Cass County Coroner Kriste Ross has been appointed by the
president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) to serve on the Healthy Counties Innovation Council, bringing her expertise and Cass County’s perspective to a national forum
focused on improving the health and well-being of communities. 

The national appointment recognizes Ross’ leadership, professional expertise and commitment to improving the health and safety of communities. Her appointment also highlights the work she has undertaken beyond her responsibilities as Cass County coroner.

Ross currently serves or has served on several state, regional and national organizations, including the North Dakota Child Fatality Review Panel, North Dakota Overdose Fatality Review Panel, North Dakota Suicide Fatality Review Committee, Cass-Clay Suicide Prevention Coalition and North Dakota Coroners Committee. She is also a former officer and current board member of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and serves with the Region 8 Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, supporting mass-fatality recovery efforts. She is also involved with the newly formed Cass-Clay Overdose Fatality Review Panel.

“Kriste’s appointment is a tremendous recognition of the expertise, leadership and dedication she brings to her work,” said Cass County Commissioner Tim Flakoll. “Her knowledge and experience have made a difference here in Cass County, and now she will have the opportunity to bring that perspective to the national level.”

Ross’ work through fatality review panels, suicide prevention efforts, medicolegal death investigation and disaster response reflects a longstanding commitment to serving individuals, families and communities during some of life’s most difficult circumstances.

“Cass County is fortunate to have someone of Kriste’s caliber serving our community,” Flakoll said. “The confidence placed in her by leaders across the country reflects the respect she has earned throughout her career. We are proud that she will represent Cass County in this important national work.”