Meet Cory Fong

Cory Fong was elected State Tax Commissioner in November 2006.

Dedicated to promoting:

  • A tax structure and business climate in North Dakota that allows our businesses and industries to grow and prosper to even higher levels of success.

  • North Dakota as the best place in the country to work, to do business, and to raise a family.
    Sustainable tax relief.

  • Sound fiscal management to stay within budget.

  • Effective administration in hiring capable employees, training them, making certain they have the tools to do their jobs, and that they are meeting the needs of taxpayers.

  • Accountability in making wise use of resources, ensuring strong customer service, efficient and effective technology advancements, and that sound policy decisions drive the tax department’s business processes in every way.

  • Responsibility in the important job of administering the tax laws of North Dakota.

Experience in:

  • Senior management of a large and diverse staff of professional employees.

  • Development of team leadership skills in settings involving individuals ranging from teenagers, college age, adults, and professionals, within work settings, community service, and the political arena.

  • Leadership development of self and coworkers in various college, community, and professional environments.

  • Planning and implementing enhanced use of effective technology.

  • Legislative agenda development and follow through.

  • Building coalitions consisting of divergent groups to arrive at responsible solutions.

  • Developing effective communication skills in working with elected officials at local and state levels in promoting new voting methods.

  • Establishing networks with state and local officials across the state to promote awareness of how tax department programs can benefit community development.

  • Using a team approach to work with various state agencies to promote economic development efforts.

  • Developing trusting relationship with legislators, other state and local officials, and business and community leaders.

Past experience:

  • Director of Elections, Office of the Secretary of State, State of North Dakota – 1995-2000

  • Deputy Director, North Dakota Republican Party, 2000

  • Deputy Secretary of State, Office of the Secretary of State, State of North Dakota – 2001-2003

  • Director, Governor John Hoeven’s re-election campaign, 2003 -2004

  • Deputy Commissioner, Department of Commerce, State of North Dakota – 2004-2005

  • Appointed State Tax Commissioner to fill a vacancy effective June 1, 2005

  • Elected State Tax Commissioner November 2006

  • Board of Trustees, Federation of Tax Administrators, 2008-present

  • Vice-Chair, Multi State Tax Commission, present

Personal:

  • Born in Great Falls, Montana.

  • Raised in Helena, Montana. Graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in political science and speech communications.

  • A resident of Bismarck since 1994.

  • Cory, his wife Cecily, and son Conrad, reside in Bismarck.