Regulator yearbook: the 2009 Insurance Commissioners.[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Jim L. Ridling, Commissioner 201 Monroe St., Suite 1700, Montgomery, AL 36104 334-269-3550; Fax: 334-241-4192 www.aldoi.gov Background: Graduated from University of the Ozarks  This article is written like a personal reflection or and may require .Please [ improve this article] by rewriting this article in an . ; entered a management training program in 1967 with Fireman's Fund Insurance. Worked his way up to executive vice president of U.S. operations. In 1987, traded his stock in American Express American Express (NYSE: AXP), sometimes known as "AmEx" or "Amex", is a diversified global financial services company, headquartered in New York City. The company is best known for its credit card, charge card and traveler's cheque businesses. (which then owned Fireman's Fund) for ownership in Southern Guaranty, a Fireman's Fund subsidiary; came to Montgomery, Ala., as president and chief executive officer, and became chairman before retiring in 2003. Later, co-founded River Bank and Trust, where he serves as vice chairman. Issues: Reforming producer licensing and pursuing key legislation concerning coastal insurance and insurance fraud. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ALASKA DIVISION OF INSURANCE Linda Hall, Director 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1560, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567 907-269-7900; Fax: 907-269-7910 www.dced.state.ak.us/insurance Background: Previously president of the Alaska Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers and director of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, 1997-2003. Past chair of Alaska Workers' Compensation workers' compensation, payment by employers for some part of the cost of injuries, or in some cases of occupational diseases, received by employees in the course of their work. Review and Advisory Committee. Earlier, Hall was a high school English teacher in Michigan. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Christina Urias, Director 2910 North 44th St., Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85018-7256 602-364-3100; Fax: 602-364-3470 www.id.state.az.us Background: Reappointed to new six-year term that began January 2005. Prior to 2003 appointment, was a partner at DeConcini, McDonald, Yetwin, & Lacy, P.C. since 1989. Spent 12 years as a property/casualty claims representative. Clerked for Arizona Supreme Court The Arizona Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. state of Arizona. It consists of a Chief Justice, a Vice Chief Justice, and three Associate Justices. Each Justice is appointed by the Governor of Arizona from a list recommended by a bipartisan commission. . Named one of Top 50 pro bono Short for pro bono publico [Latin, For the public good]. The designation given to the free legal work done by an attorney for indigent clients and religious, charitable, and other nonprofit entities. attorneys in state. Seventh-generation descendant of Tucson pioneers. Issues: Adopting changes to state's continuing education continuing education: see adult education. continuing education or adult education Any form of learning provided for adults. In the U.S. the University of Wisconsin was the first academic institution to offer such programs (1904). requirements for Arizona resident-licensed producers so that the state's requirements are entirely reciprocal/uniform with other states' continuing education laws; maintaining quality and momentum in the captive insurance Captive insurance companies are limited purpose insurance companies established with the specific objective of financing risks emanating from their parent group or groups, they sometimes also insure risks of the parent company's customers. program; and protecting insurance consumers' interest during current economic environment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Jay Bradford, Commissioner 1200 W. Third St., Little Rock, AR 72201-1904 501-371-2600; Fax: 501-371-2629 www.insurance.arkansas.gov Background: Appointed insurance commissioner on Jan. 15, 2009, by Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe Michael Dale Beebe (born December 28 1946) is the current Governor of Arkansas and a member of the Democratic Party. Background Beebe was born in Amagon, a small town in Jackson County, Arkansas. He was reared by his mother, a waitress, and never met his father. . Bradford previously served for two years as director of the Division of Behavioral Health Behavioral health was first used in the 1980's to name the combination of the fields mental health and substance abuse. As an example, an organization serving both mental health and substance abuse clients might refer to its practice as behavioral health or Services within the Arkansas Department of Human Services. He worked in the insurance industry for more than four decades and also served as a state legislator for more than 20 years. Issues: Ensuring insurer solvency and pursuing consumer protection issues. Also, issues involving stranger-initiated life insurance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE The California Department of Insurance (CDI), established in 1868, is the angency charged with overseeing the regulation of insurance regulations, enforcing statutes mandating consumer protections, educating consumers, and fostering the stability of insurance markets in the state Steve Poizner Stephen L. "Steve" Poizner (born January 4 1957) is a California businessman and Republican politician, who has been the elected State Insurance Commissioner of California since January 8 2007. , Commissioner 300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1700, Sacramento, CA 95814 916-492-3500; Fax: 916-445-5280 ww.insurance.ca.gov Background: Businessman/entrepreneur. Founder of SnapTrack, a company that developed life-saving technology to place GPS receivers into cell phones for 911 emergency response; sold to Qualcomm in 2000. MBA MBA abbr. Master of Business Administration Noun 1. MBA - a master's degree in business Master in Business, Master in Business Administration from Stanford University Stanford University, at Stanford, Calif.; coeducational; chartered 1885, opened 1891 as Leland Stanford Junior Univ. (still the legal name). The original campus was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. David Starr Jordan was its first president. ; B.S. in electrical engineering electrical engineering: see engineering. electrical engineering Branch of engineering concerned with the practical applications of electricity in all its forms, including those of electronics. from the University of Texas. Co-founder of Poizner Family Foundation and Ed Voice to improve public education system. Issues: Initiatives for 2009 include upgrading the communication infrastructure; adopting regulations toward voluntary "pay as you drive" auto policies; pursuing efforts toward catastrophe mitigation and climate change; and reaching a 100% paperless interaction with agents, brokers and insurance companies by 2010. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COLORADO DIVISION OF INSURANCE Marcy Morrison, Insurance Commissioner 1560 Broadway, Suite 850, Denver, CO 80202 303-894-7425; Fax: 303-894-7455 www.dora.state.co.us/insurance; E-mail: insurance-dora.state.co.us Background: Former chair of the Division of Insurance's volunteer Consumer Council and a consumer representative to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is an Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which seeks to organize the regulatory and supervisory efforts of the various state insurance commissioners from around the United States. . Began public service in 1984 as El Paso County El Paso County may refer to one of the following counties in the United States:
