Josh Askvig Joins AARP North Dakota Staff

Josh Askvig of Bismarck has joined the staff of AARP North Dakota as associate state director for advocacy.

Askvig has primary responsibility for organizing and coordinating state and federal advocacy on issues of importance to AARP members, as well as a key role in supporting volunteers and members who are engaged in working on those issues.

“Josh not only has experience working in a U.S. Senate office, but also with state policymakers. He will be actively building out our network of grassroots volunteer advocates to reach out to members of Congress and their state legislators on issues important to the 50-plus population,” said State Director Janis Cheney. “This is an especially critical time as Congress makes budget decisions that could greatly impact our members, their families and all North Dakotans.”

At the state level, legislative interim committees are studying several issues of importance to AARP members. Those issues will be addressed when the North Dakota Legislature convenes again in January 2013. Of importance to AARP’s members are transit issues; long-term care issues, including home-based care; senior housing issues; retirement issues; and guardianship.

Askvig most recently worked for the North Dakota Education Association co-directing the organizations lobbying efforts. For two years, he worked in the office of U.S. Senator Kent Conrad while attending graduate school in Washington, D.C.

Askvig serves on the Bismarck City Commission. He is president of the Dickinson State University Alumni Association and a volunteer counselor with the North Dakota American Legion Boys State.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Dickinson State University and a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Askvig is a native of Minot.

Josh and his wife, Crystal, have a two-year-old son.