Armstrong Appoints Interim Health and Human Services Director

Dirk Wilke, interim director of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. (Contributed/HHS via the North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong on Wednesday appointed Dirk Wilke to serve as the interim director of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

Wilke is the current executive director of public health for HHS and will lead the department during the transitional period, according to an Armstrong transition news release.

“Dirk Wilke’s proven track record in public health administration and his commitment to improving the quality of life for all North Dakotans make him the obvious choice to lead DHHS during this time of transition,” Armstrong said in a statement.

Wilke will replace Wayne Salter, commissioner of Health and Human Services, who was appointed to the role by Gov. Doug Burgum in January. Salter and State Health Officer Dr. Nizar Wehbi announced in November that they would not be continuing their roles.

Wilke began his role as executive director of health for the department in 2022. He directs and coordinates the division’s activities, oversees performance measures and is part of developing strategic plans to improve public health across the state, according to the transition announcement.

Wilke joined the North Dakota Department of Health in 2008 as a human resource officer and was elevated to human resources director in 2012. He became the chief operating officer for HHS in 2017 before becoming the department’s executive director.

“I look forward to working with our dedicated team to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our residents and maintain our focus on delivering impactful health and human services, Wilke said in a statement.

Wilke received a law degree from the University of North Dakota. He also received a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Mary.