n. A building in which a state legislature holds sessions; a state capitol. statehouse Noun NZ a rented house built by the government Noun 1. chairing the Health, Environment, Welfare and Institutions Committee, and the Health Care Task Force and the Intractable Pain intractable pain Refractory pain Pain medicine Persistent pain which does not respond to at least 3 dosease of parenteral analgesics given over a 12-24 hr period; pain that does not respond to appropriate doses of opioid analgesics. Task Force. Issues: Initiatives for 2009 include a move toward electronic rate filings for annual rate reports, effective Feb. 1; continuing initiatives toward workers' compensation and small-employer group health benefit plans. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CONNECTICUT INSURANCE DEPARTMENT Thomas R. Sullivan, Commissioner P.O. Box 816, Hartford, CT 06142-0816 860-297-3800; Fax: 860-566-7410 www.ct.gov/cid; E-mail ctinsdept.administration-ct.gov Background: Appointed April 2007 by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, after 20 years in insurance customer service and consumer relations. Most recently sr. vice president of Specialty Risk Services LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control , a wholly owned subsidiary Wholly Owned Subsidiary A subsidiary whose parent company owns 100% of its common stock. Notes: In other words, the parent company owns the company outright and there are no minority owners. of The Hartford Financial Services The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please [ improve this article] or discuss the issue on the talk page. Group Inc. Issues: Insurers in 2009 are directed to treat a spouse in a same-sex marriage Noun 1. same-sex marriage - two people of the same sex who live together as a family; "the legal status of same-sex marriages has been hotly debated" couple, twosome, duet, duo - a pair who associate with one another; "the engaged couple"; "an inseparable the same as a spouse in a heterosexual marriage, due to a Connecticut Supreme Court The Connecticut Supreme Court, formerly known as the Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors, is the highest court in the U.S. state of Connecticut. It consists of a Chief Justice and six Associate Justices. decision effective Oct. 28, 2008. The Department does not require any refiling of forms, but the term "spouse" as used in existing insurance policies will now be interpreted to include a same-sex spouse, pursuant to a legal marriage entered into in Connecticut or another state which recognizes same-sex marriage. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Karen Weldin Stewart, Commissioner Rodney Building, 841 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904 302-674-7300; Fax: 302-739-5280 www.delawareinsurance.gov; E-mail: karen.stewart-state.de.us Background: Former president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of the Weldin Group Inc., an insurance and reinsurance The contract made between an insurance company and a third party to protect the insurance company from losses. The contract provides for the third party to pay for the loss sustained by the insurance company when the company makes a payment on the original contract. consulting company Noun 1. consulting company - a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee consulting firm business firm, firm, house - the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments; "he worked for a . Co-founder and former three-term president of the International Association of Insurance Receivers; remains on the board. Served as a regulatory coordinator on working group that created original National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Receivers Handbook for Insurance Company Insolvencies. Former assistant to State Sen. Harris B. McDowell III; served on the campaign for Sen. Joe Biden's first presidential race. Serves on the City Democratic Committee of Wilmington. Issues: Working toward creation of a statewide health insurance purchasing pool; taking over regulation of health insurance rates; and protecting consumers from bogus health insurance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION Kevin McCarty, Commissioner of Insurance Regulation The Larson Building, 200 E. Gaines St., Room 101, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0301 850-413-2526; Fax: 840-413-2950 www.floir.com Background: McCarty is a leading member of the NAIC's Catastrophe Working Group. Recently elected NAIC NAIC See National Association of Investors Corporation (NAIC). secretary-treasurer. Issues: Citizens Property Insurance Corp. take-out program; workers' compensation; consumer protection. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE John W. Oxendine, Insurance Commissioner 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, West Tower, Suite 704, Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-2056; Fax: 404-657-7493 www.gainsurance.org; E-mail: executive-oci.ga.gov Background: Re-elected to a fourth term in 2006, becoming the first Republican in state history elected to an office four times. Helped to pass a law making health insurance portable. Cracked down on insurance fraud and unlicensed companies, reduced workers' compensation insurance costs and implemented tough disclosure laws for insurers and agents. Issues: Auto insurance regulation; seeking a return to prior approval on rates. Like other states, as far as budgets, trying to do more with less. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HAWAII INSURANCE DIVISION J.P. Schmidt, Commissioner Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 3614, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-2799; Fax: 808-586-2806 www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ins E-mail: insurance-dcca.hawaii.gov Background: Previously, Schmidt was corporate counsel for the County of Maul. Prior to government service, was an officer with the Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. Agency of the Dai-lchi Kangyo Bank in commercial lending, and with Coldwell Banker Commercial Group. Issues: Hawaii continues to streamline regulatory processes and reduce approval time on rates and forms. Hurricane insurers are entering the Hawaii market to diversify their risk. New captives are forming, particularly for knowledgeable Japanese companies This is a list of companies from Japan. Note that 株式会社 can be (and frequently is) read both kabushiki kaisha and kabushiki gaisha (with or without a hyphen). See that article for more details. . [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE William W. Deal, Director 700 West State St., 3rd Floor, Boise, ID 83720-0043 208-334-4250; Fax: 208-334-4398 www.doi.idaho.gov,' E-mail: bill.deal-doi.idaho.gov Background: Eight-term member of the state House of Representatives; selected as commissioner by Gov. Butch Otter Clement Leroy "Butch" Otter (b. May 3 1942, Caldwell, Idaho) has been Governor of Idaho since January 2007. Otter previously represented the state's First Congressional District. He was also Lieutenant Governor of Idaho from 1987 to 2001. in Jan. 2007. As a legislator, was an advocate for many health insurance issues, including workers' compensation for agricultural workers. More than 40 years' experience as an insurance agent; member of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. Issues: The numbers of Idahoans who do not have health insurance is a chief concern. The impact the downturn in the economy is having on residents is also a major issue. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ILLINOIS DIVISION OF INSURANCE Michael T. McRaith, Director 100 W. Randolph, Suite 9-301, Chicago, IL 60601-3251 217-785-5516; Fax: 312-814-5435 www.idfpr.com; E-mail: director-ins.state.il.us Background: In December 2008, McRaith also was named the state's secretary of financial and professional regulation. Prior to appointment, spent 15 years in private practice as an attorney in Chicago. Serves on the executive committee of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago The AIDS Foundation of Chicago aims to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic. Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the Foundation is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was founded in 1987 by a group of experts on suicide who wanted to create a 501(c)3 organization to fund research in suicide prevention. , Chicago Chapter. Issues: Reform health insurance to alter how pre-existing conditions affect the extent and cost of coverage. Re-evaluate oversight of securities lending Securities Lending When a brokerage lends securities owned by its clients to short sellers. Notes: This allows brokers to create additional revenue (commissions) on the short sale transaction. arrangements. Establish uniform transparency and disclosure on broker compensation arrangements. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Jim Atterholt, Commissioner 311 W. Washington St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 62767-1678 317-232-2385; Fax: 317-232-5251 www.in.gov/idoi; E-mail jatterholt-ido.IN.gov Background: Prior to appointment, Atterholt was director of government affairs for AT&T in Indiana. Served two terms as a member of the Indiana General Assembly The Indiana General Assembly is the state legislature, or legislative branch, of the state government of Indiana. It is a bicameral legislature that consists of a lower house, the Indiana House of Representatives, and an upper house, the Indiana Senate. , and currently serves as a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights-Indiana Advisory Commission and as a member of the board of directors of the Saint Florian For the city in Austria, see Sankt Florian. Saint Florian (Latin: Florianus) (died ca. 304) is a Christian saint, and the patron saint of Poland, Linz, Austria, chimney sweeps and firefighters. His feast day is May 4. St. Center for at-risk children. Issues: The commissioner will continue to act as receiver of Medical Savings Insurance Co. and oversee the liquidation of the company and transfer of coverage for MSIC's 6,500 policyholders to UnitedHealth Group's Golden Rule Insurance Co. The state took over the failing company on Dec. 1,2008. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IOWA Iowa, state, United States Iowa (ī`əwə), midwestern state in the N central United States. It is bounded by the Mississippi R. INSURANCE DIVISION Susan Voss, Commissioner 330 E. Maple St., Des Moines Des Moines, city, United States Des Moines (dĭ moin`), city (1990 pop. 193,187), state capital and seat of Polk co., S central Iowa, at the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers; inc. , IA 50319 515-281-5705; Fax: 515-281-3059 www.iid.state.ia.us Background: With the Iowa Insurance Division since 1993. Has held a number of different positions with state government including assistant attorney general for the Department of Transportation, legal counsel to the State Ombudsman and counsel to the Iowa Legislature in the area of taxation and economic development. Was elected secretary-treasurer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2007. Issues: Health care, financial issues and consumer protection. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Sandy Praeger Sandy Praeger was elected Insurance Commissioner for the state of Kansas on November 2 2002. Her term began January 13 2003.Commissioner Praeger is responsible for regulating all insurance sold in Kansas and overseeing the nearly 1,700 insurance companies and 65,000 agents licensed , Commissioner 420 SW 9th St., Topeka, KS 66612-1678 785-296-3071; Fax: 785-296-7805 www.ksinsurance.org; E-mail: commissioner-ksinsurance.org Background: Served as president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2008. Served KANSA three terms in the Kansas Senate The Kansas Senate is the upper house of the Kansas Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Kansas. It is composed of 40 Senators representing an equal amount of districts, each with a population of at least 60,000 inhabitants. and one term in the Kansas House of Representatives The Kansas House of Representatives is the lower house of the Kansas Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Kansas. It is composed of 125 Representatives from an equal amount of constituencies, each with at least a population of 19,000. . Also served as mayor of Lawrence, Kan., and was on the Lawrence City Commission. A recipient of the Dr. Nathan B. Davis Award, given annually by the American Medical Association American Medical Association (AMA), professional physicians' organization (founded 1847). Its goals are to protect the interests of American physicians, advance public health, and support the growth of medical science. to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the public health through elected and career government service. Issues: Budget priorities likely will overshadow o·ver·shad·ow tr.v. o·ver·shad·owed, o·ver·shad·ow·ing, o·ver·shad·ows 1. To cast a shadow over; darken or obscure. 2. To make insignificant by comparison; dominate. everything else. Health reforms will see significant attention, but it will be difficult to move forward until it is known where Congress is headed on the topic. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Sharon P. Clark, Commissioner 215 W. Main St., Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 564-6098; Fax: (502) 564-2669 http://doi.ppr.ky.gov/kentucky/ Background: Former director of the Consumer Protection and Education division at Kentucky's DOI. Served three years in positions for the Kentucky House of Representatives The Kentucky House of Representatives is the lower house of the Kentucky General Assembly. Section 47 of the Kentucky Constitution stipulates that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives. before accepting a position in the Finance and Administration Cabinet in December 2007. Has worked with the Public Service Commission and the former Workforce Development Cabinet. Issues: Working with state and/or federal agencies on health insurance issues. Continuing to grow Kentucky's captive market. Working with other state regulators and interested parties to maintain state regulation of the insurance industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE James Donelon, Commissioner P.O Box 94214, Baton Rouge Baton Rouge (băt`ən r  zh) [Fr.,=red stick], city (1990 pop. 219,531), state capital and seat of East Baton Rouge parish, SE La. , LA 70804
225-342-5423; Fax: 225-342-1993 www.ldi.state.la.us Background: Prior to becoming insurance commissioner, served the Department of Insurance in leadership positions as chief deputy commissioner and executive counsel. Issues: Continue to bring in highly rated insurers to write coastal P/C policies for Citizens' windpool customers; continue to attract auto insurers to help usher in Verb 1. usher in - be a precursor of; "The fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in the post-Cold War period" inaugurate, introduce commence, lead off, start, begin - set in motion, cause to start; "The U.S. lower premiums; and continue to work on reducing workers' comp rates. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MAINE BUREAU OF INSURANCE Mila Kofman, Superintendent 34 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0034 207-624-8475; Fax: 207-624-8599 www.maine.gov/insurance Background: Former associate research professor at the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. At Georgetown, led research projects focused on public and private solutions to issues of health care fraud and uninsured consumers. Specialized in developing guidance for state and federal health care reform initiatives at the U.S. Department of Labor from 1997 to 2001. Served as a consumer representative at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and co-editor of the Journal of Insurance Regulation. Issues: Improve bureau's service to all stakeholders. Increase vigilance to ensure that all insurers doing business in Maine remain financially strong. Budget and hiring freeze in force for 2009--bureau will have to maintain services with same amount of money as 2008 but fewer employees. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION Ralph S. Tyler, Commissioner 525 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202-2272 410-468-2090; Fax: 410-468-2020 www.mdinsurance.state.md.us Background: Appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley in September 2007. Had been chief legal counsel to governor. Long career in politics beginning in Baltimore as city solicitor. B.A. from the University of Illinois University of Illinois may refer to:
