Minnesota Senate confirms Blissenbach as commissioner of Labor and Industry

The Minnesota Senate voted on Feb. 13, 2023, to confirm Nicole Blissenbach as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

"I am thrilled that Nicole Blissenbach will continue to head the Department of Labor and Industry," said Governor Walz. “Whether it’s successfully managing the Frontline Worker Pay program or improving workplace safety for Minnesotans around the state, I know she has the experience necessary to advocate for Minnesota’s workers.” 
 
"Nicole Blissenbach is driven to improve the health and safety of Minnesota's workers," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "As commissioner, I am confident that she will continue the important work she has been doing to guarantee safe, fair, and respectful workplaces for people across the state."
 
“I am grateful for the Minnesota Senate’s confirmation and excited for the opportunity to continue to serve and lead the department through the second term of the Walz-Flanagan administration,” said Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. “I will work diligently to ensure workers remain safe and healthy while earning a living, increase stakeholder education and outreach so more workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities, advance our strategic compliance initiatives, and be creative and responsive to meet the needs of our customers and stakeholders.”

Blissenbach joined the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) in June 2019 and has served as DLI's temporary commissioner since August 2022. She previously served as DLI's deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner for enforcement and compliance strategies and partnerships. 

Before starting at DLI, she worked at Education Minnesota, where she served for nearly 10 years as an attorney in the legal department. Prior to working for Education Minnesota, Blissenbach worked in a private law firm, where she practiced labor and employment law. She is a Minnesota State Bar Association Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist. 

Blissenbach earned her B.A. from the University of Minnesota – Morris and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.

About the agency 

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 programs.

Media contact:  Communications Director James Honerman, james.honerman@state.mn.us or 651-284-5313.