Who Is Doug Burgum? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Doug Burgum, born on August 1, 1956, is an influential American politician and businessman. He hails from North Dakota, where he has made significant contributions to both the business and political arenas. As of 2025, Doug Burgum is 68 years old, and his journey from a successful entrepreneur to the Governor of North Dakota has been widely documented. His political career gained momentum when he was elected Governor in 2016, during which he focused on economic development, education reform, and improving healthcare in North Dakota.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1956 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Arthur, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Doug Burgum's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Doug Burgum stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and has maintained a healthy physique throughout his life. While specific weight details are not publicly disclosed, Burgum's active lifestyle and dedication to wellness are apparent in his appearance. His body measurements reflect a fit and agile persona, befitting a public figure who values both health and personal presentation.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Doug Burgum was previously married to his first wife, who he divorced in 2003. He later entered into a notable relationship with a woman named Kathryn, who has often been mentioned in discussions about his personal life. However, as of 2025, there have been no official statements regarding a steady girlfriend or a significant romantic partner. Doug tends to keep his private life under wraps, focusing more on his political responsibilities and public engagements.
During his freshman year in high school, Burgum's father died. He later said that the experience shaped him as a person. He graduated from North Dakota State University (NDSU) in 1978. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and served as student body president. As a college student, he started a chimney-sweeping business.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Doug Burgum's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful ventures in the technology sector, particularly through his role in co-founding Great Plains Software, which was sold to Microsoft in 2001. Burgum earns an annual salary of approximately $130,000 as the Governor of North Dakota. This hefty salary, combined with his previous business ventures, has solidified his position as one of the wealthiest politicians in the state.
On March 20, 2023, Burgum vetoed a bill to raise the state interstate speed limit to 80 mph. During the 2023 legislative session, he signed a bill that exempts members of the North Dakota National Guard and reserve from paying income tax, and another that provided over $500 million in tax relief.
Career, Business, and Investments
Doug Burgum's career began in the tech industry when he founded Great Plains Software, setting a precedent for future entrepreneurs. Post-sale to Microsoft, he became an executive and further solidified his influence in the tech world. His foray into politics has also been accompanied by strategic initiatives to boost North Dakota's economy, focusing on technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. In recent years, Burgum has been an advocate for investments in rural broadband and innovative startups, emphasizing the importance of modernization in state infrastructure.
After graduating from North Dakota State University in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in university studies and earning an MBA from Stanford University two years later, he mortgaged inherited farmland in 1983 to invest in Great Plains Software in Fargo. Becoming its president in 1984, he took the company public in 1997.
Burgum sold the company to Microsoft for $1.1 billion in 2001. While working at Microsoft, he managed Microsoft Business Solutions. He has served as board chairman for Australian software company Atlassian and SuccessFactors.
Burgum is the founder of Kilbourne Group, a Fargo-based real-estate development firm, and also is the co-founder of Arthur Ventures, a software venture capital group.
Social Network
Doug Burgum maintains an active presence on several social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. His Twitter handle, @DougBurgum, is particularly popular among followers who engage with him regarding state policies, community issues, and his personal insights into leadership and governance. He uses these platforms to connect with constituents and promote his initiatives, often sharing updates and responding to queries from the public.
Burgum is also the founder of the Kilbourne Group, a real-estate development firm focused on downtown Fargo. In 2013 he created plans to build the tallest building in Fargo—a 23-story mixed-use building—to be named either Block 9 or Dakota Place. It was completed in 2020 as the RDO Building.
The company advocated for a convention center to be built in downtown Fargo. It acquired and renovated many Fargo properties, including the former St. Mark's Lutheran Church and the former Woodrow Wilson alternative high school. Several of the companies he has invested in are in Fargo.
Education
Doug Burgum attended North Dakota State University, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His educational background, combined with his extensive work experience in both the private and public sectors, has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of governance and business.
In January 2023, Burgum and other North Dakota officials threatened to sue Minnesota over a law that would require the state's electricity to come from sources that do not emit carbon dioxide. Minnesota governor Tim Walz signed the bill on February 7, 2023.
In an attempt to mitigate the schoolteacher shortage, Burgum announced the creation of a Teacher Retention and Recruitment task force that would consist of multiple members, Burgum, and the North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction.
In October 2023, Burgum condemned Hamas's and noted that 84 North Dakotans who were on a church tour were stranded in Bethlehem as the fighting began.
