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January 22, 2021

Gov. Tim Walz today appointed Roslyn Robertson as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Robertson's extensive history of leadership at DLI most recently includes her service as temporary commissioner. This appointment follows an application review and interview process beginning with a call for applications last fall. Robertson replaces Nancy Leppink as commissioner for a term beginning today.

"Roslyn Robertson's deep and broad experience in worker protection issues have prepared her well to lead during this unprecedented time," Walz said. "I am proud to appoint her to this critical role of keeping Minnesota workers safe and businesses strong as we continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic together."

"With more than 30 years of experience in protecting Minnesota workers and helping businesses operate safely and efficiently, I know that Minnesotans will be well served by Commissioner Roslyn Robertson's continued leadership," said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. "Our nurses, teachers, grocery store workers, meat processing plant workers, janitors and all working Minnesotans can count on Commissioner Robertson to lead with her values and prioritize their health and safety every day."

"For more than 30 years, I have worked to ensure DLI is a trusted resource for Minnesota's workers and businesses," said Robertson, DLI commissioner. "I am excited to lead our agency's dedicated staff members to address worker protection issues, help injured workers promptly receive benefits and services, educate employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace, and improve our agency's outreach efforts and business processes to ensure all our stakeholders' input is considered, valued and acted upon."

"We look forward to working with Commissioner Robertson in her permanent role," said Aaron Cocking, president/CEO of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota. "She has been open and available to work with, and we are eager to partner with her to address the issues our industry faces."

"COVID-19 has made worker safety more important than ever and Commissioner Robertson is leading a department that is proactive in addressing worker concerns and keeping employers accountable," said Bill McCarthy, president of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. "Working Minnesotans will be well served under her continued leadership."

About Roslyn Robertson

Roslyn Robertson's career with DLI spans more than 30 years, offering significant experience across all of DLI's primary program sectors. Most recently, she assumed the position of temporary commissioner. Previously, she served as a deputy commissioner overseeing the agency operation areas of Apprenticeship, Construction Codes and Licensing, Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health, and Workers' Compensation. In addition, Robertson has held a variety of other leadership roles at DLI, focusing on workplace safety, labor standards, workplace regulations and apprenticeship. She received her bachelor's degree from Alabama State University, where she majored in business management.

About the Department of Labor and Industry

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota's work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training.