BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck attorney and investment manager Joseph Heringer has been selected to head the agency that handles land rights for some of North Dakota’s largest industries.
Heringer replaces Jodi Smith, who resigned in October to join the FM Diversion Authority.
The land board commissioner leads the Department of Trust Lands. The state Board of University and School Lands oversees the Land Department. Gov. Doug Burgum heads the five-member, all Republican board.
The Land Department leases rights for grazing and rights to produce oil, coal and gravel from state lands. It manages several state trust funds, including the common schools trust fund that benefits public schools.