Doug Burgum

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Doug Burgum
BornDouglas James Burgum
1 8, 1956
BirthplaceArthur, North Dakota, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationBusinessman, politician
Known forFormer CEO of Great Plains Software, 33rd Governor of North Dakota, 55th U.S. Secretary of the Interior
EducationStanford University (MBA)
Children3
AwardsErnst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2002)

Douglas James Burgum (born August 1, 1956) is an American businessman and politician serving as the 55th United States Secretary of the Interior since February 1, 2025, under President Donald Trump. A member of the Republican Party, Burgum previously served as the 33rd Governor of North Dakota from December 2016 to December 2024. Before entering politics, Burgum built a prominent career in the technology industry as the president and chief executive officer of Great Plains Software, a Fargo-based accounting software firm that he helped grow from a small startup into a publicly traded company before selling it to Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001. Born and raised in the small town of Arthur, North Dakota, Burgum's trajectory from rural grain elevator operator's son to software executive, governor, and cabinet secretary has made him one of the most consequential figures in North Dakota's modern political and economic history. He is also the founder of Kilbourne Group, a real-estate development company focused on revitalizing downtown Fargo, and the co-founder of Arthur Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in software companies.[1]

Early Life

Douglas James Burgum was born on August 1, 1956, in Arthur, North Dakota, a small community in Cass County with a population of fewer than 400 people.[2] He grew up in Arthur, where his family had deep roots in the agricultural economy of the Northern Great Plains. His family operated a grain elevator and other businesses in the community, providing Burgum with early exposure to business operations and the rhythms of rural life in North Dakota.[2]

Burgum's upbringing in a small farming town shaped much of his later identity as a political figure and businessman. Arthur, like many small towns in the Northern Great Plains, depended heavily on agriculture, and Burgum developed an understanding of the economic challenges facing rural communities from an early age. The values of hard work, self-reliance, and community that characterized life in Arthur would become recurring themes in his later political career.[3]

The Burgum family had longstanding ties to the Arthur area. The family's business interests, including the grain elevator, made them a fixture of the local economy. Burgum's connection to the family's farmland would later prove pivotal in his career, as he would mortgage inherited farmland to make his initial investment in the software company that transformed his professional trajectory.[2]

Education

Burgum attended North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, where he earned a bachelor's degree in university studies in 1978.[3] His time at NDSU connected him to the Fargo community, which would become the center of his business career.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Burgum enrolled at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business in California, one of the top-ranked business schools in the United States. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stanford in 1980.[3] The combination of his North Dakota roots and a Stanford MBA positioned Burgum to bridge the worlds of technology entrepreneurship and Great Plains pragmatism—a duality that would define his career in both business and politics.

Career

Great Plains Software

In 1983, three years after completing his MBA at Stanford, Burgum made a pivotal decision that would shape the rest of his career. He mortgaged farmland he had inherited from his family in the Arthur area to invest in Great Plains Software, a small accounting and business software company based in Fargo, North Dakota.[2][3] The investment was a significant financial risk, staking family assets on a fledgling technology company in a region not known for its tech industry.

Burgum became president of Great Plains Software in 1984, taking on the role of leading the company's growth and strategic direction.[2] Under his leadership, Great Plains Software developed accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software products aimed primarily at small and mid-sized businesses. The company became one of the notable success stories of the technology industry outside of the traditional coastal tech hubs, demonstrating that a software firm could thrive in the upper Midwest.

Burgum guided Great Plains Software through a period of sustained growth over the 1980s and 1990s. In 1997, the company went public, a major milestone that brought national attention to the Fargo-based firm and validated Burgum's strategy of building a competitive software enterprise in North Dakota.[3]

The most transformative moment in the company's history came in 2001, when Microsoft acquired Great Plains Software for approximately $1.1 billion.[3] The acquisition was one of the largest technology deals involving a North Dakota company and made Burgum a prominent figure in the national technology industry. The sale also generated significant wealth for Burgum and other stakeholders in the company.

