Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has appointed J. Patrick "Pat" Traynor as the interim commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), effective June 2. Traynor, currently the Executive Director of Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF), will take a one-year civil service leave to lead the state's largest agency.

The HHS operates with an approved two-year budget exceeding $5.7 billion, including federal funds, and employs nearly 2,500 full-time staff. The commissioner is part of the governor's Cabinet.

"Pat Traynor is uniquely qualified to lead Health and Human Services in its mission to make North Dakota the healthiest state in the nation and promote physical, behavioral and economic health and well-being," said Armstrong. "His track record of making organizations more efficient and effective will serve North Dakota citizens well as we continue to see high demand for the wide range of services provided by HHS."

Traynor's career includes serving as executive director and CEO of the North Dakota Workers Compensation Bureau from 1994 to 2000, where he led reforms that eliminated a $240 million unfunded liability and created a $350 million surplus. He became president of DMF in 2000, directing over $100 million in investments toward health initiatives in the region.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to state government and continue serving the citizens of the state I love,” said Traynor. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team at HHS to help empower all North Dakota residents and communities to reach their full potential.”

Traynor hails from Fargo, holding an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of North Dakota and a law degree from UND School of Law obtained in 1991. His legal career began at Conmy, Feste, Bossart, Hubbard & Corwin.

He has also been involved with several boards including those for the North Dakota State Retirement and Investment Office, North Dakota Safety Council, Anne Carlsen Center, and Gate City Bank. Under his leadership at DMF, Giving Hearts Day was launched, raising over $225 million for charities since 2008.

Armstrong expressed gratitude towards Dirk Wilke for his interim service since January; Wilke will continue as executive director for HHS's public health division.