BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The head of North Dakota’s Labor Department and Job Service North Dakota has been named to lead the state Commerce Department.
Gov. Doug Burgum announced Tuesday that he has appointed Michelle Kommer to the position, effective Jan. 1. She succeeds Jay Schuler, who resigned in October over a controversial email about then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Burgum cited Kommer’s leadership qualities, extensive private-sector experience and commitment to addressing the state’s workforce shortage.
Kommer will continue to serve as labor commissioner on an interim basis, and Workforce Safety and Insurance Director Bryan Klipfel will lead Job Service until both positions are filled. Interim Commerce Commissioner Shawn Kessel will return to his role as deputy commissioner.
The Commerce Department has four divisions, overseeing tourism, economic development, workforce development and community services.
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