North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to announce Donna Aukland has been appointed as chief financial officer, effective March 1.
As chief financial officer, Aukland will have strategic oversight of budget and accounting functions across HHS and provide support for supply chain, logistics, audit, and procurement and contracts functions.
Aukland, previously serving as interim chief financial officer for HHS, brings nearly two decades of experience in government accounting and finance operations. Before her interim role, she served as an assistant chief financial officer at HHS for six years, successfully overseeing finance operations for 13 sections of the agency.
“Donna’s background, expertise and team-focused approach reflect a commitment to advancing excellence in agency infrastructure and operations, a strategic priority for HHS,” said HHS Commissioner Wayne Salter. ”I am confident that she and the finance team will continue to successfully support HHS in our mission to foster positive, comprehensive outcomes by promoting economic, behavioral and physical health, ensuring a holistic approach to individual and community well-being.”
Aukland sponsored the implementation of HHS' new budget and projection system aimed toward innovation and process improvement. The system increased budgeting process efficiency, improved usability for team members and significantly impacted the agency’s overall budget planning performance.
“I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to serve North Dakotans, ensuring legislatively approved funding for HHS programs and services is in place where and when it’s needed to improve lives,” said Aukland.
Aukland also played a key leadership role in streamlining finance functions from multiple areas into a centralized finance division in support of one health and human services organization and creating one HHS budget.
Donna holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in business administration, both earned from the University of Mary.