Long time Forum Communications Reporter Mike Nowatzki has been appointed to the administration of Governor-elect Doug Burgum as Communications Director. The full news release follows below.
— Official News Release, Governor-elect Burgum —
BISMARCK, November 14, 2016 – Today, Gov.-elect Doug Burgum announced Mike Nowatzki will join the administration as communications director.
Nowatzki has worked as a reporter for Forum Communications for 18 years, gaining a wealth of knowledge on the issues impacting North Dakotans. Most recently, he covered state government and the Legislature for Forum News Service.
“With a deep understanding of North Dakota’s challenges and opportunities, Mike is uniquely qualified to advance our agenda of balancing the budget without raising taxes, diversifying the economy and implementing the Main Street Initiative. Mike is a strong communicator and we look forward to having him join our team,” Burgum said.
“Doug Burgum is a visionary who has spent his life working to foster innovation and make North Dakota even more exceptional,” Nowatzki said. “I am truly honored by this opportunity and excited to get started.”
Nowatzki will become the media’s point of contact on Dec. 15, the same day Burgum takes the oath of office as North Dakota’s 33rd governor.
Burgum also thanked departing communications director Jeff Zent for his six years of outstanding service in Gov. Jack Dalrymple’s administration. Zent will return to the Fargo area to pursue other opportunities.
A native of Edinburg, N.D., Nowatzki is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and lives in Bismarck with his family.
