| Steve is a lifelong North Dakotan. After graduating from Edgeley High School, he attended North Dakota State University where he was elected by his peers to serve as Student Body President. In 1977, Steve graduated from NDSU with a degree in Economics and Military Science.
Swiontek went on to start his career as a Management Trainee at Gate City Bank, the company where he stayed for the duration of his professional life. In 2000, he was elected to the Board of Directors and named President. Today, Steve serves as Chair of the Board where he incorporates a focus on philanthropy and serves as a community ambassador along with his fiduciary responsibilities.
With a lifelong interest in the political process and how the decisions made by governing bodies affected the lives of its citizens, Steve gained knowledge with his involvement in the College Republicans followed by internships at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. and at the office of U.S. Senator Milton R. Young. As a staff member in various ND election campaigns, he learned the resilience needed for a successful election. In his 20s, he ran for the ND House and won, leading to 4 two-year terms. During his legislative career he introduced a bill to fund Rape and Abuse Crisis Centers across the state. Working with all sides to approach problems and provide solutions comes naturally to him and he understands the importance of promoting bipartisan dialogue.
While extremely active with Gate City Bank operations, Steve also answered the community's additional needs by serving on the Fargo Board of Education for 6 years. He then served on the Cass County Electric Co-Operative Board of Directors for 18 years, overseeing efficient operations to keep citizens' cost of electricity low.
Steve has had a lifelong interest in philanthropy and servant leadership. As President, Chair & CEO at Gate City, he focused on these values that resulted in numerous program innovations. A strong supporter of law enforcement, Steve has always ensured that the safety of our communities' officers is a priority. When the Fargo Police Department and NDSU campus police officers needed funds to provide protective headgear to all patrol officers, the bank funded their requirement. The bank has also funded initiatives for the West Fargo Fire Department, further supporting public safety.
Steve's focus on a better way of life has inspired industry-leading volunteerism at Gate City. Since 2020, Gate City team members have volunteered over 74,000 hours in the communities they serve. Through Steve's leadership, Gate City has also stepped up to provide innovative solutions to challenges in our communities. With a child care shortage impacting families across North Dakota, Gate City launched a BetterLife Child Care Business Loan Program which has created or maintained care capacity for over 400 children.
Active in our community, Steve has served on many local boards including the City of Fargo Renaissance Zone Authority, NDSU Development Foundation, and Fueling our Future. A leader in North Dakota's business community, Steve also served on the board of the Greater North Dakota Chamber and was past Chair of the FMWF Chamber.
In 2022, Steve recognized the need for dedicated leaders in state government. With the support of his friends and neighbors, Steve was elected to the legislature where he was a champion for education and mental health. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee and as Vice Chair of the Education & Environment Appropriations Division, Steve made an impact on tax reduction, workforce development and education, drawing from his over 45 years of business experience. |