“The State Building and Construction Trades Council is an important voice for 70,000 skilled professionals in Minnesota’s construction industry,” stated Looman, “I look forward to helping the Council move forward with its mission of promoting the growth and development of all building and construction trade unions in our state and growing the industry for the advancement of all affiliates and their members.”Harry Melander, President of the State Building Trades said “I am looking forward to working with Jessica. She brings a lot of experience to this role, and will be a strong advocate for unionized construction workers in Minnesota. We are excited to have Jessica on board.”
Craig Olson, Secretary/Treasurer of the State Building Trades said “Jessica has demonstrated a commitment to growing and strengthening Minnesota’s labor movement and we are excited to have her leadership at this critical time.”
About Jessica Looman
Jessica Looman was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton and served as Commissioner of the Department of Commerce from November 2017 through January 2019. As Commerce Commissioner, Looman prioritized fair treatment of Minnesotans, advancing the state’s clean energy economy, and ensuring the effective regulation and licensing of over 20 industries under the Department’s purview.
Prior to her service at the Commerce Department, Looman served as the Deputy Commissioner since 2014 and the Assistant Commissioner since 2011 for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). At DLI Looman oversaw the strategic coordination of the Department’s five divisions responsible for ensuring equitable, healthy, and safe work and living environments across Minnesota.
From 2001 – 2011 Looman served as General Counsel for the Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota – a 12,000-member labor organization representing workers in the construction industry.
Looman is a graduate of George Washington University (B.A. in political science) and the University of Minnesota Law School (J.D.).
About the Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council
The Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council is comprised of 48 affiliated local unions representing over 70,000 skilled construction professionals working in 15 trades. The Council is committed to the stability of employment and economic security of union construction workers in Minnesota. Our purpose is to create more work opportunities, and achieve living wages and protect benefit standards by promoting workforce and economic development and community engagement.