News Releases for December 2002
December 18, 2002
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Hoeven: OMB Director Rod Backman To Step Down
Backman To Start Private Consulting Firm
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Rod Backman will resign as of the end of the year to pursue his new private consulting firm.
“Rod is a dedicated public servant,” Hoeven said. “His skill, knowledge and insight are valued, and will be greatly missed. After 10 years of service, however, it is understandable that he would like to pursue his personal interests in the private sector.”
Backman has served as OMB director since December 1992, after he ran for state tax commissioner, which he lost by a quarter of a percent. Having been OMB Director for more than 10 years, he has served longer than any other director except the state’s first, Ralph Dewing.
Prior to Schafer’s appointment, Backman was a CPA in Bismarck for 18 years. His new company, Covenant Consulting Group, will focus on financial and management advice, CFO services and financial planning, including business plans and financial checkups for individuals.
“I’ve enjoyed this job immensely,” Backman said. “The budget is in good hands, and in fact, we are in better shape now than we were when I started 10 years ago.”
Backman said he hopes to be remembered as someone who was fair and honest with everyone he came in contact with.
Deputy OMB Director Pamela K. Sharp will serve as interim director through the legislative session, when a formal search process is planned to fill the position permanently. Sharp holds degrees in accounting and business from the University of Mary, and has served with OMB for 11 years, first as an analyst and for the past five years as deputy director. Prior to working for OMB, she worked as an analyst for the state tax commissioner and state auditor.
“It's not easy to fill the shoes of someone like Rod,” Sharp said. “He's not only very capable, but also he's a very fine person. I have truly enjoyed working with him over the past ten years and I hope I can serve Governor Hoeven and the people of North Dakota with the same commitment and insightfulness as he did. I'm looking forward to working with Governor Hoeven and I wish Rod the very best.”
Hoeven said he’s pleased to have Sharp and also OMB Budget Analyst Sheila Peterson on board.
“Pam and Sheila were instrumental in building the executive budget this year,” Hoeven said. “They have both demonstrated their skill and commitment to the people of North Dakota.”
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