Microsoft

Following Microsoft's acquisition of Great Plains Software, Burgum joined Microsoft in a leadership role. He was appointed to manage Microsoft Business Solutions, the division that incorporated Great Plains' products along with other business application software.[4] In this capacity, Burgum oversaw the integration of Great Plains' software products into Microsoft's broader portfolio of enterprise solutions. His role at Microsoft gave him experience managing operations within one of the world's largest technology corporations, a significant shift from leading an independent mid-sized company.

Board Service and Investments

Beyond his direct operational roles, Burgum became involved in corporate governance and venture capital. He served as board chairman for Atlassian, an Australian software company known for its collaboration and project management tools, joining the board in 2012.[5] He also served as board chairman for SuccessFactors, a human capital management software company.

Burgum co-founded Arthur Ventures, a venture capital firm named after his hometown, which focused on investing in software and technology companies, particularly those outside of Silicon Valley.[6] The firm's investment thesis aligned with Burgum's broader belief that technology innovation could flourish in communities beyond the traditional coastal tech centers.

Kilbourne Group and Fargo Development

Burgum founded the Kilbourne Group, a real-estate development company based in Fargo, North Dakota, focused on revitalizing and developing downtown Fargo. The firm undertook significant development projects in the city's urban core, including plans for what was projected to be the tallest building in North Dakota.[7]

The Kilbourne Group's development work was part of a broader effort to transform downtown Fargo into a vibrant urban district. Burgum's vision for the city included supporting a downtown riverside master plan that Fargo city leaders approved, aimed at enhancing the riverfront area and attracting further investment to the city center.[8] The company's activities contributed to Fargo's evolution from a city primarily associated with agriculture into one with a growing technology and urban development scene.[9]

Governor of North Dakota

2016 Election

In 2016, Burgum entered the political arena by announcing his candidacy for Governor of North Dakota as a Republican.[10] Running as a political outsider with extensive business experience, Burgum campaigned on themes of government modernization and economic development. He emphasized the need for what he described as "government reinvention," proposing to apply private-sector principles to the operations of state government.[11]

Burgum won the 2016 North Dakota gubernatorial election by a wide margin, defeating his Democratic opponent in a landslide victory.[12][13] He took office as the 33rd Governor of North Dakota on December 15, 2016, succeeding Jack Dalrymple.[14] His lieutenant governor was Brent Sanford.

First Term (2016–2020)

Burgum's first term as governor coincided with significant events and policy challenges in North Dakota. One of the earliest and most prominent issues he faced was the controversy surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), which had generated large-scale protests near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Burgum addressed the pipeline situation through video messages and public statements as the state navigated the complex intersection of energy development, Indigenous rights, and public safety.[15]

North Dakota's economy during Burgum's tenure was closely linked to the energy sector, particularly oil production from the Bakken Formation. The state had experienced a dramatic oil boom in preceding years that transformed its economy and demographics.[16] Burgum's approach to governance reflected his business background, with an emphasis on technology, innovation, and economic diversification alongside continued support for the state's energy industry.

During his first term, Burgum also engaged with workforce development issues. Businesses in North Dakota cited workforce challenges, and the state legislature considered measures related to employment protections and workplace discrimination as part of broader efforts to attract and retain workers in the state.[17]

2020 Reelection

Burgum won reelection in 2020 by a wide margin, securing a second term as governor. His second term saw Tammy Miller serve as lieutenant governor. Burgum served as governor until December 15, 2024, when he was succeeded by Kelly Armstrong.

2024 Presidential Campaign

In June 2023, Burgum launched a campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, entering a crowded field of candidates seeking the party's nomination. His campaign emphasized energy policy and his record as a governor and business executive. However, Burgum struggled to gain significant traction in the primary race and ended his candidacy in early December 2023. Following his withdrawal from the presidential race, Burgum became an advisor on energy policy for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, a role that positioned him for a potential appointment in a future Trump administration.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior

On November 14, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Burgum as the United States Secretary of the Interior. The nomination reflected Burgum's emphasis on energy policy during his political career, as well as the advisory role he had played on the Trump campaign.

