Brian Kroshus was appointed Tax Commissioner by Governor Doug Burgum in January 2022.
Prior to Tax Commissioner, Brian served as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner. He was appointed to the Public Service Commission in March 2017 by Governor Doug Burgum and elected by the voters in 2018 and re-elected in 2020. Brian has an extensive background in business, agriculture, and energy.
Brian spent 30 years in private-sector business leadership and executive management, including 20 years (1997-2017) with Lee Enterprises. During his time with Lee Enterprises, he was responsible for supervising business units throughout the U.S. and spent 17 years as publisher of Farm and Ranch Guide, 13 years as group publisher of Lee Agri-Media (the nation's largest network of agriculture publications), and 10 years as publisher of The Bismarck Tribune.
Born in Fargo and a graduate of North Dakota State University, Brian deeply values his North Dakota heritage. His agricultural upbringing with time in 4-H and FFA, to present day as an owner of a cattle and grain operation in western North Dakota, allow him to fully appreciate and understand farmer, rancher, and small business owner concerns. Along with his work in a large private-sector business, Brian recognizes tax impacts on businesses, individuals, and the state.
Brian served as president of the Bismarck State College Foundation in 2012-2013 and co-chaired the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way Annual Gift Giving Campaign in 2009. He has served as a board member and trustee for several organizations including United Way, Sanford Health Foundation, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber, Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation, Capitol Gallery, and Bismarck State College Foundation.