Commissioner Jon Godfread
Jon Godfread was elected North Dakota’s 22nd Insurance Commissioner in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. In service to the citizens of North Dakota, Godfread has prioritized consumer advocacy, ensuring North Dakotans are better aware of the services offered by the North Dakota Insurance Department beyond industry regulation. He has also worked to restructure the Insurance Department for efficient and effective use of tax-payer dollars, along with better utilization of staff talents. On a national level, Godfread has been an active voice in discussions about insurance regulations including the use of technology, air ambulance service, and health care reinsurance. Godfread serves as the president-elect of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Prior to serving as Commissioner, Godfread was most recently Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Greater North Dakota Chamber in Bismarck. His background also includes banking and professional athletics. He has held prominent roles in discussions around the Affordable Care Act (ACA), across-the-board tax reductions for North Dakotans, the creation of the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund, K–12 education efforts, and more.
Godfread received his law and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from the University of North Dakota in 2011. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business with honors from the University of Northern Iowa in 2005.
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.