Odney Public Affairs - Our Team.

Shane Goettle

Shane Goettle has more than two decades of experience in law, business, energy, agriculture, trade, finance and public affairs, combined with extensive work in and with local, state and federal governments. Prior to joining Odney, Shane served five years in Governor John Hoeven’s cabinet, heading the North Dakota Commerce Department and one year as U.S. Senator John Hoeven’s State Director. In his state role, Shane chaired the Governor’s Energy Policy Commission (EmPower ND). Shane previously had served in the George W. Bush Administration in Washington, D.C. in two notable roles: Counsel to the Chair of the Federal Housing Finance Board and Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of USDA-Rural Development.

Prior to Shane’s stint in public service at the federal and state level, he was a partner in the law firm of McGee, Hankla, Backes & Dobrovolny in Minot, North Dakota, with a concentration on small businesses, commercial transactions, real estate, securities, debtor/creditor law, and estate planning. In addition, Shane is a founder and co-owner of a family owned gravel company and a board member of a petro-chemical development company.

Shane is an advocate with a mind for policy. He knows how to assess, strategize and execute on complex projects and issues and get results. He utilizes his training in law, experience in business, and knowledge of how government works to give results-oriented service for clients.

A graduate of Stanley High School, North Dakota State University (B.S. Agricultural Economics), and Hamline University School of Law, Shane is active in the community, serving on several committees and boards, including Home on the Range (for troubled youth). Shane lives with his wife Brenda in Mandan, North Dakota. Together, they have six children.

Don Larson

Don Larson brings his nearly twenty years of experience in politics and government to work for clients of Odney Public Affairs. Prior to becoming a partner in Odney, Larson served six years as chief of staff to U.S. Senator John Hoeven. He also ran three successful campaigns for Hoeven, including in 2016, when Hoeven received the largest margin of victory for a U.S. Senate candidate in North Dakota history. Larson previously served as legislative director and senior policy advisor in the North Dakota Governor’s Office, legislative director for the North Dakota Republican Party, as well as working on local, state and national campaigns in North Dakota, Tennessee and New Jersey.

As someone who has worked in both the executive and legislative branches, Don knows how to put together strategies that succeed. He leverages his experience and connections at both the state and federal level to open the right doors for clients and provide a pathway to get results.

Originally from Surrey, North Dakota, Don lives in Bismarck with his wife and two daughters. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University (B.S. Political Science). He is active in his community, currently serving on the board of directors for the Bismarck Ronald McDonald House.