The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that Katie Ralston was promoted to director of Workforce Projects and Programs. 

Ralston recently served as the manager of Workforce Projects and Programs at Commerce. She will serve as the State Workforce Board director of the Workforce Development Council. Ralston will be responsible for leading collaboration across industry, education, labor and members of Team ND to develop and implement workforce projects and programs to help address North Dakota’s current and future workforce challenges. 

Prior to her role at Commerce, Ralston served as manager of Education Initiatives at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. She also played a leading role in the development of the “Fueling our Future” project, which addresses the workforce needs of the Red River Valley. 

Ralston is both a lifelong learner and an educator, having held adjunct teaching roles at Minnesota State University Moorhead and North Dakota State University. Ralston holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from MSUM and master’s degree in speech communication from NDSU.