Julie Fedorchak was appointed to the Public Service Commission in December 2012 by Gov. Jack Dalrymple to fill out the term vacated by U.S. Congressman Kevin Cramer. She successfully ran for election in November 2014 to fill out the remainder of the term which expires in 2016. She currently serves as Chairman of the Commission.
A third generation North Dakotan and the youngest of eight children, Julie was born in Williston and had the great fortune of growing up in several regions of the state. She completed elementary and junior high school in Fargo, spent many summers on her family’s farm and ranch south of Stanley, N.D., and graduated from Bismarck Century High School in 1986.
Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota in 1990 then launched her professional career with the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation where she was director of communications and editor of alumni publications.
Julie ventured to the East Coast for a couple years, living in Washington, D.C., and working at the University of Maryland College Park. In 1995, North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer invited her back home to serve as communications director. As a senior member of his team, Julie advised on all budget and policy decisions and was Governor Schafer’s principal speech writer, spokesperson and media liaison. She held that position until he retired from office in 2000.
Following this period in government, Julie started her own business, Liffrig Communications, a small firm that provided marketing, communications, media relations and government relations services. Through a diverse base of public and private sector clients, Julie deepened her involvement in and understanding of state government, economic development and North Dakota’s key industries including energy and agriculture. She also expanded her writing credentials, publishing a bi-weekly column in the Bismarck Tribune and collaborating with her mother on two books: I’m Strong. I can Make It and Growing Up Rich in a Poor Family.
After 10 years in the private sector, John Hoeven’s election to the U.S. Senate in 2010 called Julie back to public service, first as Deputy Director of Senator Hoeven’s state operations. She was promoted to State Director in 2011. In that capacity, Julie managed statewide issues and staff including five state offices while advancing Sen. Hoeven’s top priorities including national energy policy.
Julie is married to Mike Fedorchak of Minot. They have three children and live in Bismarck where they are involved in a number of activities and organizations including youth soccer, basketball, football and baseball, the Bismarck Figure Skating Club, Shade Tree Players, and Cathedral of the Holy Spirit school and parish. Julie also serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Mary.
In her free time, Julie runs and swims and enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, entertaining, reading, family gatherings and escaping to their farm and ranch northwest of Bismarck.
