Former Watertown resident Chris Schilken named North Dakota Commerce Commissioner

November 21, 2024

BISMARCK, N.D.–Former Watertown Development Company Executive Director Chris Schilken is returning to his North Dakota roots.

Governor-elect Kelly Armstrong has announced Schilken will be North Dakota’s new Department of Commerce Commissioner.

Armstrong’s term begins December 15th.

Schilken, who grew up in Glenburn, North Dakota, headed up the Watertown Development Company for three years beginning in 2018, and then left to work for the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Schilken released a statement about his new position saying, “I look forward to working with our state legislators to advance policies that benefit our communities and economy. Together, we will continue making our state a magnet for job creators and a great place to live.”