***Updated March 17, 2022 at 7:22 p.m. to include interview with Erin Oban***
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden appointed Erin Oban Thursday to be North Dakota's U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director.
Oban grew up in Ray and received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education at the University of Mary. She was a middle school math and technology teacher before gaining experience in nonprofit management, politics, and public service.
Oban has been a state senator for District 35 since 2014, and she recently had announced she would not be seeking another term. "I'm looking forward to continuing public service in a very different way than what I have been as a legislator for the last seven years," she said.
She said she is excited to take on her new role, "I want to make sure that people in our rural and tribal communities know about the opportunities that are available to them through the agency and continue to make sure we can expand economic opportunities and improve the quality of life across the state."
Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Congressman Kelly Armstrong issued the following statements after the announcement of her appointment.
“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 Senator 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 Senator 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 Congressman Armstrong.
"An agency like the USDA Rural Development, which is crucial to states like North Dakota, is not a partisan issue, so to have the support of my congressional delegation through an appointment from the President of the United States means a lot. I have a lot to learn, and I will appreciate their partnership in making sure that we serve North Dakotans the best together," Oban said.
She added, "It's an incredible opportunity, and I feel really fortunate to be able to do it. I'm a small town girl at heart. I was a Class B kid growing up. And I've just seen for decades the incredible investment that USDA Rural Development makes in our rural communities, and it matters significantly to places like North Dakota."
Oban will start her new position on March 28.
