Jill Zimbelman joined the Division of Research and Economic Development in May 2012 as an intellectual property coordinator with past experience from working at Mayo Clinic. Zimbelman was later named executive assistant to the vice president of research in September 2013. In March 2019, she was appointed Export Control Officer. Zimbelman is also one of the leadership development fellows for the class of 2015-2016 through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

Zimbelman graduated from Winona State University with bachelor’s degrees in business administration and human resources management, and holds a master's degree in business administration from Cardinal Stritch University.