Gov. Kelly Armstrong thanked Job Service North Dakota Executive Director Pat Bertagnolli for his leadership after Bertagnolli announced on Mar. 17 that he will retire effective June 12.
Bertagnolli has led the agency since February 2022, overseeing efforts to remove barriers to employment and connect jobseekers with employers. Armstrong said, “Pat brought an unmatched energy and enthusiasm to Job Service. Whether here in North Dakota or traveling outside the state, he was quick to tell anyone and everyone about our abundant job opportunities and great communities.” Armstrong also said, “Under Pat’s leadership, Job Service made significant strides in removing barriers to employment and helping jobseekers find employers. He went the extra mile to inform students about the quality career opportunities right here at home and address workforce needs through a variety of programs. We deeply appreciate Pat’s service and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
During Bertagnolli’s tenure, Job Service North Dakota earned strong national rankings for its Workforce Services and Unemployment Insurance divisions. The agency expanded its partnership with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation through the Job Placement Partnership program and grew its H-2A temporary agricultural visa program. Employer resources were enhanced with new webinars on work-based learning, labor market information, veteran hiring, and opportunities for justice-involved individuals. The agency also helped establish a Legislative Open House to improve connections between lawmakers and state agencies.
Bertagnolli said, “It has been a privilege to serve the people of North Dakota and to work with the exceptional team at Job Service North Dakota. The advancements made in recent years reflect their unwavering commitment to reliable service and the robust partnerships that connect agencies, communities and employers statewide. I remain sincerely grateful for Gov. Armstrong’s leadership, for the collaboration that enabled this work and for the relationships that have been strengthened throughout North Dakota.”
Bertagnolli has served on the state’s Workforce Development Council since 2014. Before joining Job Service, he was director of the Rough Rider Center in Watford City for three years and worked in human resources management following a long career with UPS.
The search for a new executive director will begin immediately.
