Blaine DesLauriers is a long-time business executive and community leader with more than 40 years in the banking industry.  He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Senior Executive Vice President at First International Bank & Trust, overseeing five markets and 28 branch locations.  Blaine is retiring in June 2026 after a career defined by strategic decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and leadership rooted in accountability.

That experience gives Blaine a clear understanding of the challenges facing small businesses, workforce recruitment, housing, and infrastructure—insight he will bring to the Legislature.

Blaine’s commitment to service extends far beyond his professional career. Over the years, he has served in leadership roles across education, health care, economic development, and youth programs, including:

• Current board member and past chair, Minot State University Board of Regents

• Past chair and 30-year board member, Minot Family YMCA

• Past board member, Minot Area Development Corporation

• Past board member, Trinity Health – Minot

• Current board member and past chair, Kalix

• Appointed member and former chair, Minot MAGIC Fund

• Past chair, Minot Recreation Commission

• Past chair, MSU Beaver Boosters

At the state level, Blaine was appointed in 2013 by former Governor Jack Dalrymple to serve on the North Dakota Property Tax Reform Task Force, where he worked on practical solutions to control property tax growth.

He has also served as a high school and college football official and crew chief for 30 years, mentoring young people and reinforcing fairness, discipline, and leadership.

Blaine was born and raised on his family farm west of Sherwood, where hard work, responsibility, and family values were a way of life. He has been married to his wife Kathy since July 11, 1980. Kathy is a retired elementary school teacher who spent 35 years in the Minot Public Schools, primarily teaching first grade. A graduate of Minot State University, she dedicated her career to education and now enjoys being a full-time grandmother.

Blaine and Kathy have two adult children and five grandchildren, all of whom live in Minot. Blaine is amember of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where he has served on the church council and finance committee. He also served on the Diocesan Finance Committee for the Bismarck Diocese.