Bismarck, ND - Brigadier General (Retired) Dave Anderson, Chair of the North Dakota Ethics Commission, died on May 26, 2025. Chair Anderson dedicated his life’s work to public service, through his 34 years of military service and nearly 6 years of service with the Commission.
Chair Anderson was appointed in 2019 to serve as an inaugural member of the newly formed Ethics Commission. His dedication, curiosity, and work ethic established the Commission’s early foundation. In September 2024, he was selected by his colleagues to serve as Chair of the Commission, championing the Commission’s work to increase transparency in state government. Chair Anderson was fiercely principled, a servant leader, and totally dedicated to the people of North Dakota.
Prior to his service with the Commission, BG Anderson retired from the North Dakota Army National Guard after 34 years of service. During his career, he had numerous progressively complex military assignments including Commander of the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion during its deployment to Iraq from April 2003 to April 2004. His final assignment, as a federally recognized brigadier general, was Commander of the Army Component, North Dakota National Guard. He received his undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University and his master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
Chair Anderson will be remembered for his integrity, willingness to listen with an open mind, good humor, and calming presence. He was a mentor to many throughout his career, always expressing compassion for others. His legacy of service, integrity, and kindness will endure in the lives of those he led and loved.
The members and staff of the Commission extend their deepest condolences to Chair Anderson’s family, friends, and all who mourn this profound loss.