Burgum's confirmation process proceeded through the United States Senate, where he received bipartisan support. On January 30, 2025, the Senate confirmed Burgum in a 79–18 vote, a margin that reflected substantial cross-party backing for his nomination. He was sworn in as the 55th United States Secretary of the Interior on February 1, 2025, succeeding Deb Haaland, who had served in the role under President Joe Biden. His deputy secretary is Katharine MacGregor.

Energy and Land Management Policies

As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum has overseen significant policy shifts in the department's approach to energy development and land management. The department under his leadership has promoted expanded drilling on federal lands, expanded metals extraction from federal lands and wildlife refuges, and supported coal-fired power, while curtailing wind energy projects.[18]

In a notable action, the Department of the Interior under Burgum issued Public Land Order No. 7966, opening approximately 2.1 million acres in Alaska's Dalton Utility Corridor to expanded economic activity. The order revoked previous public land orders that had restricted use of the area, a move that was welcomed by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy.[19][20]

Burgum has also partnered with state governments on permitting reform. He signed a memorandum of understanding with Idaho Governor Brad Little aimed at fast-tracking permitting for energy and infrastructure projects on federal lands within Idaho.[21]

The Department of the Interior under Burgum issued a final rule that altered the department's environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), streamlining and reducing the scope of environmental reviews. Critics of the rule change argued that the move was legally questionable.[22]

International Energy Diplomacy

In his role as Secretary, Burgum has participated in international energy diplomacy efforts. He was among senior Trump administration officials dispatched to Japan for meetings with Indo-Pacific leaders as part of the administration's energy dominance strategy, joining EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.[23]

Burgum has also been involved in the Trump administration's public interest in Greenland, characterizing the island as a strategically important asset for the U.S. economy and national security, particularly with regard to mineral resources.[24]

Offshore Wind Controversy

The department's approach to offshore wind energy under Burgum's leadership drew criticism from some state officials. New York Governor Kathy Hochul sent a letter to Burgum in December 2024 raising concerns about the Interior Department's handling of offshore wind projects, arguing that such projects had national security relevance and had already undergone extensive federal review.[25]

Personal Life

Burgum was born and raised in Arthur, North Dakota, and has maintained strong ties to the state throughout his career. He has three children. His connection to the Arthur community has been a consistent element of his public identity, reflected in the naming of his venture capital firm, Arthur Ventures, after his hometown.[26]

Burgum's primary business and personal base has been in Fargo, North Dakota, where he built his career at Great Plains Software and later pursued real-estate development through the Kilbourne Group. His investments and development activities in downtown Fargo reflected a personal commitment to the city's urban revitalization.[27]

Recognition

Burgum has received recognition for his achievements in the technology and business sectors. He was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002, an award that recognized his role in building Great Plains Software into a major enterprise before its acquisition by Microsoft.[2]

His career has been profiled in various regional and national media outlets, with particular attention to the story of a North Dakota businessman who built a billion-dollar software company in a state more commonly associated with agriculture and energy production.[28][3]

As governor, Burgum received attention for applying technology-sector approaches to state governance. His transition from the private sector to political office and then to the federal cabinet has been noted as an example of the increasing movement of business executives into government leadership roles.

