Art Thompson named director of North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance

Photo by: Office of the Governor of North Dakota
Photo by: Office of the Governor of North Dakota

(Bismarck, ND) -- North Dakota has a new leader when it comes to workforce safety and insurance.

Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Art Thompson will step in as director of North Dakota WSI, effective November 1st.

“We are excited to welcome Art back to Team ND; early in his career he served as WSI’s public relations manager,” said Burgum in a statement released to WDAY Radio. “Art brings extensive leadership and external relations experience to the role along with firsthand experience as a team member and customer of WSI. We look forward to Art rejoining Team ND and his leadership at WSI.”

Thompson will join WSI following four years as executive director of the North Dakota Concrete Council, where he led all aspects of the industry trade association. He previously served as general and business manager of Williston-based JMAC Resources Inc., which provides heavy civil construction and ready-mix services. From 2012 to 2018, Thompson oversaw JMAC’s workforce, compliance with state and federal regulations including safety regulations, and financial forecasting and review. He also served as operations manager for Knife River Corp. and senior public relations representative for MDU Resources Group.

“I am humbled and grateful to have the support of Governor Burgum and Team ND to be selected as the next leader of North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance,” Thompson said. “I look forward to working with the dedicated and talented members of WSI to enhance opportunities to reduce workplace injuries, to ensure injured workers receive timely care and benefits, and to create efficiencies within the agency to maintain competitive rates for policyholders and medical providers.”

Thompson will succeed current WSI Director Bryan Klipfel, who in June announced his retirement effective December 31st. Klipfel will assist with the transition through that date.

To find out more on WSI, click here.