News Releases for August 2004
August 10, 2004
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Hoeven Appoints Leann Bertsch Labor Commissioner
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced the appointment of Leann K. Bertsch as North Dakota Labor Commissioner. Bertsch will succeed current Commissioner Mark Bachmeier, who is leaving to pursue postgraduate studies. Bertsch will assume office on September 1.
"Leann's service as an assistant state's attorney, as an advocate with Legal Assistance of North Dakota and as a member of the National Guard gives her both the legal skills and personal sensitivity to serve the people of North Dakota in this role with distinction," Hoeven said.
A native of Hillsboro, North Dakota, Bertsch graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University in 1988. She received her JD from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1991, and subsequently worked as a staff attorney for Legal Assistance of North Dakota, Inc. between 1992 and 1996. Since 1996, Bertsch has served as assistant Burleigh County state's attorney.
"I am thankful for the appointment by Governor Hoeven to serve as labor commissioner," Bertsch said. "The position will allow me to continue serving the public in a role which addresses issues important to the citizens of North Dakota."
In addition to her work with the state's attorney's office, Bertsch has served for 18 years in the Army National Guard, and currently is an Assistant Judge Advocate. She is married to Rick Volk, an Assistant U.S. Attorney. The couple has two children, Ricky and Gabrielle.
Labor Commissioner Mark Bachmeier said, "Leaving the Department of Labor was a tremendously difficult decision for me. I feel very strongly about the importance of the work we do and I have been very fortunate to get to go to work each day with some of the best people I have ever known. It has been an honor to serve in Governor Hoeven's administration, and I am grateful for the opportunity."
"I'm very proud of the work Mark has done," Hoeven said. "He has worked hard to protect people's rights and also to work in a positive, proactive way with the business community in our state. He has been successful at doing both."
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