New SBAND President Carrie Francis: Promoting
programs that benefit SBAND members and the community
SBAND President Carrie Francis, second from the right, with her family. From left to right, Brock, Amber holding Huxley, Allison, Doug, and Coltan.
n Can you tell me about your background
and family?
I was born and raised in Garrison. My father owned an implement
dealership in town, and my mother was a homemaker. I was the
youngest of four children. My parents taught all of us the value of a
strong work ethic and encouraged us not to settle, but to work hard for
what we wanted. Most importantly, they believed in us and our dreams.
I have been married to my husband, Doug, for nearly 21 years. He
owns and operates an excavation company in the Minot area. Doug’s
son, Brock, moved in with us shortly after our marriage. I quickly
found myself in the role of law student, wife, and “mother.” We
learned very quickly how to juggle living apart, my school and work
schedule, and Doug and Brock's activities at home. Brock and his
wife, Amber, recently welcomed their first child, and we could not be
more excited to have a grandson to love and spoil.
Doug and I have two children together. Coltan, 16, will be a
sophomore this fall. He loves to hunt and fish and will spend all his
free time outside in pursuit of whatever is in season. When he is not
hunting or fishing, he can be found on the basketball court or the
baseball field. Allison, 14, will be a freshman this year. She loves to
play basketball, volleyball, and spend time with her friends. During
the winter months, she can be found in the kitchen baking to earn
spending money. Our free time is typically spent in the gym cheering
on their volleyball and basketball teams and travel volleyball on the
weekends. Baseball consumes our spring and summer days. While we
may lament about games and activities consuming our free time, we
love it and there are not many activities that we miss.
n What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
The Francis family at a state baseball tournament.
My elementary school tapes videos of all students when they are in
sixth grade telling about themselves and their future plans. When
I taped my sixth-grade video, I announced to my classmates that I
6 THE GAVEL