Ep. 19 - Senator Erin Oban

Episode 19 of “These Are Your Neighbors” features Senator Erin Hill-Oban (Erin Oban). Erin is a known change maker for the residents of Bismarck. Erin has built a reputation as a champion for public schools and teachers, working families, kids and marginalized North Dakotans.Erin Oban grew up in a farm family in Ray, North Dakota, a small, rural community in the heart of agriculture and oil country. Oban moved to Bismarck to further her education and received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Mary.Erin’s professional career began as a middle school math and technology teacher and, upon leaving the classroom, gained experience in nonprofit management, politics and government, and regional educational leadership.In 2014, Erin ran as an underdog for and was elected to the North Dakota Senate to represent central Bismarck’s District 35. She was re-elected in 2018. Her leadership in the Senate included service as Assistant Senate Minority Leader and earned recognitions from local and statewide associations as well as selections to national seminars and fellowships. Throughout her legislative service, Erin built a reputation as a champion for public schools and teachers, working families, kids, and marginalized North Dakotans, for being open and accessible, for valuing relationships and engaging in honest, direct debate and dialogue, and for doing and saying what needs to be done and said, even when it’s hard.In March 2022, Erin received an appointment from President Joe Biden to continue public service as the state director for USDA Rural Development in North Dakota, a federal agency dedicated to improving the economy and quality of life in rural and Tribal communities. She and her husband, Chad, enjoy traveling, hosting friends and family, and raising their son and favorite little human, Evin.