Walz, Flanagan announce Nicole Blissenbach as commissioner of Labor and Industry

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan today announced that Nicole Blissenbach has been named commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
 
"I am excited that Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach will continue to lead the Department of Labor and Industry,” said Governor Walz. “From successfully overseeing the Frontline Worker Pay program to improving workplace safety for Minnesotans across the state, she is the right person to fight for and represent Minnesota’s workers.”
 
"I am grateful to Commissioner Blissenbach for stepping up to serve and improve the health and safety of Minnesota’s workers,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “As commissioner, she will continue the important work that she has already started to ensure safe and respectful workplaces for all workers.”
 
“My career has been devoted to helping workers understand and enforce their rights and amplify their voices in the workplace,” said Nicole Blissenbach. “I wholeheartedly believe in the Department of Labor and Industry’s mission and look forward to continue working with the agency’s dedicated staff members to advance the goals of our agency and the Walz-Flanagan administration.”

“Nicole Blissenbach has a proven track record of action and leadership; making sure Minnesota’s labor laws are properly enforced,” said Bernie Burnham, president, Minnesota AFL-CIO. “Governor Walz made an excellent choice to ensure working Minnesotans can continue to count on the Department of Labor and Industry.”

About Blissenbach

Nicole 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 DLI

DLI 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.