Jon Godfread currently serves as vice president of government affairs for the Greater North Dakota Chamber, representing statewide business interests to the legislature, executive branch officials, and to companies looking to operate in North Dakota.
During his time at the GNDC, Jon has made a difference as the voice for North Dakota business:
- Led the GNDC’s grassroots efforts to defeat Measure 2 on the statewide ballot in June 2012, which would have abolished property taxes. The measure was defeated 77%-23%.
- Heavily involved in the creation of the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund and its advisory board, where he currently serves as vice chair. He partnered with members of the agriculture, conservation, energy and business communities to affect this legislation during the 2013 session.
- Was a lead proponent of significant across-the-board tax reductions. His efforts helped promote and pass the largest tax cuts in state history.
- In 2014, Jon served as chair of North Dakotans for Common Sense Conservation, which successfully defeated Measure 5, 79%-21%.
- He is also the GNDC’s representative for education initiatives including Succeed 2020 and the National Math and Science Initiative.
- For his work, Jon was honored as the first North Dakotan to be selected for the prestigious American Swiss Foundation’s Young Leaders Conference in 2015.
Prior to his time with the Chamber, Jon earned a law degree and MBA from the University of North Dakota. He was able to study abroad in Austria under U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, was a member of the North Dakota Law Review, and a legislative intern for the North Dakota 2009 Legislative session, working on the House Finance and Tax Committee. In his final year of study, Jon worked full time as a legislative aide to the State Tax Department.
From 2005-2007, Jon worked for Alerus Financial in Grand Forks as branch manager and a personal banker.
Jon also played professional basketball in Ehingen, Germany, after graduating with honors from the University of Northern Iowa.
As a lifelong resident of North Dakota, community service is important to Jon. He serves as a member of the North Dakota Special Olympics board of directors, for which he volunteered while growing up in Grand Forks. He is also a member of the Bismarck-Mandan Sports Commission and attends Charity Lutheran Church.
Jon and his wife, Amanda, live in Bismarck and have two young children.
Contact Information
North Dakota Insurance Department State Capitol, fifth floor 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Bismarck, ND 58505-0320
701.328.2440