I am pleased to announce that Jim Hegman has been named Unemployment Insurance (UI) Director for the State of Minnesota.  

Jim previously served as Deputy Director of the Unemployment Insurance Division. He is the quintessential public service professional known for getting things done in a complex UI environment.  

As deputy director, Jim was responsible for overseeing day-to-day program operations involving the collection of $800 million in UI taxes per year and the payment of about $800 million in benefits. As the director of Performance and Outreach, he developed an approach to program management that prioritized the experience of applicants and employers. As director of the UI Technology Project, he led staff that successfully completed the first fully-integrated UI system in the nation. These efforts have allowed Minnesota to become a leader in UI nationally and a model for other states to follow.  

In addition, Jim directed Minnesota’s nationally recognized UI Customer Service Center and held positions as senior UI policy analyst, program specialist/field advisor, and adjudicator.  

Jim has given dozens of presentations on UI topics to employers, UI applicants, local units of government, and partners. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and history from the University of Minnesota and a Mini MBA for government managers from the University of St. Thomas.  

“Everything we do inside our building is about the people outside the building,” he said. “The analysis work we do, the technology we have developed, and the performance we have achieved, ensures that when Minnesota workers and their families are going through hard times, we will always be ready – no matter how many need help, and no matter how challenging the situation.”  

With his focus on making UI more accessible while managing a culture in transition, I am confident Jim has the right background to lead UI to the future all Minnesotans deserve. 

– Carol Pankow, Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Services