BISMARCK — Gov. Doug Burgum on Friday announced that North Dakota Highway Patrol Col. Brandon Solberg plans to retire from law enforcement Nov. 30 after nearly six and half years as superintendent of the Highway Patrol. Solberg has accepted another position in state government as director of the Facility Management Division in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), effective Dec. 1.

Solberg has served as Highway Patrol superintendent since July 1, 2018, after being appointed by Burgum to succeed Col. Michael Gerhart. Solberg joined the Highway Patrol in January 1999, and spent time stationed as a trooper in Grafton, Grand Forks and Fargo. He was promoted to major and chief of staff at NDHP headquarters in 2014, managing the patrol’s budget and overseeing about 200 team members.

“North Dakota is a safer place to live and drive because of Col. Solberg’s highly capable leadership and nearly three decades of exemplary service in law enforcement,” Burgum said. “His unwavering commitment to public safety and willingness to embrace new technology and processes to enhance the effectiveness of the Highway Patrol have served our citizens well. We are deeply grateful for his service and appreciate his help in ensuring a smooth leadership transition in the Highway Patrol as he transitions to his new role with OMB.”

As superintendent, Solberg guided the Highway Patrol through several major initiatives and programs, including implementation of the Vision Zero traffic safety initiative that was launched in 2018 by the Highway Patrol, N.D. Department of Transportation and Department of Health and Human Services. Annual traffic crash fatalities in North Dakota decreased to 98 in 2022, the lowest total in 20 years.

“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve as a member of Gov. Burgum’s cabinet, and I appreciate him entrusting me with leading the highly professional team at the North Dakota Highway Patrol,” Solberg said. “Their commitment to public safety and providing the best law enforcement services possible is a benefit to North Dakota residents and visitors alike, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served with them. I look forward to joining Facility Management and continuing my service to the citizens of our great state.”

Solberg will succeed current Facility Management Director John Boyle, who is retiring after 22 years in the role. Burgum expressed his deepest gratitude to Boyle for his longtime service and assisting in the transition.

The Highway Patrol superintendent position will be posted in early fall.