BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Ethics Commission thanks Dr. Cynthia Lindquist for seven years of service to the commission. Lindquist stepped down as chairwoman on June 1 to become chief strategy officer at the American Indian College Fund. Dr. Lindquist served on the Commission for several years, including one year as chairwoman. The Commission wishes her well and appreciates her dedication to North Dakota.
"Cynthia’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the foundation and progress of the Ethics Commission,” Executive Director Rebecca Binstock said. “Her commitment to integrity and transparency, as well as her passion for serving the people of North Dakota, have left a lasting impact on our work. We thank her for her years of service and wish her continued success in her new role."
An original member of the Ethics Commission, Lindquist was first appointed in 2019 and reappointed for a second term in 2023. Reflecting on her time with the commission, Lindquist said she was encouraged to apply because of her extensive experience in education and community health.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had unique opportunities throughout my career,” Lindquist said. “I was raised with a strong work ethic – to give your best effort in everything you do and to strive to do it well. One of the greatest honors of my career has been serving as a role model for Indigenous youth and women.”
Reflecting on her journey, Lindquist shared that her experiences growing up motivated her to pursue higher education and leadership opportunities she once never imagined possible.
Lindquist recalls that in the early days of the Ethics Commission, the group faced the dual challenge of creating a space of integrity and transparency for North Dakotans while also establishing the commission’s foundational operations and ethical standards. Early efforts included hiring an executive director, building a website, launching a hotline, developing and adopting a formal complaint process, and conflict-of-interest standards.
The Ethics Commission has worked to strengthen transparency, accountability and ethical standards in North Dakota government. Lindquist’s leadership helped guide the commission through its formative years, laying the groundwork for processes and initiatives that will continue to support the commission’s mission and serve North Dakotans into the future.
CONTACT:
Rebecca Binstock, Executive Director | 701-328-5325
rebinstock@nd.gov