Governor Burgum appoints Bismarck attorney Nathan Svihovec to serve as North Dakota Labor Commissioner

(Fargo, ND) -- Governor Doug Burgum has announced the appointment of Bismarck attorney Nathan Svihovec to lead the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights. In making the announcement, Burgum cited Svihovec's "extensive experience representing both public and private employers and employees at the state and federal levels". Svihovec will begin his new role as state labor commissioner on Thursday, December 1st. 

Svihovec most recently served as an attorney with a Bismarck-based law firm, representing and advising employers and employees in various protected categories before the Department of Labor and Human Rights, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, federal and state courts, and state administrative agencies. He also has represented employees in tribal employment matters.

Svihovec previously served as an assistant attorney general for the North Dakota Office of Attorney General from 2017 to 2020, representing and advising state agencies – including the Department of Labor and Human Rights – in employment law matters. He also worked as a law clerk for state district court judges and in human resources for private sector companies.

“Nathan’s deep knowledge of employment law, his background in representing both employers and employees in the private and public sectors, and his leadership and operational experience as an attorney and National Guard sergeant make him well-suited to lead the Department of Labor and Human Rights,” Burgum said. “As labor commissioner, his compassion and dedication to removing employment barriers, encouraging cooperative relationships between employers and employees, and ensuring fair treatment for all will serve the citizens of North Dakota well.”