Doug Burgum, aged 68 as of 2025, is the Governor of North Dakota, a successful businessman, and a philanthropist with a net worth of $1.5 billion. Married to Kathryn Helgaas Burgum since 2016, the couple shares a deep commitment to public service and community development. While Doug’s leadership has shaped North Dakota’s economic and political landscape, Kathryn’s advocacy for substance abuse recovery has made her a powerful voice for change. Together, they are raising Doug’s three children from his previous marriage and balancing their personal and professional responsibilities with grace.
Key Takeaways
- Dynamic Partnership: Doug and Kathryn Burgum’s relationship exemplifies mutual respect and a shared commitment to public service.
- Family Focus: Despite their demanding roles, they prioritize family life and maintain strong connections with their children.
- Addiction Advocacy: Kathryn’s work in recovery awareness has made a significant impact on reducing stigma and expanding resources for addiction treatment.
- Economic Leadership: Doug’s innovative approach to governance has positioned North Dakota as a leader in economic growth and community development.
Meet Kathryn Helgaas Burgum
Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, the First Lady of North Dakota, is a passionate advocate for addiction recovery and mental health awareness. Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, she grew up with a strong sense of community and responsibility, values that have guided her career and public service efforts.
Kathryn’s personal journey with recovery from alcohol addiction has shaped her mission as First Lady. She has used her platform to raise awareness about addiction, reduce stigma, and advocate for resources that support individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
Their Marriage
Doug and Kathryn Burgum married in 2016, shortly before Doug began his first term as governor. Their union brought together two people with a shared vision of service and a desire to make a positive impact on the state of North Dakota. Despite their busy schedules, the couple prioritizes spending time together and supporting one another’s endeavors.
Kathryn often speaks publicly about her admiration for Doug’s leadership and dedication to North Dakota, while Doug frequently highlights Kathryn’s inspiring work in addiction advocacy. Their relationship reflects mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving lives in their community.
Family Dynamics
Doug Burgum has three children—Jesse, Joe, and Tom Burgum—from his previous marriage. Kathryn has embraced her role as a stepmother, fostering a warm and supportive family environment. The couple values time spent with their children, often attending family gatherings and community events together.
Balancing their public roles with family life requires careful effort, but Doug and Kathryn have managed to build a strong foundation rooted in communication and mutual support.
Kathryn’s Advocacy
As First Lady, Kathryn has prioritized addiction recovery as her primary initiative. Drawing from her personal experience, she has become a leading voice in addressing substance abuse in North Dakota and beyond. Kathryn’s work includes hosting the annual Recovery Reinvented conference, which brings together experts, policymakers, and individuals in recovery to share resources and ideas for combating addiction.
Her efforts have resulted in significant policy advancements and increased access to recovery services in North Dakota. Kathryn’s transparency about her own journey has inspired countless individuals to seek help and embrace recovery.
Doug’s Leadership
Doug Burgum’s career spans business, philanthropy, and politics. Before entering public service, he was a tech entrepreneur, founding Great Plains Software, which was later acquired by Microsoft. This success contributed significantly to his $1.5 billion net worth.
As governor, Doug has focused on diversifying North Dakota’s economy, improving education, and fostering innovation. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by a focus on balancing public health with economic stability, earning him both praise and criticism.
Doug’s commitment to North Dakota extends beyond his role as governor. He has invested in community initiatives, infrastructure, and sustainability projects that aim to improve the quality of life for residents.
A Partnership in Service
Together, Doug and Kathryn Burgum form a dynamic team dedicated to serving North Dakota. Their complementary strengths—Doug’s expertise in governance and economic strategy, and Kathryn’s passion for advocacy—enable them to tackle complex challenges effectively.
The couple often appears together at public events, reflecting their shared dedication to fostering a stronger and healthier state. Their ability to support one another’s goals has been a hallmark of their marriage and public life
Conclusion
Doug Burgum’s success as a leader and Kathryn Helgaas Burgum’s advocacy for addiction recovery highlight the couple’s dedication to improving lives in North Dakota. As of 2025, their partnership continues to inspire others, demonstrating how collaboration and shared values can create meaningful change. Whether through governance, philanthropy, or advocacy, Doug and Kathryn remain committed to leaving a lasting legacy of service and compassion.