Commissioner Jon Godfread
Jon Godfread has served as North Dakota’s 22nd Insurance Commissioner since his election in 2016 and re-elections in 2020 and 2024. Committed to protecting and empowering the citizens of North Dakota, Godfread has championed consumer advocacy by raising awareness about the vital consumer protection services provided by the North Dakota Insurance Department beyond its role in industry regulation. Under his leadership, the department has undergone strategic restructuring to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars while maximizing the talents of its dedicated staff.
Godfread is a recognized leader in insurance policy innovation on a national stage. He has been influential in discussions on modernizing insurance regulation, addressing challenges in air ambulance services, leveraging technology, and advancing healthcare reinsurance. His colleagues elected him to serve as the 2025 president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), a national standard-setting organization comprised of the chief insurance regulators in the U.S.
Before taking office, Godfread was Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Greater North Dakota Chamber, where he worked on critical issues such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), statewide tax reductions, the creation of the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund, and K–12 education reform. His diverse professional background also includes experience in banking and a stint as a professional athlete.
Godfread holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Dakota, where he graduated in 2011. He earned his bachelor's degree in business with honors from the University of Northern Iowa in 2005. He resides in Bismarck with his wife Amanda and their three children.
Fire Marshal Doug Nelson
Doug Nelson was appointed North Dakota State Fire Marshal in 2018 by then-Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem.
Nelson has been involved in the fire service since 2002, most recently serving as a fire inspector and investigator with the Fargo Fire Department. His priority as State Fire Marshal has been to further develop the skills of the Fire Marshal staff, gain accreditation and align investigations and inspections with state and international guidelines.
Nelson has assisted in developing fire codes on the international level and national fire investigation guides.. He serves on the board of directors for the National Association of State Fire Marshals.
Originally from Hopkins, Minnesota, Nelson completed undergraduate studies at Minnesota State University Mankato. He holds a master's degree in public safety-executive leadership St. Cloud State University. He is a certified fire investigator, certified fire marshal, and holds a fire marshal designation.
He resides in Bismarck with his wife and four children.