Katie Ralston Howe, Deputy Commissioner | North Dakota State Board of Education
Katie Ralston Howe, Deputy Commissioner | North Dakota State Board of Education
More than 100 workforce leaders from across North Dakota met at the Bismarck State College Advanced Technology Center for the state’s first Governor’s Workforce Summit. The event, hosted by Governor Kelly Armstrong and organized by the North Dakota Department of Commerce, aimed to strengthen collaboration and strategy in workforce development.
North Dakota currently has over 80 workforce development programs. The summit was intended as a platform to foster deeper cooperation and innovation among stakeholders in the state’s workforce system.
Governor Armstrong opened the summit with a fireside chat where he discussed his vision for a unified approach to meeting both employer and job seeker needs in a changing labor market. He stated, “North Dakota’s future depends on our ability to adapt, collaborate and lead. This summit is about more than programs, it’s about people. We’re building a skilled workforce that fuels North Dakota’s economy and ensures every North Dakotan can thrive.”
A panel discussion moderated by Commerce Deputy Commissioner and Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howe included agency leaders who talked about aligning their efforts for strategic priorities and improved cross-sector collaboration. Ralston Howe said, “We’re breaking down silos and building bridges. This summit is a catalyst for aligning our efforts and creating a unified vision for workforce development that meets the needs of both employers and job seekers.”
Attendees took part in round table discussions on high-demand occupations, future-ready skills, and innovative engagement strategies. The summit featured success stories from around the state and encouraged participants to share ideas for new partnerships.
University of North Dakota Executive Director of Economic Development Cortnee Jensen commented on the event: “This was one of the most energizing workforce events I’ve ever attended. It’s clear that North Dakota is serious about leading the nation in workforce innovation. For higher education, we must align with industry needs, drive innovation, and help shape a shared vision for the future of work.”
The event concluded with Glenn Davidson from Marymount University delivering a keynote address on national trends in workforce development and emphasizing how education should be aligned with labor market demands.
Additional information on North Dakota's workforce initiatives can be found at https://www.commerce.nd.gov/workforce.
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