiatives to enhance the state's technology infrastructure and support entrepreneurship. He has also been involved in efforts to improve education and workforce development.

Doug Burgum's tenure as governor has been characterized by his business-oriented approach to governance and his emphasis on innovation and economic growth. He has worked to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing North Dakota, a state known for its energy resources and agriculture.