ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today announced he has appointed Jessica Looman to serve as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Beginning Friday, November 17, Commissioner Looman will succeed Commissioner Mike Rothman, who announced today his plans to step down after seven years of service. Looman brings extensive experience in industry regulation, consumer protection, and public-sector management to the Department. As Commerce Commissioner, Looman will prioritize fair treatment of Minnesotans, advancing the state’s clean energy economy, and ensuring the effective regulation and licensing of over 20 industries under the Department’s purview.

 

“Jessica Looman will be an excellent Commerce Commissioner,” said Governor Dayton. “She has done an outstanding job improving the efficiency of the Labor Department and its services – ensuring workers and consumers get the protections they deserve, and businesses get the quick and quality services they expect. As Commerce Commissioner, Ms. Looman’s commitment to quality government services and responsible regulation will serve Minnesotans very well.”

 

“Over the last seven years at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Jessica Looman has proven herself to be an exemplary leader and effective manager,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “Jessica’s commitment to making state government work better, saving time and money, and delivering higher-quality service to Minnesotans, has been extraordinary. I know she will bring that same commitment to her new role as Minnesota’s Commerce Commissioner.”

“It is a tremendous privilege to serve Minnesotans,” said Commissioner Looman. “The Commerce Department’s professional staff work incredibly hard every day to improve the lives of Minnesotans, and to ensure a fair and efficient regulatory environment for many of our state’s industries. I look forward to leading the Department as we continue protecting consumers, advancing our clean energy economy, and delivering the quality, efficient services Minnesotans expect and deserve.”

 

Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith today thanked Mike Rothman for his years of service. Commissioner Rothman, who was appointed to serve as Commerce Commissioner in January 2011, concluded his service at the Commerce Department effective at 11:00am today. 

 

“For nearly seven years, Mike Rothman has devoted himself to protecting consumers, improving the lives of Minnesotans, and ensuring fair regulatory environments for Minnesota’s businesses,” said Governor Dayton. “I thank Commissioner Rothman for his dedicated public service. His many contributions as Commissioner will benefit the people of Minnesota for years to come.”

 

“The Governor and I are grateful for Mike Rothman’s leadership and service,” said Lt. Governor Smith. “For seven years, Commissioner Rothman has worked diligently to improve financial literacy across our state, protect Minnesotans from fraud and financial abuse, and expand renewable energy.”

 

Under Commissioner Rothman’s leadership, the Minnesota Department of Commerce made great progress to protect Minnesotans from scams and fraud, advance clean energy, and deliver better, more efficient services for consumers and regulated industries. Some of those achievements have included: expanding access to financial literacy, improving energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy implementation, enhancing consumer protections, and improving disaster preparation and recovery for Minnesotans. A copy of Commissioner Rothman’s letter to Governor Dayton is available at this link. 

 

About Commissioner Jessica Looman

Jessica Looman has served as Deputy Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) since 2014. As Deputy Commissioner, Looman oversaw the strategic coordination of the Department’s five divisions responsible for ensuring equitable, healthy, and safe work and living environments across Minnesota. Looman began her service at DLI in January 2011 as Assistant Commissioner, overseeing the Department’s Construction Codes, Licensing and Labor Standards, and Apprenticeship Divisions, as well as the Research and Statistics Unit.

 

During her time at DLI, Jessica Looman led efforts to increase the Department’s efficiency and improve its services for workers and businesses. Innovative reforms led by Looman have reduced costs for more than 110,000 construction permits and 120,000 professional licenses issued by the Department every year. She has also engaged stakeholders to address technical, regulatory and policy issues to help protect and grow Minnesota’s economy. A list of Looman’s accomplishments at DLI is available at this link. To see what Minnesotans are saying about Looman’s appointment, click here.

 

Prior to her service at DLI, Jessica Looman served as General Counsel for the Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota – an 11,000-member labor organization representing workers in the construction industry. In that role, Looman focused on organizational development, wages, contract enforcement, and collective bargaining. She also helped with the Laborers Union apprenticeship program, unemployment insurance, labor standards, workforce diversity, and other workplace issues.

 

Looman is a graduate of George Washington University (B.A. in political science) and the University of Minnesota Law School (J.D.). She lives in Saint Paul with her husband and two sons.

 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s mission is to protect the public interest, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, advocate for Minnesota consumers, strengthen the state’s economic future, and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses. The Department regulates numerous business sectors, including energy, insurance, financial institutions, telecommunications, and more. In addition to these responsibilities, the Department licenses over 270,000 professionals in more than 20 different industries. More information about the Commerce Department is available at this link.