Another top Human Services official resigns

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is losing another top leader.

Assistant Commissioner Marie Zimmerman, who also serves as the state Medicaid director, is leaving the department Sept. 10. Her departure follows recent revelations of financial missteps at the department involving federal Medicaid money.

In an email to staff announcing the departure, interim Human Services Commissioner Pam Wheelock said Zimmerman is recovering from a recent accident. She also praised Zimmerman as a “driving force behind some of the largest and most consequential reforms in Minnesota’s Medicaid program.”

Zimmerman was appointed in February by Commissioner Tony Lourey, who resigned in July following the announcement of departures of two of his key deputies.

Zimmerman is the latest in a string of resignations at the department that included Commissioner Lourey, Chief of Staff Stacie Weeks and Deputy Commissioner Claire Wilson.

The department’s new commissioner, Jodi Harpstead, is scheduled to begin her job next week.

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