Issues: Ensuring financial solvency of insurance carriers in tough economic times; enhancing financial literacy through consumer education; and expanding health care access and affordability. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF INSURANCE Nonnie S. Burnes, Commissioner of Insurance 1 South Station, Boston, MA 02210-2208 617-521-7301; Fax: 617-521-7758 www.mass.gov/doi Background: Appointed to head the Massachusetts Division of Insurance in February 2007 by Gov. Deval Patrick. Prior to taking the helm at the division, was a Justice of the Superior Court for more than a decade. Background includes work as a legal advocate. While on the Superior Court bench, served as the chair of both the Gender Equality Advisory Board and the Jury Management Advisory Committee. Prior to her appointment to the court, was an attorney at the firm of Hill & Barlow. Also served as a commissioner on the State Ethics Commission, a fellow of the Boston Bar Foundation, the vice chair of the Boston Bar Association The Boston Bar Association (BBA) is a volunteer non-governmental organization that traces its origins to meetings convened by John Adams, the lawyer who provided pro bono representation to the British soldiers prosecuted for the Boston Massacre and went on to become the 2nd , and on the boards of directors of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and the Center for Law and Education. B.A. from Wellesley College and J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law • • [ . Recipient of Citation for Judicial Excellence from the Boston Bar Association in 2004. Issues: Coastal home insurance; health care reform; and private-passenger automobile insurance reform. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Ken Ross, Commissioner Office of Financial and Insurance Services, Ottawa Building, 3rd Floor, 611 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933-1070 517-335-5834; Fax: 517-373-4870 www.michigan.gov/ofir, E-mail rosskl-michigan.gov Background: Attorney; formerly vice president of legal and regulatory affairs, Michigan Credit Union League A credit union league (League) is a United States state-level trade association for credit unions, which are non-profit financial cooperatives. Credit union leagues hold a primary interest in the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). ; former assistant attorney general. Began career in the legislative process working for a state representative. Issues: Continuing high-quality consumer service; seeking public policy solutions to lower insurance rates; and eliminating unnecessary cost drivers for the entire insurance system. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Glenn Wilson, Commerce Commissioner 85 7th Place East, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101-2198 651-296-6025; Fax: 651-282-2568 www.insurance.mn.gov Background: Former vice president of U.S. Bank Home Mortgage and chief executive officer and chairman of Knutson Mortgage. Appointed as president of Ginnie Mae Ginnie Mae: see Federal National Mortgage Association. in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan. Served on founding committee of the Mortgage Electronic Registration System, a legal document database now being implemented nationally. Issues: Continue to regulate the insurance industry in a way that balances the interests of consumers and the industry. Protect the right of states to continue regulating the insurance industry and resist the federal government's effort to regulate insurance the way they have regulated other industries. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MISSISSIPPI INSURANCE DEPARTMENT Mike Chaney, Commissioner 1001 Woolfolk State Office Building, 501 N. West St., Jackson, MS 39201 601-359-3569; Fax: 601-359-2474 www.mid.state.ms.us Background: Former state senator and chairman of the Senate Education Committee. Key member of the Senate Insurance Committee and one of the writers of the 2007 Wind Pool Insurance bills. Member of Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Insurance, Congressional Redistricting redistricting: see legislative apportionment. , Legislative Reapportionment reapportionment: see legislative apportionment. , Ports and Marine Resources and Universities and Colleges committees. Named 2006 Legislator of the Year by Mississippi Association of Realtors and 2007 Legislator of the Year by the Mississippi Homebuilders Association for legislative work in rebuilding the coast following Hurricane Katrina. Issues: Funding the State Wind Mitigation program; continue work to bring available, affordable and accountable insurance to the state, particularly along the Gulf Coast; work to provide a national uniformity in producer licensing; require property and casualty companies to file a summary report with actuarial opinions; revise methods companies are required to use in filing annual financial reports to improve department's surveillance of the financial conditions of companies. MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION Kip Stetzler, Acting Director 301 W. High St., Suite 530, P.O. Box 690, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0690 573-751-4126; Fax: 573-751-1165 www.insurance.mo.gov Issues: Improve the efficiency of department operations. Focus on consumer protection. Fair and impartial regulation of the insurance and financial marketplace without adding unnecessary expense to those entities the department is charged with regulating. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MONTANA STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE Monica J. Lindeen, State Auditor Commissioner of Insurance & Securities 840 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601 406-444-3246; Fax: 406-444-3497 www.sao.mt.gov Background: Businesswoman; served four terms in the Montana State Legislature The Montana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Montana. It is composed of the 100-member Montana House of Representatives and the 50-member Montana Senate. ; served in a variety of leadership roles; worked on bipartisan efforts concerning economic development policy. Issues: Expanding the Insure Montana program; promoting wellness and preventive programs; and continuing to build Montana's health information technology network. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Ann Frohman, Director Terminal Building, 941 0 St., Suite 400, Lincoln, NE 68508-3639 402-471-2201; Fax: 402-471-2990 www.doi.ne.gov, E-mail Ann.Frohman-nebraska.gov Background: Worked at the Nebraska insurance department for more than 15 years. Was appointed deputy director in January 2004 and previously served as general counsel and staff attorney, as well as on committees of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Also worked as the state's risk manager within the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services from 1997 until January 2000. Received law degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Issues: Health insurance reform, specifically improving the last-resort Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool. Replacing department database systems and enhancing electronic services (Web site, electronic funds transfers See EFT. (application, communications) electronic funds transfer - (EFT, EFTS, - system) Transfer of money initiated through electronic terminal, automated teller machine, computer, telephone, or magnetic tape. ) to the public. Focusing on the financial services overhaul, ensuring policyholders are not shortchanged either in financial oversight or in the marketplace should insurance be considered as a part of the equation. Solvency monitoring. NEVADA DIVISION OF INSURANCE Scott Kipper, Insurance Commissioner 788 Fairview Drive, Suite 300, Carson City, NV 89701 775-687-4270; Fax: 775-687-3937 www.doi.state.nv.us Background: Insurance Administrator of the Oregon Insurance Division since 2007. Former deputy commissioner at the Office of Health Insurance for the Louisiana Department of Insurance and senior regional director for state affairs at America's Health Insurance Plans. B.S. in business administration, University of Wyoming UW is a national research university prominent in the fields of environment and natural resource research, specializing in agriculture, energy, geology, and water resource related fields. . Appointed in December 2008. