News Releases for December 2006
December 28, 2006
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Hoeven Appoints Backes And Shaft To State Board Of Higher Education
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today appointed Grant Shaft of Grand Forks and Jon Backes of Minot to serve on the State Board of Higher Education for four year terms effective July 1, 2007.
Backes is a partner and shareholder in the law practice of McGee, Hankla, Backes and Dobrovolny, where he specializes in business and commercial law. He is a graduate of Minot State University and the University of North Dakota School of Law. He has served on the Minot State University Development Foundation, the Bishop Ryan High School Board of Directors and the Minot Catholic Schools Foundation. Backes is also a current member and former Vice Chair of the St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation.
“Jon has had a strong interest in both secondary and higher education, and realizes its critical role as a cornerstone for developing our state’s economy,” Hoeven said. “This, combined with his professional experience, will give him the knowledge and insight to help set the right direction for the university system in the years to come.”
Shaft is a partner and shareholder in the law firm of Shaft, Reis & Shaft, and a former member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from Grand Forks. He has served on the Continuing Legal Education Committee of the State Bar Association, the Board of Directors for St. Gianna’s Maternity Home, and the Holy Family Catholic School Board. He specializes in real estate and general business law, and is a member of the national American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Shaft is a graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law.
“Grant’s experience in the Legislature has given him a first-hand knowledge of the legislative process and the importance of the North Dakota University System to our state,” Hoeven said. “His extensive background in business and legal affairs, combined with his deeply rooted community service, will equip him to help lead our universities into the 21st Century.”
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