Lisa Edison-Smith, a West Fargo attorney who specializes in labor and employment law, responds to questions from state leaders during an interview for open seats on the North Dakota Ethics Commission on June 19, 2026. (Photo by Mary Steurer/For the North Dakota Monitor)
BISMARCK (North Dakota Monitor) — A West Fargo attorney will be the next member of the North Dakota Ethics Commission.
The Ethic Commission selection committee on Tuesday named Lisa Edison-Smith to fill an open position on the five-person commission.
Edison-Smith will replace Ron Goodman, who is retiring. Her term will expire in August 2027.
Edison-Smith is an employment and labor attorney with the Vogel Law Firm but plans to retire by the end of the year, according to a questionnaire she filled out for the selection committee. She also has served as a mediator.
She is a graduate of North Dakota State University and the Hamline School of Law.
Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, one of three members of the selection committee, said the committee was impressed with her resume and her interview.
“She made it clear that she’s an independent thinker and she’s not afraid to lead, which includes the ability to dissent,” Hogue said. “So to me, that was important.”
In her questionnaire answers, Edison-Smith said the commission should not usurp the Legislature’s lawmaking authority but adopt rules and conduct investigations in accordance with state law.
She also said it is important for Ethics Commission staff to review “facially deficient or frivolous complaints” and for the commission to dismiss those cases in 60 to 90 days.
The other finalist was North Dakota Insurance and Securities Department attorney Garrett Bryan.
The selection committee, composed of Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Hogue, R-Minot, and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo, also recently named Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben to a spot on the commission.
The Ethics Commission’s duties include adopting ethics rules, investigating alleged violations and issuing advisory opinions to help public officials navigate ethical issues. They are paid a stipend for every day they meet, plus reimbursement for travel.
North Dakota voters in 2018 passed a measure to establish the Ethics Commission.
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