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire, one of the New England states of the NE United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts (S), Vermont, with the Connecticut R. forming the boundary (W), the Canadian province of Quebec (NW), and Maine and a short strip of the Atlantic Ocean (E). INSURANCE DEPARTMENT Roger A. Sevigny, Insurance Commissioner 21 South Fruit St., Suite 14, Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-2261; Fax: (603) 271-1406 www.nh.gov/insurance Background: Prior to joining the New Hampshire Insurance Department, worked at Travelers Insurance for more than 30 years in several technical and management positions. Active member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and currently serves as president-elect. Issues: Implementation of New Hampshire HealthFirst--a program to make more affordable, wellness-based health coverage available to small employers. Implementation of risk-focused financial examinations. Establishment of statutory and regulatory standards for life settlements and suitability in the sale of annuities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF BANKING & INSURANCE Steven Goldman, Insurance Commissioner P.O. Box 325, Trenton, NJ 08625-0325 609-292-5360; Fax: 609-292-5273 www.state.nj.us/dobi/index.html Background: Prior to his nomination by Gov. Jon S. Corzine, Goldman was a senior member and 22-year veteran of Sills Cummis Epstein & Gross PC. Earned Masters of Law in taxation from New York University School of Law The New York University School of Law (NYU Law) is the law school of New York University. Established in 1835, the school offers the J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. , a J.D. from the George Washington University George Washington University, at Washington, D.C.; coeducational; chartered 1821 as Columbian College (one of the first nonsectarian colleges), opened 1822, became a university in 1873, renamed 1904. School of Law and an Artium Baccalaureatus in political science from Boston University. Issues: Implement health insurance market reforms including developing new rules to govern the health plan/provider relationship and promoting the expanded use of electronic health records. Advocate for the passage of the Interstate Insurance Compact bills in the state legislature. Pursue strategies to promote availability and competition throughout the state for personal lines coverage; pursue new investment in New Jersey underwriting from new insurers and those already in state; and complete work on the Territorial Rating Equalization In communications, techniques used to reduce distortion and compensate for signal loss (attenuation) over long distances. Exchange. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW MEXICO INSURANCE DIVISION Morris Chavez, Superintendent P.O. Box 1269, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1269 505-827-4299; Fax: 505-827-4106 www. nmprc.state.nm.us/id.htm Background: Currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and is the national chair of the Title Insurance Working Group. Served as New Mexico State Gaming Representative since 2004, where he was responsible for monitoring compliance of the 2001 Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compacts entered into by the 13 Tribes/Pueblos and the state. Prior to this, worked in the insurance and financial services industry. Member of the State Bar of New Mexico, board member of the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association and active in the American Bar Association American Bar Association (ABA), voluntary organization of lawyers admitted to the bar of any state. Founded (1878) largely through the efforts of the Connecticut Bar Association, it is devoted to improving the administration of justice, seeking uniformity of law Young Lawyers Division. Issues: Adoption of the NAIC Interstate Compact A voluntary arrangement between two or more states that is designed to solve their common problems and that becomes part of the laws of each state. Interstate compacts in the United States were first used by the American colonies to settle boundary disputes. ; modest reform to New Mexico title insurance laws; and increased consumer protection and awareness of insurance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Eric Dinallo, Superintendent 25 Beaver St., New York, NY 10004-2319 212-480-6400; Fax: 212-480-2310 www.ins.state.ny.us Background: Worked with federal agencies to develop the AIG AIG addressee indicator group (US DoD) AIG American International Group, Inc AiG Answers in Genesis (religious group in defense of Scripture) AIG Artificial Intelligence Group AIG Australian Industry Group rescue plan and chairs the NAIC committee overseeing the sale of AIG companies. Implemented a plan to stabilize the financial guaranty market and has proposed regulation of credit default swaps Credit Default Swap A swap designed to transfer the credit exposure of fixed income products between parties. Notes: The buyer of a credit swap receives credit protection, whereas the seller of the swap guarantees the credit worthiness of the product. . Helped settle the dispute over $2 billion in World Trade Center insurance claims and led the department's work in proposing steps to reform New York's workers' compensation insurance program. Previously, he served as the general counsel of insurance broker Willis Group Holdings. Issues: Draft new producer compensation regulations to balance the interests of producers with the interests of consumers; move ahead plans to examine the feasibility of re-establishing the New York Insurance Exchange to allow underwriters to form syndicates to reinsure re·in·sure tr.v. re·in·sured, re·in·sur·ing, re·in·sures To insure again, especially by transferring all or part of the risk in a contract to a new contract with another insurance company. and insure unusual or large risks; and continue efforts to refine and strengthen regulation within the context of the current financial crisis. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina, state in the SE United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), South Carolina and Georgia (S), Tennessee (W), and Virginia (N). Facts and Figures Area, 52,586 sq mi (136,198 sq km). Pop. DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Wayne Goodwin, Commissioner of Insurance 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1201 919-733-3058; Fax: 919-733-6495 www.ncdoi.com Background: Prior to being elected, served as the assistant insurance commissioner for nearly four years. Also served in the North Carolina House of Representatives The North Carolina House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the North Carolina General Assembly. The House is a 120 member body led by a Speaker of the House, who holds powers similar to those of the President pro-tem in the state senate. . Serves as the state fire marshal and as the state chair of the Safe Kids North Carolina, the Arson Awareness Council and as a member of numeous commissions and boards. Issues: Solving the coastal insurance problems in North Carolina; emphasizing consumer protection; keeping rates for all lines of insurance affordable and accessible while also meeting the balance required for a competitive insurance market in the state. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Adam W. Harem, Commissioner 600 E. Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505-0320 701-328-2440; Fax: 701-328-4880 www.nd.gov/ndins Background: Former state's attorney and private practice attorney specializing in commercial litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. , administrative agency An official governmental body empowered with the authority to direct and supervise the implementation of particular legislative acts. In addition to agency, such governmental bodies may be called commissions, corporations (e.g. law and transportation law. Issues: Working to encourage a more competitive health insurance market; consumer protection; building on the success of the insurance department, specifically with the State Health Insurance Counseling and Prescription Connection programs; regulatory oversight of the state's workers' compensation program. