WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden appointed several individuals to serve in key regional leadership roles today, including Erin Oban as North Dakota’s USDA State Director, Rural Development.
A news release from the White House said the appointees will be critical to the President’s efforts to rebuild communities most impacted by the pandemic, the economic recovery, and climate change.
Oban appeared on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness and said the appointment is an honor. She said the thorough process began in December.
“I feel really fortunate to be able to use some of the skills and relationships I developed as a legislator to be able to continue service to North Dakotans,” Oban said. “One of my favorite parts of the job… is to connect people with programs and problems with solutions.”
She said there is an incredible staff at Rural Development that she is ready to work with. She said the first thing she must do is learn from the people who have been doing the work, earn the trust of the staff, and do outreach to make sure people know about what the department has to offer.
Oban said she is excited to get to work and help people.
“I want to be an example of what government is supposed to do right, and well, and in a way that is not partisan,” Oban said. “This work is not partisan. Government in partnership with communities can really help people have the lives they want to have.”
Oban grew up on a family farm in Ray, N.D., a small, rural community in the heart of Bakken oil country. She moved to Bismarck where she received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education at the University of Mary.
In 2014, Oban was elected and re-elected in 2018 to represent central Bismarck’s District 35 in the North Dakota State Senate. Throughout her two terms in the legislature, she has served on the Senate’s Education, Energy and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Government and Veterans Affairs, and Political Subdivisions Committees.
Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Congressman Kelly Armstrong issued statements after the administration’s announcement.
“The programs under USDA Rural Development provide important support for rural America, helping to strengthen and diversify local economies and ensure access to essential services,” said Sen. Hoeven, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “We will continue working to provide USDA with the tools needed to achieve these goals, and look forward to discussing the priorities and needs of our rural communities with State Director Oban.”
“The USDA Rural Development State Director plays an important role as the point person for grants, loans, and loan guarantees to help create jobs, support economic development, and provide essential services. From water to telecommunications, USDA Rural Development provides critical assistance to North Dakota communities. I look forward to working with Ms. Oban to improve the economy and quality of life in North Dakota,” said Sen. Cramer.
“I served with Erin in the state senate. She is smart, thoughtful, and will work hard every day for the people of North Dakota. I congratulate her on her appointment and look forward to working with my friend,” said Rep. Armstrong.
Oban is currently employed as the Director of Community Engagement with the Central Regional Education Association where she supports efficiencies and effectiveness in education through partnerships between school districts and local, regional, and statewide organizations and agencies to provide programs and services for the students, families, and educators in their communities.
Biden Announced appointments for USDA, FEMA, and HUD.
Steve Dick and Nikki Gronli of South Dakota were also appointed. Dick will be South Dakota’s USDA State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency. Gronli was appointed South Dakota’s USDA State Director, Rural Development.
