J. Patrick Traynor, J.D.

A North Dakota native, Mr. Traynor earned degrees in economics and law from the University of North Dakota.  He began his career as an attorney with the law firm of Conmy, Feste, Bossart, Hubbard and Corwin in Fargo.

In 1994, he was appointed deputy director/general counsel of the North Dakota Workers Compensation Bureau.  Within a year, he became CEO of the Bureau where he spearheaded a major reform improving service to employers and employees, eliminating a $240 million unfunded liability and building a $350 million surplus.

Mr. Traynor became president of Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) in 2000.  The Foundation has since continuously explored new ways to become more effective and impactful in the use of its resources.  Since 1996, DMF has invested more than $120 million in charities and initiatives designed to improve health and quality of life in the region.

In 2005, Mr. Traynor led the establishment of Impact Foundation to provide ongoing training an education for charities to vastly improve their fundraising abilities and capacity to serve the people of our region.  Since then, the Foundation has launched innovative training curriculums for nonprofits including High Impact Boards, High Impact Fundraising, and High Impact Workplaces.

Mr. Traynor assembled a team to launch and expand a 24-hour giving day in February of each year for online charity fundraising, volunteering, and donating of goods.  This 'giving superbowl' features over 500 area charities that have raised more than $112 million for charitable causes and uplifted among tens of thousands of people since it began in 2008.  A key multiplier strategy of the Foundation includes coaching and training nonprofits to become extraordinary friendraisers through the Giving Hearts Day effort.  Giving Hearts Day 2021 raised $22 million through more than 89,000 donations - a testament to the great work of participating charities and massive generosity of people in the region.

Impact Foundation's strong coaching and training programs, together with Giving Hearts Day, earned a prestigious 2015 Bush Innovation Prize for elevating charity results through its programs and building a collaborative network of nonprofits in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.

DMF is also widely known for its Lend A Hand Up program that has helped volunteers raise over $19 million for 500 families in medical crisis since 2008.  DMF leads a child sexual abuse prevention initiative that launched in 2019.  The program works with adults and youth organizations in our region to empower everyone to recognize early warning signs of abuse, bring greater safety measures to organizations, and most importantly, lower the risk of sexual abuse, which impacts 1 in 10 children.  In response to the addiction epidemic in our community, DMF and its partners are working to delay and decrease youth alcohol and substance use and better connect people and families to the services they need.

Mr. Traynor spearheaded the construction of a DMF center for nonprofits which opened in 2013.  This building provides much-needed space for area nonprofits to hold meetings, conferences and retreats.  The DMF Center for Excellence supports the Foundation's work as a collaborative leader in the region, organizing to tackle complex issues such as childhood obesity, chronic disease, addition, child sexual abuse, workplace wellness and other challenges requiring long-term commitment, excellent strategies, and shared resources.  DMF recently purchased 21 acres of land, off interstate 94, for the future home of its Center of Excellence and is currently gathering innovative ideas and helpful information to best design this tremendous gift to serve our community well for generations to come.

DMO is also actively involved in ensuring improved access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment in the region and significant credible research to determine other beneficial uses for HBOT.

Mr. Traynor has served on the boards of Anne Carlsen Center, North Dakota State Retirement and Investment Office, North Dakota Safety Council, and has also served on the University of North Dakota Campaign Steering Committee.  In 2014, he received the L.B. Hartz Professional Achievement Award from the College of Business and Innovation at Minnesota State University Moorhead for creating economic opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship and community service.  Mr. Traynor currently serves as a board member for Gate City Bank and an ex-officio board member for the Dakota Medical Foundation, Dakota Medical Charities, Impact Foundation, and Achievements Unlimited Foundation.