Kathryn Burgum, the dynamic First Lady of North Dakota since 2016, has emerged as a powerful advocate for addiction recovery and community service.
Born in Jamestown, North Dakota in the 1960s, she brings over 25 years of experience in human resources and marketing to her role as the state’s First Lady.
Married to North Dakota’s 33rd Governor Doug Burgum, she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and leads the Advisory Council for the Office of Recovery Reinvented.
With an estimated net worth of $7 million and a background in retail business from Arizona State University, Kathryn combines her business acumen with passionate advocacy to make a lasting impact on North Dakota’s communities.
Kathryn Burgum Profile Summary
Attribute | Information |
Full Name | Kathryn Burgum |
Role | First Lady of North Dakota |
Birth Year | 1960s (exact date unknown) |
Birth Place | Jamestown, North Dakota |
Education | Jamestown High School (with honors) |
Arizona State University (Retail Business) | |
University of North Texas (MBA in Human Resources) | |
Current Position | First Lady of North Dakota (Since 2016) |
Professional Background | 25+ years in HR and Marketing |
Notable Roles | Advisory Council, Office of Recovery Reinvented |
Board of Trustees, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation | |
Focus Areas | Addiction recovery advocacy and stigma elimination |
Marriage | Doug Burgum (married 2016) |
Spouse’s Role | 33rd Governor of North Dakota |
Estimated Net Worth | $7 Million (unverified) |
Hobbies | Fishing, horseback riding, snowboarding, reading, college football |
Social Media | Instagram: @firstladynd |
Family Background | Second of four children, family owned John Deere business |
Kathryn Burgum Early Life
The roots of Kathryn Burgum’s success trace back to Jamestown, North Dakota. Her family’s John Deere dealership provided early exposure to business operations.
This family enterprise, spanning over three decades, instilled strong work ethics. During her years at Jamestown High School, she demonstrated leadership through active participation in student government.
Her involvement in varsity sports and cheerleading developed team-building skills. The school choir offered creative outlets that would later influence her public speaking abilities.
Growing up as the second of four children shaped her collaborative approach to leadership. Her family’s prominence in the local business community created networking opportunities.
Early exposure to customer service through the family business developed her communication skills. These foundational experiences would later prove invaluable in her role as First Lady.
Kathryn Burgum Career
Her professional journey began in the parts department of her family’s John Deere dealership. This hands-on experience provided insights into business operations and customer relations. The transition to corporate roles marked a significant evolution in her career path.
Her expertise in human resources and marketing developed through diverse industry exposure.Twenty-five years of corporate experience enriched her understanding of organizational dynamics.
Her roles spanned retail operations, software development initiatives, and manufacturing processes. The variety of industries provided comprehensive business insights. These experiences proved invaluable when she assumed the role of First Lady in 2016.
Her current position focuses heavily on addiction recovery advocacy and community development. She serves on the Advisory Council for the Office of Recovery Reinvented. Her involvement with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation as a board trustee amplifies her impact. Strategic partnerships with various organizations enhance the reach of her initiatives.
Kathryn Burgum Personal Life
The union of Kathryn and Doug Burgum in 2016 marked a new chapter in North Dakota’s leadership. Their shared vision for the state’s future strengthens their public service commitment.
As stepmother to Doug’s three children from his previous marriage, she embraces family responsibilities. Their blended family represents modern adaptability and unity.
Personal interests reflect her dynamic personality and active lifestyle. Outdoor activities provide balance to her demanding public role.
Her experience with addiction recovery advocacy stems from genuine understanding and compassion. This personal connection drives her commitment to reducing stigma around addiction.
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Kathryn Burgum Net Worth
Net Worth Details | Information |
Estimated Net Worth | $7 Million (as of 2024, unverified) |
Primary Income Sources | – Corporate career (25+ years in HR and Marketing) |
– Business ventures | |
Previous Experience | – Family’s John Deere dealership |
– Retail industry | |
– Software sector | |
– Manufacturing industry | |
Current Role | First Lady of North Dakota (unpaid public service) |
Assets | – Investments (details not public) |
– Real estate holdings | |
Notable Positions | – Board Member, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation |
– Advisory Council Member, Office of Recovery Reinvented | |
Charitable Work | – Addiction recovery advocacy |
– Community service initiatives |
Kathryn Burgum Social Media Presence
Social Media Details | Information |
Instagram Handle | @firstladynd |
Followers | 1,936 |
Following | 352 |
Total Posts | 280 |
Content Focus | – Official state events |
– Addiction recovery advocacy | |
– Community programs | |
– Public appearances with Governor | |
Post Types | – Event photos |
– Community engagement activities | |
– Public awareness campaigns | |
– Recovery initiative updates | |
Engagement Style | – Professional |
– Community-focused | |
– Educational | |
Platform Usage | Active, regular updates |
Primary Purpose | – Connect with ND residents |
– Share advocacy work | |
– Raise awareness for causes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kathryn Burgum’s main focus as First Lady of North Dakota?
Kathryn prioritizes addiction recovery advocacy and mental health awareness. She leads the Office of Recovery Reinvented while supporting various community health initiatives. Her work aims to eliminate stigma and create accessible recovery resources.
Where did Kathryn Burgum complete her education?
Her academic journey includes an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in retail business. She furthered her education with an MBA specializing in Human Resources from the University of North Texas.
How long has Kathryn been married to Doug Burgum?
The marriage of Kathryn and Doug Burgum began in 2016, coinciding with his gubernatorial election. Their partnership combines personal commitment with public service dedication.
What board does Kathryn Burgum serve on related to addiction recovery?
She actively serves on the Board of Trustees for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. This position allows her to influence national addiction recovery strategies and resources.
What are some of Kathryn Burgum’s hobbies?
Her recreational interests include outdoor activities like fishing and horseback riding. She enjoys snowboarding, reading, and following college football. These activities provide balance to her public service commitments.
Conclusion
Kathryn Burgum’s journey exemplifies the evolution of public service leadership. Her transition from business professional to First Lady demonstrates adaptability and purpose.
The combination of corporate experience and social advocacy creates meaningful impact. Her work in addiction recovery continues to influence state and national policies.Her approach to public service integrates traditional values with contemporary solutions. Strong educational background and professional experience inform her leadership style.
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