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OHIO Ohio, state, United States Ohio, midwestern state in the Great Lakes region of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania (NE) West Virginia (SE), Kentucky (S), Indiana (W), and Michigan and Lake Erie (N). DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Mary Jo Hudson, Director 50 West Town St., Third Floor, Suite 300 Columbus, OH 43215-1067 614-644-2658; Fax: 614-644-3743 www.ohioinsurance.gov Background: Practiced law since 1989, most recently with the Columbus offices of Bailey Cavalieri LLC, focusing on insurance regulation and liquidation law, consumer law compliance, commercial lending, state and federal advertising law, and general corporate matters. Served as an attorney with the Ohio Department of Insurance and Office of the Ohio Insurance Liquidator. Also served for two years as a member of city council in Columbus, Ohio, where she served as chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee. Issues: Protecting seniors from predatory insurance sales practices; promoting a competitive insurance market in Ohio; health care reform; monitoring the financial solvency of insurance companies and health insurance corporations operating in Ohio; and assuring that companies operating in the state are stable and sound. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Kim Holland, Commissioner 2401 NW 23rd St., Suite 28 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 405-522-2828; Fax: 405-521-6635 www.oid.ok.gov Background: First woman elected insurance commissioner in Oklahoma. Widely recognized as one of the top employee benefits specialists in the state. Former chair and member of the Oklahoma State Employees' Benefits Council and the Emergency Medical Services Authority EMSA - the Emergency Medical Services Authority - is Oklahoma's largest provider of pre-hospital emergency medical care. EMSA provides ambulance service to more than 1.1 million residents in central and northeast Oklahoma. . Issues: Financial solvency given economic climate; consumer protection with emphasis on protecting seniors; increasing access to affordable health insurance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OREGON INSURANCE DIVISION Teresa Miller, Acting Administrator of the Insurance Division P.O. 14480, Salem, OR 97309-0405 503-947-7980; Fax: 503-378-4351 www.insurance.oregon.gov Background: Joined the Insurance Division July 1 2008, and became acting administrator four months later. Previously served as an assistant attorney general at the Oregon Department of Justice, where she handled consumer protection cases. Before that, served as Gov. Ted Kulongoski's legislative director for more than two years. Graduate of Pacific Lutheran University Pacific Lutheran University is located in the Parkland suburb of Tacoma, Washington. As of September 2007, PLU had a student population of 3,669 and approximately 250 full-time faculty. and Willamette University College of Law Willamette University College of Law is a private law school located in Salem, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1842, Willamette University is the oldest university in the Western United States. . Member of the Oregon State Bar since 2002. Worked as a lobbyist for The Tresidder Co. Prior to joining the governor's staff, did governmental affairs work for Portland General Electric This article is not to be confused with PG&E, a San Francisco, California-based utility company Portland General Electric (PGE) (NYSE: POR) is an electrical utility, formerly owned by the Houston-based Enron Corporation (but now independent), that distributes electricity to . Issues: Clarifying and strengthening rate review standards while adding transparency and public input. Require insurers to separately report and justify increases in administrative costs administrative costs, n.pl the overhead expenses incurred in the operation of a dental benefits program, excluding costs of dental services provided. . Continue to closely monitor the financial strength of insurers to ensure their financial solvency and ability to pay claims. Continue to work with insurers and consumers to improve Oregon's competitive insurance market. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE DEPARTMENT Joel S. Ario, Commissioner 1326 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120 717-783-0442; Fax: 717-772-1969 www.ins.state.pa.us Background: Served as acting commissioner until he was confirmed in July 2008. Served as Oregon insurance administrator from May 2000 to June 2007. Served as secretary-treasurer (2003-2004) and vice president (2004-2005) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Professional career spans 25 years in consumer protection activities, initially in the nonprofit sector and since 1995, as an insurance regulator. A graduate of St. Olaf College An average of six St. Olaf students are awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship each year. Additionally, the college has produced three Rhodes Scholars since 1977. St. , Harvard Divinity School Harvard Divinity School is one of the constituent schools of Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States. The School's purpose is to train graduate students—either in the academic study of religion, or in the practice of a religious ministry. and Harvard Law School Harvard Law School (colloquially, Harvard Law or HLS) is one of the professional graduate schools of Harvard University. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard Law is considered one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States. . Issues: Complete the review of the proposed consolidation of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross; promote Gov. Edward G. Rendell's health care reform package that focuses on cost control, universal coverage, and health insurance reforms designed to pool risk and stabilize premiums in the individual and small-group markets; expand consumer rights on issues such as suitability of annuity products and long-term-care protections; and educate consumers on issues such as flood insurance and comparison shopping for automobile and homeowners policies. PUERTO RICO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Commissioner B5 Tabonuco St., Suite 216, PMB PMB Private Message Board PMB Print Measurement Bureau PMB Performance Measurement Baseline PMB Private Mail Box (non-USPS) PMB Plant and Microbial Biology PMB Private Mailbox PMB Physics in Medicine and Biology 356 Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Guaynabo (pronounced as IPA: [ˌɡwaiˈnabo]; also known as Guaynabo City or GC) is a municipality in the northern part of Puerto Rico, located in the northern coast of the island, north of Aguas Buenas; south of 00968-3049 787-722-8686; Fax: 787-273-6082 www.ocs.gobierno.pr/ocspr/ Note: At press time, a new appointment had not been announced. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RHODE ISLAND Rhode Island, island, United States Rhode Island, island, 15 mi (24 km) long and 5 mi (8 km) wide, S R.I., at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It is the largest island in the state, with steep cliffs and excellent beaches. DIVISION OF INSURANCE Joseph Torti III, Superintendent 1511 Pontiac Ave., Building 69-2, Cranston, RI 02920 401-462-9520; Fax: 401-462-9602 wwwdbr.state.ri.us, E-mail Insuranceinquiry-dbr.state.ri.us Background: Served more than 20 years with the insurance division, beginning as a senior examiner. Graduated cum laude from Providence College with degree in business administration with a specialization in accounting. Is a certified public accountant Certified Public Accountant (CPA) An accountant who has met certain standards, including experience, age, and licensing, and passed exams in a particular state. , certified financial examiner and a certified financial services auditor. Chairs the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' financial standards and accreditation committee, among other posts. Issues: Significant attention to workers' compensation rating and coastal insurance issues. Solvency surveillance will become an even greater priority. