Growing up in North Dakota, North Dakota State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt learned the values of hard work, keeping her word, and the importance of serving her community. Those are the same values that led her to public service and continue to guide her decisions as she represents the people of North Dakota.

Schmidt was elected State Treasurer in November 2004. She was re-elected in 2008. Since taking office, she has worked to bring cost savings and efficiencies into the Treasurer's Office. She has promoted localized economic development through an initiative called BidND which fosters economic growth. BidND has placed millions of dollars in North Dakota communities, garnering additional interest income for the state.

As State Treasurer, Schmidt serves as a member of the North Dakota State Investment Board, the Teachers Fund for Retirement Board (TFFR), North Dakota Board of Tax Equalization, North Dakota State Historical Society, and the North Dakota Board of University and School Lands. She currently serves as Chair of the National Association of State Treasurer’s (NAST) Foundation which oversees the educational activities of the foundation which include the New Treasurers Symposium, the International Project assisting Mexican Public Finance Officials as well as initiatives to promote financial literacy across the nation. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Jump$tart Coalition and the American Savings Education Council.

In 2005, Schmidt graduated from the National Institute for Public Finance at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. In 2009, the Council of State Governments named her a “Toll Fellow” for her achievement and service to state government.

Recognized by her peers as a national leader, Schmidt was elected Senior Vice President of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) for 2010, which puts her in line to become the President of NAST in 2011.

Schmidt has a long time record of dedicated community service:

• Member of the Inter Service Family Action Committee (ISFAC) a voluntary military cooperative partnership organized to provide multi-service networking for military members and their families.
• Founding member of the ND Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.
• Trustee of the North Dakota State Historical Board Foundation.
• Republican National Committee Women's Advisory Board.
• Past president of the Mandan Kiwanis and a Kiwanian of the Year; Past Lt. Governor for her Kiwanis region.
• 15 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
• Life member of the AmVets Auxiliary.
• Trustee of the Spirit of Life Parish.

Kelly and her husband, Chuck, have four sons and reside in Mandan, ND.