Justin Zimmerman is a New Jersey government administrator currently serving as the Interim Commissioner for the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI). Born and raised in Essex and Union counties, he earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia before returning to the state to begin his career in public service. Zimmerman began his political career as a field organizer with MoveOn during the 2004 presidential election in Pennsylvania and subsequently served with the New Jersey Democratic State Committee in 2005.

Following early campaign work, Zimmerman joined the administration of Governor Jon Corzine as a briefing aide and later served as Director of Legislative Affairs at the New Jersey Department of State. He spent seven years as Chief of Policy and Budget Officer to Senate President Pro Tempore Nia Gill, handling legislative strategy and fiscal matters. In January 2018, Zimmerman joined the Department of Banking and Insurance as Chief of Staff where he served for more than five years until 2023.

On June 27, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy appointed Zimmerman as Acting Commissioner of Banking and Insurance following the resignation of Marlene Caride. He served in an acting capacity until November 4, 2024, when he was sworn in as Commissioner. On January 20, 2026, his status transitioned to Interim Commissioner under Governor Mikie Sherrill's administration. Zimmerman resides in Verona, Essex County.

Political Career

• Director of Legislative Affairs, New Jersey Department of State (2007–2010)
• Chief of Policy and Budget Officer, Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Nia Gill (2010–2017)
• Chief of Staff, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (2018–2023)
• Acting Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (2023–2024)
• Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (2024–2026)
• Interim Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (2026–present)

Key Policy Areas

• Health insurance marketplace expansion and enrollment accessibility
• Federal premium tax credit advocacy and extension
• Prescription drug cost containment and copay limitations
• Consumer protection in banking and insurance markets
• Multistate regulatory coordination through NAIC leadership
• Navigator program funding and community outreach

Notable Actions / Initiatives

• Achieved record enrollment of 513,217 residents in Get Covered New Jersey for the 2025 plan year, the highest since the marketplace launched in 2020
• Awarded $5 million in federal Navigator grants to 17 organizations for outreach and enrollment assistance in October 2025
• Elected Vice Chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Northeast Zone in November 2024, subsequently elevated to Chair in December 2025
• Implemented state regulations capping prescription drug copays at $35 for insulin, $25 for EpiPens and $50 for inhalers, taking effect in 2025
• Conducted congressional advocacy regarding extension of enhanced premium tax credits including meetings with Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim in February 2025

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, University of Mary Washington

Personal

• Birth date: Not publicly available
• Residence: Verona, New Jersey