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOUTH CAROLINA South Carolina, state of the SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW). Facts and Figures Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km). Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15. DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Scott H. Richardson, Director 300 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 1200 Columbia, SC 29223 803-737-6160; Fax: 803-737-6229 www.doi.sc.go; E-mail: SRichardson-doi.sc.gov Background: Appointed director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance in February 2007. Served in the state Senate from 2000-2007 and the state House of Representatives from 1992-1996. Worked as an insurance agent with Carswell of Carolina Insurance Agency for 21 years and was an owner/ partner from 1985-1999. Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology, with honors, from the University of Tennessee The University of Tennessee (UT), sometimes called the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UT Knoxville or UTK), is the flagship institution of the statewide land-grant University of Tennessee public university system in the American state of Tennessee. in 1974. Issues: Working to pass a health insurance program called SCHealthNet to provide an inexpensive insurance option to the public. Continuing to work on coastal insurance price stabilization price stabilization See peg, PROBLEM">[removed]. and issues with wind-versus-water claims. Working on ways to improve state-based regulation through more expansive compacts and reciprocal agreements between states. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION OF INSURANCE Merle merle a pattern of coat color pigmentation with dark, irregular blotches on a lighter background. Seen in some Collies and Welsh corgis. In shorthaired dogs, e.g. Great Danes and Dachshunds, the similar pattern is called dapple. D. Scheiber, Director 445 East Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501 605-773-3563; Fax: 605-773-5369 www.state.sd.us/drr2/reg/insurance E-mail: Merle.Scheiber-state.sd.us Background: Has worked in underwriting, marketing, reinsurance and agency relations for several companies in South Dakota for 25 years. Managerial positions in personal and commercial lines. A certified insurance counselor In the United States, Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is an insurance agent professional certification designation. The CIC certification program was started by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research in Austin, Texas in 1969. . Was named PIA pi·a n. The pia mater. pi  al adj. Company Representative of the year in
2001 and Sioux Falls Fastpitch Coach of the Year in 1997.
Issues: Maintaining state-based insurance regulation, given the growing challenges of financial crisis; making health insurance more affordable, which the governor has addressed in recent legislation; and continuing to increase consumer awareness and department responsiveness in a troubled economy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & INSURANCE Leslie A. Newman, Commissioner Davy Crockett Tower, Fifth Floor, 500 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243-0565 615-741-6007; Fax: 615-532-6934 www.state.tn.us/commerce/insurance/index.html; E-mail: leslie.newman-state.tn.us Background: An attorney at the Nashville firm of Farmer and Luna. Appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen. Was Associate Metropolitan Attorney for the Metropolitan Nashville Department of Law from 1994-2000. As a member of the law firm Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis from mid-2000 until early 2003, chaired the land use & zoning and the state & local government subgroups. Graduate of Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University, mainly at Baltimore, Md. Johns Hopkins in 1867 had a group of his associates incorporated as the trustees of a university and a hospital, endowing each with $3.5 million. Daniel C. ; earned law degree from the Washington University School of Law Washington University School of Law, is a private American law school located in St. Louis, Missouri. The law school is one part of the seven graduate and undergraduate schools at Washington University in St. Louis. . [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Mike Geeslin, Insurance Commissioner P.O. Box 149104, Austin, TX 78701 512-463-6464; Fax: 512-475-2005 ww.tdi.state.tx.us; E-mail Mike.Geeslin-tdi.state.tx.us Background: Deputy commissioner for policy, 2003-2005. Has overseen and coordinated implementation of major insurance reforms directed by the Legislature. Budget and policy adviser on insurance and regulatory matters to governor's office and lieutenant governor's office. Issues: Continue to work with the Legislature on reform to improve funding mechanisms for the Texas Windstorm wind·storm n. A storm with high winds or violent gusts but little or no rain. windstorm A storm with high winds or violent gusts but little or no rain. Insurance Association, whose funding was depleted de·plete tr.v. de·plet·ed, de·plet·ing, de·pletes To decrease the fullness of; use up or empty out. [Latin d by hurricanes Dolly and Ike in 2008. Continue to monitor Texas insurance industry for financial strength, keeping an eye on any solvency issues. Continue Hurricane Ike assistance and recovery efforts. Consumer assistance teams remain in the impacted areas helping consumers with claims issues; agency is working to develop a mediation program to provide an additional option for complaint resolution. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS SOUTHEASTERN ZONE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Gregory R. Francis Lieutenant Governor/Insurance Commissioner 18 Kongens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802 340-774-2991 Fax: 340-774-6953 Background: Served in the military for 27 years. The director of the Office of Veterans' Affairs from 1999-2001 and served as administrator of St. Croix from 2001-2006. Resigned to announce candidacy for lieutenent governor, his new position. Holds a variety of positions within community service organizations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UTAH Utah, state, United States Utah (y `tä'), Rocky Mt. state of the W United States. DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
Kent Michie, Insurance Commissioner 3110 State Office Building, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6901 801-538-3800; Fax: 801-538-3829 www.insurance.utah.gov Background: Has 35 years' experience in Utah business, with 16 years as vice president of Zion's Bank Public Finance. Served as state financial adviser since 1984. Served for 20 years in the Utah National Guard The Utah National Guard consists of the:
