North Dakota Parks and Recreation Director Cody Schulz named chief financial officer at Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Bismarck, North Dakota – North Dakota Parks and Recreation Director Cody Schulz will step down from his current position next month to begin a new chapter in state government, Governor Kelly Armstrong announced.
Schulz has been selected to serve as the chief financial officer for the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR). He will officially begin his new role on Aug. 17.
The leadership change marks the end of nearly four years overseeing the state’s parks system, during which Schulz guided several major projects and improvements aimed at expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across North Dakota.
Governor praises Schulz’s leadership and accomplishments
Schulz was first appointed director of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department by then-Governor Doug Burgum in October 2021. After taking office in December 2024, Governor Kelly Armstrong chose to reappoint him to continue leading the agency.
During his time as director, the department celebrated several significant achievements, including the opening of a new state park at Pembina Gorge, improvements and expansions at existing parks, major infrastructure investments, and efforts to enhance the experience for visitors across the state.
“Parks and Recreation has thrived under Cody’s leadership, opening a new state park at Pembina Gorge, expanding and improving existing parks, making major investments in infrastructure and enhancing visitor experiences,” Armstrong said. “While we will miss his leadership of the agency, we’re excited that he has decided to continue serving the citizens of North Dakota at DOCR, where his experience in finance and accounting will serve the department well.”
Schulz said his decision to leave the department was not easy, but it was influenced by both personal and professional considerations.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, one driven primarily by the desire to travel less and spend more time with family, especially my aging parents. At the same time, my new role at DOCR allows me to work in finance and public safety – two passions that have shaped much of my career,” Schulz said. “I am filled with gratitude for the team at Parks and Recreation, and I leave with complete confidence in this organization. This is an exceptionally talented team filled with capable, dedicated people who care deeply about one another, our mission, and the citizens we serve.”
Before leading the Parks and Recreation Department, Schulz spent 13 years with the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. During that time, he served as the agency’s business manager and finance officer for seven years before becoming the state’s director of Homeland Security, a position he held from 2018 through 2021.
Prior to entering state government, Schulz worked for nearly 13 years in the private sector, serving as a business owner, account specialist, and government and public affairs analyst.
A native of New Salem, Schulz earned an associate’s degree from Bismarck State College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Dickinson State University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.
His public service also includes time on the Morton County Commission from 2012 to 2020, where he served as chairman in 2016, 2017, and 2020. In addition, he spent eight years as a member of the Morton County Park Board, further reflecting his long-standing commitment to public service and outdoor recreation.
