Justin Zimmerman, who previously served as acting commissioner and chief of staff of the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance, will now get a chance at the top job.
On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy nominated him to be the commissioner, a position that needs confirmation from the state Senate.
As commissioner, Zimmerman will lead the department in regulating the banking, insurance and real estate industries as well as operating Get Covered New Jersey — the state’s official health insurance marketplace.
Murphy obviously has been pleased with Zimmerman’s efforts.
“Justin Zimmerman has been an asset to the Department of Banking & Insurance since Day One of my administration, and I have no doubt he will continue to do an excellent job in his role as commissioner,” he said. “In addition to the time he has already spent serving as acting commissioner, Justin’s prior experience as the department’s chief of staff makes him more than qualified for this position. His skilled leadership and thorough understanding of banking and insurance policy have helped countless residents throughout our state and will serve him well as he continues to lead this department.”
Zimmerman was thankful to get the call.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as commissioner in an administration that is dedicated to improving the lives of New Jerseyans,” he said. “It is an honor to be nominated to lead the department’s committed public servants as we continue our efforts to protect residents, enable access to quality, affordable health insurance and ensure that the department’s regulated entities operate in accordance with the law.
“I thank the governor for his confidence and for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the Murphy administration to create a stronger and fairer New Jersey.”
Zimmerman joined the department in January 2018, serving as the department’s chief of staff, where he oversaw the executive management team and managed all aspects of the department’s policy implementation under the direction of former Commissioner Marlene Caride. Following Caride’s recent departure to become a judge of the New Jersey Superior Court, Zimmerman took on the role of acting commissioner.
During his tenure as chief of staff, the department developed and implemented numerous consumer protections and programs impacting countless New Jerseyans, including New Jersey’s out-of-network law, student loan protections, mortgage servicers licensing, expanded reproductive health care access and Get Covered New Jersey.
Prior to joining Murphy’s administration, Zimmerman served as chief of policy and legislation to the New Jersey Senate president pro tempore, where he focused on expanding access to quality affordable health care for New Jerseyans, and the expansion of voting rights and civil rights. He began his career as a public servant working as a briefing aide to Gov. Jon Corzine and director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs for the New Jersey Department of State.
Zimmerman was born and raised in New Jersey, growing up in Essex and Union counties. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mary Washington. He lives in Verona with his wife, Laura, and their two children.
