(BISMARCK, ND) – North Dakota Governor-Elect Kelly Armstrong will be appointing a new Commissioner for the North Dakota Health and Human Services Department, along with a new State Health Officer.
Jacy Schafer, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Armstrong-Strinden Administration, confirmed neither Commissioner Wayne Salter or State Health Officer Nizar Webhi will be retained when the new administration takes office.
North Dakota Health and Human Services Communications Director Jecca Geffre, in an e-mail, noted that the Webhi and Salter informed staff at the Department of Health and Human Services Department of the change.
In a letter obtained by WDAY/WZFG Radio News, Salter told colleagues, “As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter for North Dakota, I want to take this opportunity to share an important update with you. Gov. Burgum’s infectious and passionate leadership is what initially drew me to North Dakota, and it has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to serve alongside him. However, my tenure as Commissioner will conclude at the end of his amazing administration.”
Webhi said, “It has been my lifetime privilege and honor to serve North Dakotans and the State of North Dakota as a cabinet member under Gov. Burgum and support his visionary leadership. During my time at HHS, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside you to respond to a once-in-a-century pandemic; build partnerships with tribal nations and local public health units; reimagine ND’s State Health Improvement Plan; and launch an innovative multi-partner health collaborative bringing health partners together.”
