SAINT PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Commerce today announced that Sara Payne has been appointed assistant commissioner of enforcement, effective Nov. 19, 2025. 

As Assistant Commissioner, Payne will lead the Department’s civil enforcement operations, overseeing the Multi-Industry, Real Estate, and Insurance investigative teams, as well as the Market Conduct enforcement team and the Consumer Service Center, which responds to complaints from Minnesotans about businesses and professionals regulated by Commerce. 

Payne joined Commerce in 2016 as an attorney and has served as General Counsel since 2021. Prior to her tenure at Commerce, she practiced as a litigation attorney with a Minneapolis-based law firm. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota and an MSc in Applied International Development from the University of Reading, U.K. 

“Sara brings deep legal expertise, a strong commitment to public service, and a proven track record of leadership within Commerce,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold. “Her thoughtful approach and dedication to fairness make her an outstanding choice to lead our enforcement division and protect Minnesota consumers.” 

Payne succeeds Jacqueline Olson, who served as Assistant Commissioner since January 2023. 

The Department of Commerce’s Enforcement Division plays a vital role in ensuring compliance and integrity across the industries it regulates, from insurance and real estate to financial services and consumer protection. 

About the Minnesota Department of Commerce 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce regulates more than 40 industries and licenses hundreds of thousands of professionals and businesses. The Department’s mission is to protect consumers and strengthen the state’s economic future by ensuring a fair, competitive, and transparent marketplace. 

For more information, visit mn.gov/commerce. 

Connect with the Minnesota Commerce Department 
Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce by following Commerce at mn.gov/commerce or @MNCommerce on social media.

Contact

news.commerce@state.mn.us