[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz appointed Johnny Villarreal to serve as Commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS), effective December 22. Governor Walz announced the appointment after the retirement of BMS Commissioner Janet Johnson.

“It is my honor to appoint Johnny Villarreal as Commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services,” said Governor Walz. “As a dedicated public servant with a 14-year history as a State of Minnesota Mediator, Mr. Villarreal has a proven track record of success improving Minnesota’s labor-management relationships. I am confident that Mr. Villarreal will build on Commissioner Johnson’s good work and serve Minnesota’s employers, labor groups, and employees well. ”

“During his career in state government, Johnny Villarreal has demonstrated a deep commitment to our Administration’s One Minnesota mission by building partnerships and resolving conflict to promote a strong economy for all Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “I am grateful to Commissioner Johnson for her service to Minnesota, and I am looking forward to working with Mr. Villarreal as he leads the Bureau.”

“I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead an organization I care deeply about,” said Johnny Villarreal. “We have an outstanding staff who are committed to helping Labor and Management work through difficult times. I will do my best to ensure the BMS lives up to the vision of One Minnesota.”

About Johnny Villarreal
Johnny Villarreal began his career as a mediator with the BMS in 2007. He is also a commissioned officer with the Minnesota Army National Guard and currently serves as the Brigade S1 for the 347 Regional Support Group. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2018 as Company Commander for the 147 Human Resources Company and previously served as the Battalion S1 for the 1-125 Field Artillery. He received his associate of arts degree from North Hennepin Community College and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. He has completed the Adjutant General Captain’s Career Course, the Human Resources Plans and Operations Course, and holds a Professional in Human Resources certification from HRCI.

About the Bureau of Mediation Services
The Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS) was established in 1939 and currently administers the Public Employment Labor Relations Act, the Minnesota Labor Relations Act, the Charitable Hospital Act, and portions of the Minnesota Labor Union Democracy Act. The mission of BMS is to improve the quality and character of Minnesota’s labor-management relationships so that labor disputes are kept to a minimum and constructive relationships contribute to the economic development of Minnesota. BMS achieves this mission by assisting labor and management in resolving collective bargaining and contract grievance disputes; resolving issues of union representation and bargaining unit structure; maintaining rosters of qualified arbitrators (general, teacher discharge, and peace officer rosters); supporting, facilitating and training area and worksite Labor-Management Cooperation Committees; and providing technical training and information to labor relations practitioners, arbitrators, professional associations, and other employer-employee representatives.

BMS has jurisdiction over all the public sector entities including all school districts in Minnesota, all cities and counties, special boards and commissions, the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, and some private sector industries.