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Fast Facts

In 2005, 16- to 24-year-olds represented 24 percent of all traffic fatalities. (NHTSA 2005 Traffic Safety Facts Overview)

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Profile on Marsha Lembke

Posted: Mar 8, 2004

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Marsha M. Lembke
Director of Drivers License and Traffic Safety Division
North Dakota Department of Transportation


  • Born and raised near Wahpeton, ND

  • Graduated with a Nursing degree from State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND

  • Management Degree from University of Mary in Bismarck, ND

  • After 10 years in Nursing career, entered Real Estate Sales which allowed personal growth and flexibility to raise a family

  • In 1986, became manager of the ND Association of Builders. During this time, I was a contributing author of Building From the Ground Up, a government relations manual for builder associations.

  • In 1991, added National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to repertoire and served concurrently as statewide director for both organizations. The job description included lobbying and coordinating small-business issues. During those years, I was able to gain experience and skills by lobbying for state and federal legislation.

  • In 1998, after only one year of service, was nominated as Employee of the Year by coworkers


Always an active community volunteer, my activities range from church, to school, to public councils. My other hobbies include being at the lake, reading, settin' on the porch, and travel--especially with my husband, Claus, on our "Trike," a three-wheeled motorcycle. Surprisingly, I am not the only grandma in leathers, although mine are red! Claus and I also enjoy our small hobby farm and spoiling (in a good way) our six grandchildren who all live in Bismarck. I am the mother of three wonderful children (Karl, Monica, and Aaron and am "Oma" to Megan, Nicholas, Karli, Kaia, Nathan, and Riley Ann. Megan and I, who is the oldest grandchild at 5, share our love of the color, "purple." Besides grandchildren and the color purple, my other likes include positive people, and my biggest dislike is negative attitudes.

In 1997, I was hired as director of Drivers License and Traffic Safety Division because of my background in customer service, business, management, and nursing. I took the job because I felt I could make a difference. I believe that by allowing people to "bloom" where they are planted and by offering hospitality to all coworkers and customers (which I learned through my Dad's profound example) prepared me for this position. I keep this job because the personnel make the difference. I am proudest of the division's accomplishments in customer service through hospitality, and in my quest to form and grow positive traffic safety partnerships.


My main job frustration comes from regulations, regulations, regulations! Also, people forget that we all work for citizens' safety. The best things about working with traffic safety are the great managers and program managers and the strong partnerships we've built-especially in the safe communities and marketing areas. When we win-even if it's just one more person buckling up-it's such a great reward. I am most proud of our partners for traffic safety from the businesses of North Dakota.[ end of article ]