Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Ethics Commission is pleased to announce Commissioner Pamela Sharp has been appointed to serve as Chair of the Commission. Ms. Sharp brings a unique and valued perspective to the role, grounded in her many years of public service and extensive leadership experience. She will immediately begin serving as chairwoman.
A native of Watford City, North Dakota, Ms. Sharp earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from the University of Mary, later becoming a Certified Public Accountant. She also holds a master’s degree in management from the University of Mary.
Ms. Sharp dedicated 32 years of her career to the State of North Dakota, serving in several financial leadership positions. Her roles included five years as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, followed by 15 years as Director of the agency under three gubernatorial administrations: Governor John Hoeven, Governor Jack Dalrymple, and Governor Doug Burgum.
Following her retirement from state service in 2018, she remained active in state government as a lobbyist and consultant through 2023. Ms. Sharp was appointed to the Ethics Commission as a commissioner in late 2025. She resides in Bismarck and is the mother of four adult children and grandmother of eight.
Commissioner Mark Western said “It is my sincere belief that Ms. Sharp is the right person, at the right time, to guide the Commission into the future. I believe there is no one on the Commission at this time who has a greater amount of experience in state government. I have great confidence in Commissioner Sharp’s ability to lead this Commission and represent the people of North Dakota.”
Upon accepting her appointment as chairwoman, Ms. Sharp said “I want to thank my fellow commissioners for having confidence in me to elect me Chair for this upcoming year. I will do my very best to serve this Commission in the right way, moving North Dakota forward. I have strong confidence in all my other fellow commissioners to continue to build the legacy of the Commission and transparency in North Dakota.“
For more information, contact Ethics Commission Executive Director, Rebecca Binstock, at 701-328-5325. Individuals interested in serving on the Commission may apply through the Governor’s Office at: Boards (nd.gov).