News Releases for December 2000
December 19, 2000
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Hoeven Names Adjutant General, Transportation Director
BISMARCK - Governor John Hoeven today announced the appointment of Brigadier General Michael J. Haugen as Adjutant General of
the North Dakota National Guard, and named David Sprynczynatyk to be Director of the Department of Transportation.
“These appointments represent an outstanding combination of skills, leadership and experience,” Hoeven said at a news conference at Fraine Barracks, the North Dakota National Guard’s headquarters. “Both men also reflect very well on the important role that the Guard plays in responding to challenges facing our state and nation.”
Haugen enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard in 1967, and has served in various assignments and command positions at the squadron, group, wing and state headquarters. He is currently the Air National Guard assistant to the director of plans and is headquartered at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Peterson Air Force Base, CO.
“General Haugen has proved himself an exceptional leader in the North Dakota National Guard,” Hoeven said. “As commander of the Happy Hooligans and chief of staff in Fargo, he has earned respect statewide. His current post with NORAD also shows that the respect extends throughout the military.”
The Happy Hooligans is the nickname for the 119th Fighter Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard.
Haugen will begin his appointment filling the remainder of Gen. Keith Bjerke’s term, which runs through June 30, 2001.
Secretary of State Al Jaeger administered the appointment oath, and Governor Hoeven then conducted a change of command ceremony.
“I am thrilled to be asked to join the governor’s cabinet, and to command the nearly 5,000 Guard members in the state of North Dakota,” Haugen said. “As adjutant general, I look forward to supporting our members as they balance family obligations, responsibilities to their employers, and the interests of our state as well as national security objectives.”
Hoeven opened the news conference by announcing the appointment of Sprynczynatyk, praising him for his 28 years of service at the North Dakota Water Commission. A civil engineer, Spryncynatyk was appointed state engineer in 1989.
“Dave has already worked on many of the infrastructure issues that affect our state’s road system,” Hoeven said. “I felt it was important to have an engineer and experienced administrator as the head of DOT. Dave brings both qualities to the job.”
“He has excellent rapport with the Legislature, congressional delegation and many contacts all over the state through his work in the Water Commission,” the governor added. “All three of these things will make Dave great for the Department of Transportation.”
Sprynczynatyk will transition from the Water Commission to the Department of Transportation around the first of the year. The state Water Commission will commence a search for his replacement shortly thereafter.
“When Governor Hoeven asked me to consider the position of the Director of Transportation, I was honored by his confidence in me and I am excited about the new challenge,” Sprynczynatyk said. “With my technical background and management experience, I believe I can help the state shape its transportation infrastructure for the next century.”
Hoeven noted that both Spryncynatyk and Haugen have experience responding to natural disasters, such as the blizzards and floods of 1997.
“North Dakotans can be assured that these two individuals bring excellent emergency-management expertise to their jobs as well as an outstanding record of performance,” Hoeven said.
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