Republican gubernatorial candidate John Hoeven has been President and CEO of Bank of North Dakota, Bismarck since May 1993.  In that time, he has overseen the bank's growth from $900 million to $1.6 billion.  The loan portfolio has increased five fold, from $200 million to more than $1 billion. In fact, BND has experienced the strongest loan growth in its history.

John returned to North Dakota to enter the banking industry after completing college and graduate school.  He started the bank's trust department, which now manages more than $300 million. In 1986, he moved to the role of Executive Vice President responsible for overseeing the bank's day-to-day operations.  During his tenure, the bank doubled its size, bringing on many new products and services for its customers.

As an active community volunteer, John chaired the 1998 Missouri Slope United Way campaign. The effort yielded a record breaking $932,000, well exceeding the committee's goal of $910,000.  In 1989, the Minot Air Force Base was targeted for partial closure. John led a taskforce, which worked closely with the military to keep the base intact. Their extensive lobbying effort resulted in the complete retention of the facility.

In a debate with his Democratic opponent earlier this year, Mr. Hoeven said he'd help teachers, parents and all North Dakotans release their talents. "As governor, I want to do my best to get you the resources to do your job," he said. "And stand back and let you work, empower you.  I believe that I can develop a good strong plan, with your input, and I can work with the Legislature to deliver it, and then turn you loose.  And I'll do my very best to do that job."

John Hoeven and his wife Mical have been married 17 years.  Their daughter, Marcela, attends high school.  Son Jack is in grade school.