Meet Denise Kolpack

Public service has shaped my life from the very beginning. Although my parents were originally from this region, I was born in California (one half of a set of identical twins) at Norton Air Force Base while my father served our country in Vietnam and the Philippines. After his military service, both of my parents worked for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department before our family returned to North Dakota, where my dad became Chief of Police in Northwood. Growing up in a law-enforcement family instilled in me a deep respect for service, integrity and accountability. Our family later moved to East Grand Forks, Minnesota, where my dad opened a small business with his brothers. I graduated from East Grand Forks High School and earned a degree in Communications & Public Relations from the University of North Dakota, launching a career centered on leadership, collaboration and advocacy.

Professionally, I have spent decades helping organizations communicate clearly, build trust and serve people effectively. My career included roles with the North Dakota Newspaper Association, a newspaper, an advertising agency and as the first Executive Director of the North Dakota Water Coalition. I later returned to the Newspaper Association as its Executive Director. Nearly 25 years ago, a position with United Blood Services brought me to Fargo where I truly found my home. I concluded my private-sector career as Vice President of Brand and Marketing Communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, a role I held for 15 years.

In June 2022, Fargo voters elected me to the City Commission as the top vote-getter in a historic 15-candidate race. Since then, I have served as liaison to the Fire, Water, Water Reclamation, Solid Waste and Communications & Governmental Affairs departments. This work strengthened my understanding of city operations and reinforced my belief that local government must be professional, transparent and effective. In June 2024, my fellow Commissioners selected me to serve as Fargo’s Deputy Mayor, representing our city at the local, state and national levels. Beyond City Hall, I serve as Vice Chair of the North Safety Council and on the boards of The Village Family Service Center, CHI Friendship and The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. I recently completed service on the National Ataxia Foundation board.

My husband, Dave, now works at Sanford Health after a long career with the Associated Press. Our son, Andrew, and daughter-in-law, Siri, returned home to West Fargo after graduating from UND. In June 2025, we welcomed our first grandchild, Andia — a moment that galvanized why this work matters.

I am running for mayor because Fargo deserves steady leadership, professional governance and a clear vision rooted in service, transparency and opportunity for all.