Shane Goettle

Shane Goettle is in charge of the state’s Commerce Department. He’s had several promising career paths and believes in North Dakota. Most valuable to him? His wife and five children.

Age: 39 Position: North Dakota Commerce Commissioner

Family: Spouse Brenda; Children: Dominick (14), Rachel (13), Kathryn (8), John (6), Grace (2)

Hobbies: Avid Reader (History, Politics, Philosophy, Theology, Science Fiction, Thrillers); Hunting (Pheasants, Deer); Strategy Games (Board Games & Computer); Blogging; Movies (Some favorites include: Shane (Western), Lord of the Rings Life is Beautiful, Star Trek, Saving Private Ryan, Dead Poets Society, Sixth Sense); Family-based activities (trips, family walks, games, zoo, boating, etc.).

Community Involvement: 1) Active in faith-based activities, including church (my wife and I have long worked with both engaged and married couples in both pre-marriage and counseling services); 2) 4-H adult leadership, promotion and fundraising, past chair of State 4-H Foundation; 3) past president of Minot Sunrise Rotary; 4) past Chair of “Project CLEAN”, a Minot Chamber-based community betterment organization; and 5) currently serve on many non-profit boards directed at rural development, trade, economic development, & community development.

Career Path: NDSU – Ag Econ Degree (1992); Hamline University School of Law – J.D. in Law (1994); McGee Law Firm, Minot – Attorney/ Partner (1995-2001); Federal Housing Finance Board – Counsel to Chair (2002-2003); USDA Rural Development – Special Assistant to Under Secretary (2004), Acting Associate Administrator, Rural Housing Service (2004), Chief of Staff (2004-2005); Deputy Commerce Commissioner (2005); Commerce Commissioner (2005- Present)

Mentors: Grandfather (Leonard Goettle), Parents (James & Doris Goettle)

Briefly, tell us about yourself (you in a nutshell): I was raised on a cattle ranch and small grains farm near Donnybrook, North Dakota. I have always loved learning. I have a strong appreciation for family and community. I enjoy public service, politics, and working with a team to accomplish results.

What motivates you? Family, faith, freedom, competition, and excellence in human effort. I also have a deep appreciation for history and the “American Experiment”.

Challenges in your career path: My two biggest challenges were building my law practice and then making a significant career move to Washington, D.C. But I enjoy challenges, and met both of these challenges successfully.

What challenges do you face as a young professional, particularly during difficult economic times? Despite the global and national economic challenges, North Dakota is positioned better than most other states and regions. My personal challenge is to keep the momentum going at the Commerce Department in our efforts to support entrepreneurship, business development, workforce development, tourism and community development.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Starting a new career path in Washington, D.C. It was a big risk professionally, because I left a growing legal practice to embark on a new professional career adventure.

Anything you’re particularly proud of? Of all the things I have done in life, I am most proud of my marriage and my children.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? Every moment at work is an opportunity for excellence, integrity, leadership and service. If you put these values at the forefront of everything you do, you will earn respect and a great sense of fulfillment, no matter the type of work.

What are you thankful for? The gift of life and good health. I am also thankful for family and many deep and abiding friendships.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? My experience has taught me to keep my options open. In all honesty, I can see several “paths”. One path is continuing public service, perhaps running for and serving in an elected capacity. Another path is a return to private sector, perhaps starting my own business, joining an established business in a management role, or returning to the practice of law. All of these things are possibilities within my 10 year horizon.