TRENTON — Justin Zimmerman was sworn in as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance on Monday, November 4 following a ceremonial swearing in hosted by Governor Phil Murphy at the State House.
Commissioner Zimmerman had been serving as Acting Commissioner since June 27, 2023. The State Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination on October 28, 2024.
“Under Justin Zimmerman’s outstanding leadership, the Department has continued its strong regulation of the banking, insurance, and real estate industries while protecting the interests of consumers,” said Governor Murphy. “His dedication to the implementation and successful growth of Get Covered New Jersey has resulted in hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families finding quality, affordable health coverage that fits their needs and budgets. I am confident he will continue to do an exceptional job leading the Department.”
“I am incredibly grateful to Governor Murphy for this opportunity. I have been honored and privileged every day to be part of this Administration, and to lead this department and work alongside the dedicated and committed staff,” said Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “The impact the department has on the lives of our residents is significant. From protecting consumers and providing quality affordable, health coverage through Get Covered New Jersey to safeguarding the solvency, safety, and soundness of our regulated entities through regular examinations and analysis, New Jersey consumers are always front of mind in the work we do.”
As Commissioner, Zimmerman serves as the chief regulator of New Jersey’s insurance industry, one of the largest in the nation, all state-chartered banks and credit unions, and consumer finance licensees. He also leads Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace.
Commissioner Zimmerman joined the Department in January 2018, serving as its Chief of Staff, where he oversaw the executive management team and managed all aspects of the Department’s policy implementation. While 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 servicer licensing, expanded reproductive health care access, and Get Covered New Jersey.
He succeeds Marlene Caride, who was appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court.
In addition to overseeing Get Covered New Jersey, the department regulates the banking, insurance and real estate industries in a professional and timely manner that protects and educates consumers and promotes the growth, financial stability and efficiency of those industries. Open Enrollment for 2025 coverage under Get Covered New Jersey opened on November 1 and continues through January 31. Last year, a record number of residents – nearly 400,000 – enrolled for health coverage under the program, and many received record financial assistance to lower monthly premiums.
Prior to joining the Murphy Administration, Commissioner Zimmerman served as Chief of Policy and Legislation to the New Jersey State Senate President Pro Tempore, where he focused on expanding access to quality affordable health care for New Jerseyans, and expanding voting rights and civil rights. He began his career as a public servant working as a Briefing Aide to Governor 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 (Mary Washington College).
Photos from the swearing-in ceremony may be found here.
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