Realtors® Q&A
Meet the Decision Makers ACTING COMMISSIONER
JUSTIN ZIMMERMAN
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elcome to our series, Meet the Decision Makers, where we interview key decision makers on their influential role within New Jersey. For this issue, we have Acting Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. His verbatim responses are italicized below. Do you have an idea of someone you’d like to see us interview? Email editor@njrealtor.com
Justin Zimmerman
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in public service?
Having grown up in New Jersey, I was fortunate to be immersed in the diversity of our great state, which shaped who I am today. I understood early on that New Jersey’s diversity in population and experiences is what makes it a unique place to live. Through my love of history and my parents instilling in me to follow my passions, I was drawn to public service at a young age. I have had the privilege of serving in numerous
roles during my tenure in state government, and was incredibly honored to be nominated by Governor Murphy to serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Banking and insurance, after holding the Department’s Chief of Staff position since 2018. Prior to joining the Murphy Administration, I served as Chief of Policy and Legislation to the New Jersey State Senate President Pro Tempore, where I focused on expanding access to quality affordable healthcare for New Jerseyans, and the expansion of voting rights and civil rights. I began my time in state service working as a Briefing Aide to Governor Jon Corzine and Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs for the New Jersey Department of State. Throughout my career, I have benefited from working alongside state leaders and dedicated public servants who are also committed to bringing meaningful change to our state that improves the lives of New Jerseyans.
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What does the job of the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance entail in the state of NJ?
As the Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, I serve as the chief regulator of New Jersey’s insurance industry, all state-chartered banks and credit unions, consumer finance licensees and the real estate industry. The department works to regulate these industries in a professional and timely manner that protects and educates consumers and promotes the growth, financial stability and efficiency of those industries. Additionally, I lead Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, which connects residents who do not have health coverage from their employers or access to other health care programs to quality, affordable health insurance.
What have you been working on that would help the real estate market in NJ? The department works every day to strengthen the real estate industry
