Commissioners Murray Sagsveen, left, and Ronald Goodman, right, members of the North Dakota Ethics Commission, listen to a House committee hearing on March 18, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota Ethics Commission Acting Chair Ron Goodman will retire from the board upon the appointment of a replacement, the commission announced Thursday.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to the work we do,” Goodman said in an announcement from the Ethics Commission.
Goodman, a former state district court and county judge, is the last remaining founding member of the commission. His service on the board began in August 2019.
“Judge Goodman’s servant leadership, wisdom, and commitment to the people of North Dakota helped establish the Commission’s foundation,” Ethics Commission Executive Director Rebecca Binstock said in the announcement. “His influence set a standard of integrity, stewardship, and humility that continues to define the Commission’s work today.”
Goodman holds degrees in psychology and counseling, and received his law degree from the University of North Dakota.
Another original member, former Chair Cynthia Lindquist, stepped down from the role earlier this month to take a job in Colorado.
A selection committee consisting of Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan is tasked with appointing new commissioners. The committee is scheduled to meet June 19 to interview three finalists for Lindquist’s position: Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben, Lisa Edison-Smith and Garrett Byran.
The committee has not yet specified how it will go about filling Goodman’s position, Governor’s Office Spokesperson Mike Nowatzki said.
Commissioners’ duties include adopting ethics rules, investigating alleged violations and issuing advisory opinions to help public officials navigate ethical issues. They are paid a stipend for every day they meet, plus reimbursement for travel. Applicants don’t need a background in government, law or ethics.
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