For Immediate Release, July 21, 2021

Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold announced new leadership for the Commerce Insurance Division, appointing Julia Dreier, who brings extensive knowledge and experience with Minnesota’s insurance industry. 

“In Julia Dreier, Minnesota consumers are gaining an advocate who deeply understands the challenges with insurance and has experience working to find creative, innovative solutions,” said Commissioner Arnold. 

Dreier will lead the Commerce Insurance Division, which serves Minnesotans through insurance policy and insurance regulation, including company licensing, examination, policy and rate reviews for health, homeowners, auto, workers compensation, long-term care and life insurance, and for pharmacy benefits management.  

“Minnesota is a national leader in protecting consumers and creating insurance markets that are healthy, affordable, accessible and reliable,” said Commissioner Arnold. “I am confident that a leader of Julia’s caliber will continue to push us toward those goals.” 

Dreier has experience working at both the federal and state level on insurance policy. Prior to joining Commerce, Dreier was most recently with IMPAQ International, a global policy research and analytics firm based in the Washington, D.C. area, where she provided strategic policy and operational advice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Dreier was previously part of the leadership team in the CMS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) and led efforts to implement the Affordable Care Act commercial insurance market reforms. In Minnesota, Dreier worked in public policy for the Minnesota Council of Health Plans and for the Service Employees International Union. 

Dreier has a Master’s in Public Policy degree from the University of Michigan and degrees in English and political science from St Olaf College. She lives in Minneapolis with her family and enjoys exploring the city’s coffee shops and running trails. 

Dreier will start with the Minnesota Department of Commerce on July 26, 2021. The opening in the Deputy Commissioner of Insurance position was created when Governor Tim Walz appointed Grace Arnold as commissioner on April 15, 2021.  

With You Every Day

The Minnesota Department of Commerce mission is to protect all Minnesotans in their everyday financial transactions by investigating and evaluating services, and advocating that they be fair, accessible and affordable. Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what. The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Learn more at mn.gov/commerce. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mo Schriner, Director of Communications
651-363-1227  |  mo.schriner@state.mn.us