FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Governor Tim Walz has appointed Andrew Whitman and David Fisher to /about-us/staff/index.jspMNsure's Board of Directors. Governor Walz also reappointed Suyapa Miranda to serve a second term as the public health programs representative on the MNsure board. Miranda’s term will expire in 2024.

Andrew Whitman will represent the interests of consumers eligible for individual market coverage and David Fisher will represent health policy issues related to the small group and individual markets. They replace former board members Martha Eaves and Kathy Sheran, respectively.

"Andrew Whitman and David Fisher each bring a deep understanding of the individual health insurance market," said CEO Nate Clark. "This is a pivotal time for the health care industry and for MNsure—I am confident that the skills they bring to the board will help MNsure to continuously improve and better serve our customers well into the future."

"We are also pleased to have /about-us/board-committees/board/suyapa-miranda.jspSuyapa Miranda reappointed to a second term on the MNsure board,” said Clark. “She has dedicated her career to addressing Minnesota’s health and economic disparities, and we welcome her continued focus on making equity and inclusion a priority for MNsure."

Andrew Whitman is currently a professor of insurance at the Carlson School of Management and an AARP-IRS Tax Counselor. Previously, he served as the deputy commissioner and acting chief counsel for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and as an insurance and risk management consultant to corporations and government entities. He has also served as a firefighter for the City of Maple Grove. Mr. Whitman is a member of the Minnesota insurance guaranty board, Minnesota State Bar Association, and Hennepin County Bar Association. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Whitman will serve a term effective June 16, 2020, and expiring May 5, 2023.

David Fisher currently serves as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School and the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where he teaches contracts and interest-based negotiations. Previously, Mr. Fisher was of counsel at Larkin Hoffman. He has served on the board of directors of several organizations, including Project for Pride in Living, Growth and Justice, and Senior Community Services. He has also served as a member and vice chair on the Metropolitan Council and as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Administration under Governor Ventura. Mr. Fisher will serve a term effective June 16, 2020, and expiring May 5, 2023.

Additionally, during today's meeting, the MNsure Board of Directors elected Peter Benner to be its new chair, replacing former Senator Kathy Sheran, whose term as board chair expired in May. Miranda was elected to serve as vice chair.

Benner is a recently retired consultant on health care, labor relations and public policy. Prior to his work as a consultant, he worked for many years with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Benner has been the board member representing the areas of health administration, health care finance, health plan purchasing, and health care delivery systems since 2013. His term on the MNsure Board of Directors ends in 2021.

"Peter Benner has been an insightful and highly engaged member of MNsure’s board since its beginning," said Clark. "His deep knowledge of MNsure’s operations and long-term goals make him exceptionally qualified to lead our board. We are honored to have him in this role."

MNsure board members are appointed by the governor through the state's open appointments process. The commissioner of Human Services is a standing member. Board members serve staggered four-year terms and are limited to two terms of service. All appointed members must have demonstrated that they do not have conflicts of interest. Additional information about MNsure's Board of Directors /about-us/board-committees/board/index.jspcan be found here.

MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.