References

  1. ↑ "Arthur Ventures Looks to Provide Capital Lift to Local Innovation".Silicon Prairie News.2011-05.http://siliconprairienews.com/2011/05/arthur-ventures-looks-to-provide-capital-lift-to-local-innovation/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Doug Burgum".North Dakota Horizons.http://www.ndhorizons.com/featured/index.asp?ID=16.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Doug Burgum".North Dakota State University Magazine.http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/news/magazine/vol01_issue02/burgum.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Interview: Doug Burgum on Microsoft's Business Apps Plan".InfoWorld.http://www.infoworld.com/article/2671404/application-development/interview--doug-burgum-on-microsoft-s-business-apps-plan.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Atlassian Adds Doug Burgum to Board".TechCrunch.2012-07-19.https://techcrunch.com/2012/07/19/atlassian-board-doug-burgum/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Arthur Ventures Looks to Provide Capital Lift to Local Innovation".Silicon Prairie News.2011-05.http://siliconprairienews.com/2011/05/arthur-ventures-looks-to-provide-capital-lift-to-local-innovation/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Fargo's Burgum Eyes ND's Tallest Building".Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal.2013-09.http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/real_estate/2013/09/fargos-burgum-eyes-nd-tallest-building.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "River Dreams: Fargo City Leaders OK Downtown Riverside Master Plan".Inforum.http://www.inforum.com/news/3670126-river-dreams-fargo-city-leaders-ok-downtown-riverside-master-plan.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Fargo 2.0: It's Not Like the Movie".The Seattle Times.http://www.seattletimes.com/business/fargo-20-itrsquos-not-like-the-movie/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Live Stream: Doug Burgum Announcement".Inforum.http://www.inforum.com/news/3924330-live-stream-doug-burgum-announcement-11-am.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Burgum to Emphasize Government Reinvention".Bismarck Tribune.http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/burgum-to-emphasize-government-reinvention/article_b1e8e320-c0a7-548f-bcc1-63a0ebd60234.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "2016 North Dakota Election Results".North Dakota Secretary of State.http://results.sos.nd.gov/resultsSW.aspx?text=Race&type=SW&map=CTY.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Doug Burgum Elected Governor".WDAY.https://www.wday.com/news/4155069-doug-burgum-elected-governor-speech-upcoming-wday.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Doug Burgum Takes Office as ND Governor Today".Valley News Live.2016-12-15.http://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Doug-Burgum-takes-office-as-ND-governor-today-406748135.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Burgum Posts Video Message About DAPL".Bismarck Tribune.http://bismarcktribune.com/mandannews/local-news/burgum-posts-video-message-about-dapl/article_89fe54a0-7760-510b-9ba8-25b4f646da4e.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "North Dakota's Fracking Money".Vox.2014-12-11.https://www.vox.com/2014/12/11/7328019/north-dakota-fracking-money.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Businesses Cite Workforce Struggles, Push Discrimination Ban".Inforum.http://www.inforum.com/news/legislature/3710503-businesses-cite-workforce-struggles-push-discrimination-ban.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Interior Claws Back NEPA Regs".E&E News by POLITICO.https://www.eenews.net/articles/interior-claws-back-nepa-regs/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Department of the Interior Opens 2.1 Million Acres in Alaska's Dalton Corridor".U.S. Department of the Interior.https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-opens-21-million-acres-alaskas-dalton-corridor.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Governor Dunleavy Welcomes Interior Department Actions Opening 2.1 Million Acres in Dalton Corridor".State of Alaska.https://gov.alaska.gov/governor-dunleavy-welcomes-interior-department-actions-opening-2-1-million-acres-in-dalton-corridor/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Gov. Little, Trump Administration Partner to Fast-Track Permitting for Energy, Infrastructure Projects".Office of the Governor of Idaho.https://gov.idaho.gov/pressrelease/gov-little-trump-administration-partner-to-fast-track-permitting-for-energy-infrastructure-projects/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Interior Claws Back NEPA Regs".E&E News by POLITICO.https://www.eenews.net/articles/interior-claws-back-nepa-regs/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Trump Dispatches Top Brass to Japan in Energy Dominance Push".E&E News by POLITICO.https://www.eenews.net/articles/trump-dispatches-top-brass-to-japan-in-energy-dominance-push/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Burgum Reups Trump's Push to Take Greenland: 'So Much Opportunity Up There'".The Hill.https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5749416-greenland-us-mineral-rights/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Letter to Secretary Burgum Regarding Offshore Wind".Office of the Governor of New York.2024-12-24.https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/Final_DOI_Letter_OSW_24_DEC.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Arthur Ventures Looks to Provide Capital Lift to Local Innovation".Silicon Prairie News.2011-05.http://siliconprairienews.com/2011/05/arthur-ventures-looks-to-provide-capital-lift-to-local-innovation/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Fargo 2.0: It's Not Like the Movie".The Seattle Times.http://www.seattletimes.com/business/fargo-20-itrsquos-not-like-the-movie/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Fargo 2.0: It's Not Like the Movie".The Seattle Times.http://www.seattletimes.com/business/fargo-20-itrsquos-not-like-the-movie/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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