Issues: Continued diligence in financial solvency regulation to assure that the policies of Utah insurance policyholders are solid, Health system reform that really works and has the costs of health care at the forefront, Regulatory modernization in a sensible collegial col·le·gi·al adj. 1. a. Characterized by or having power and authority vested equally among colleagues: "He . . . format bringing to bear the best strengths of the federal government and the states, [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF BANKING, INSURANCE, SECURITIES AND HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION Paulette Thabault, Commissioner of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration 89 Main St., Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-3101 802-828-3301; Fax: 802-828-3306 www.bishca.state.vt.us Background: Thabault is a small-business owner, nurse practitioner nurse practitioner n. Abbr. NP A registered nurse with special training for providing primary health care, including many tasks customarily performed by a physician. and attorney. Served as deputy commissioner for Health Care Administration at BISHCA from 2003 through 2005 and has many years of experience working in the field of health care consulting. Issues: Improving access to high-quality, affordable health care, particularly to individuals and small businesses. Preserving and enforcing Vermont consumer protection laws consumer protection laws n. almost all states and the federal government have enacted laws and set up agencies to protect the consumer (the retail purchasers of goods and services) from inferior, adulterated, hazardous and deceptively advertised products, and . Preserving state-based insurance regulation by implementing important national initiatives such as the Interstate Insurance Compact or other model laws, regulations or proposals promulgated prom·ul·gate tr.v. prom·ul·gat·ed, prom·ul·gat·ing, prom·ul·gates 1. To make known (a decree, for example) by public declaration; announce officially. See Synonyms at announce. 2. through the NAIC. Making Vermont an attractive place for insurers to write policies by responsive and knowledgeable department staff including quick turn-around for decisions. Preserving Vermont's competitive advantage in the captive industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] VIRGINIA STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION BUREAU OF INSURANCE Alfred W. Gross, Insurance Commissioner P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, VA 23218 804-371-9741; Fax: 804-371-9873 www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi/index.htm Background: Joined the bureau in 1981. Promoted to deputy commissioner of financial regulation section in 1989. Named acting commissioner in May 1996, and commissioner in July 1996. Issues: Economy's impact on Virginia-licensed companies and the insurance marketplace; consideration in the 2009 General Assembly of health insurance products that limit mandated benefits or offer more "bare-bones" coverage products; and compression of consumer credit and foreclosures and how P/C insurers may react. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Mike Bradley Kreidler, Commissioner P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255 360-725-7100; Fax: 360-586-3109 http://www.insurance.wa.gov Background: Served 16 years in the Washington Legislature and one term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Doctor of optometry Noun 1. Doctor of Optometry - a doctor's degree in optometry OD doctor's degree, doctorate - one of the highest earned academic degrees conferred by a university , with 20 years experience as practicing optometrist optometrist /op·tom·e·trist/ (op-tom´e-trist) a specialist in optometry. Optometrist A medical professional who examines and tests the eyes for disease and treats visual disorders by prescribing corrective . Former regional director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Noun 1. Department of Health and Human Services - the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare; created in 1979 Health and Human Services, HHS . Issues: Establishing a plan for catastrophic health care coverage and limited preventive care for all residents. Ensuring the financial solvency of insurance companies in a time of economic crisis. Maintaining state-based insurance regulation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WASHINGTON D.C. DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, SECURITIES AND BANKING Thomas E. Hampton, Insurance Commissioner 810 First St. NE, Suite 701, Washington, DC 20002 202-727-8000; Fax: 202-535-1196 www.disr.dc.gov/disr Background: Reappointed commissioner in January 2007; 18-year veteran and former deputy commissioner; previously worked as assistant deputy commissioner for the financial examination division and as the department's operations manager. Issues: Develop a regulatory scheme that will provide additional consumer protection for small-group health plans and association group health plans. Implement the new premium rate review process for medical malpractice Improper, unskilled, or negligent treatment of a patient by a physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional. insurance products. Work with City Council to enact a bill to license life settlement companies and producers in the District. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WEST VIRGINIA OFFICES OF THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER Jane L. Cline, Commissioner P.O. Box 50540, Charleston, WV 25305-0540 304-558-3354; Fax: 304-558-0412 www.wvinsurance.gov Background: Elected president-elect, National Association of Insurance Commissioners in December 2008 after serving as vice president. Also is chair of the NAIC Interstate Insurance Products Regulation Commission. Appointed West Virginia insurance commissioner in 2001. Previously operated a government consulting firm and served as commissioner of the state's Division of Motor Vehicles and deputy commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Highways. Issues: Preparing for the establishment of a residual market, the final phase of privatizing the state's workers' compensation market. Continue serving the NAIC as president-elect, as well as chairperson for the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Sean Dilweg, Commissioner P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873 608-267-1233; Fax: 608-261-8579 www.oci.wi.gov Background: Executive Assistant to the Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Administration The Wisconsin Department of Administration provides the governor with information for preparing the state's budget and analyzing solutions to other fiscal problems. The Department has an office in Washington D.C. , 2003-2006; Director of Policy Analysis, Essie Consulting Group, 2000-2003; Clerk, Senate Committee on Environment and Energy, 1995 to 2000; masters in public administration, La Follette Institute of Public Affairs
Issues: Focusing on the suitability of annuity sales and improving disclosure of annuity performance information to policyholders. Implementing recommendations of the NAIC Climate Change Task Force. Pressing Congress for giving states more authority to regulate the aggressive marketing of Medicare Advantage plans. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE Ken Vines, Insurance Commissioner 106 East 6th Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-7401; Fax: 307-777-2446 http://insurance.state.wy.us Background: Served as deputy insurance commissioner from 1992 to 2002. Before that, practiced law at Vines, Gusea and White in Cheyenne. Also served as an assistant attorney general in the Wyoming Attorney General's Office. Received his bachelor's degree and juris doctorate from the University of Wyoming. Issues: Adoption of legislation which updates the Wyoming Insurance Code so as to maintain the department's accreditation with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Continue to do more consumer outreach so that Wyoming citizens have information to make good insurance decisions. Adoption of regulations relating to the suitability of annuity sales to senior citizens.
Upcoming Elections
Next
Scheduled
State Elected Regulator Election
California Steve Poizner 2010
Delaware Karen Weldin Stewart 2012
Florida * Alex Sink 2010
Georgia John W. Oxendine 2010
Kansas Sandy Praeger 2010
Louisiana James Donelon 2011
Mississippi Mike Chaney 2011
Montana Monica J. Lindeen 2012
North Carolina Wayne Goodwin 2012
North Dakota Adam W. Hamm 2012
Oklahoma Kim Holland 2010
U.S. Virgin Islands ** Gregory R. Francis 2010
Washington Mike Bradley Kreidler 2012
* The chief financial officer is elected. The Financial Services
Commission (composed of the governor, attorney general, chief
financial officer and commissioner of agriculture) appoints the
director of insurance regulation.
** The lieutenant governor serves as commissioner of insurance
for the territory
Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners
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