Regulator yearbook: the 2007 insurance commissioners.

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Walter A. Bell, Commissioner

201 Monroe St., Suite 1700, Montgomery, AL 36104

334-269-3550 Fax: [phone]

www.aldoi.gov

Background: NAIC President. Joined MONY Group in 1983 as financial professional, was vice president for Diversity Marketing when he left the company. A limited partner in the Mobile BayBears, the city's Southern League Baseball team.

Issues: Availability and affordability of homeowners and commercial insurance in the aftermath of losses from hurricanes Ivan and Katrina; expand health insurance access; grow captives program under new law.

ALASKA DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Linda Hall, Director

550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1560, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567

907-269-7900 Fax: [phone]

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 Review and Advisory Committee. Earlier, Hall was a high school English teacher in Michigan. Issues: Amendments to regulations; workers' compensation reform; agents licensing streamlining; principles-based reserving; suitability standards in sales of annuities.

AMERICAN SAMOA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Laloulu Tagoilelagi, insurance Commissioner

American Samoa Government, Executive Office Building, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799

011-684-633-4116, ext. 240 Fax: [phone]

www.samoanet.com/asg/

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Christina Urias, Director

2910 North 44th St., Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85018-7256

602-364-3100 Fax: [phone]

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. Named one of Top 50 pro bono attorneys in state. Seventh-generation descendant of Tucson pioneers.

Issues: Adopting the NAIC's revised actuarial opinion and memorandum requirements for life insurers; further cooperation with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Medicare Part D drug prescription plans and related issues; monitoring federal legislation activities regarding insurance regulation.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Julie Benafield Bowman, Commissioner

1200 West 3rd St., Little Rock, AR 72201-1904

501-371-2600 Fax: [phone]

http://insurance.arkansas.gov/

Background: General counsel at the Arkansas Development Finance Authority 1996-1998. Chief executive officer of the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission 1998-2005. Appointed Arkansas insurance commissioner in January 2005. Former board member of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions. President of Southern Association of Workers' Compensation Administrators in 2002. Listed in Arkansas Business "Forty Under Forty" for 2001.

Issues: Consumer education, especially among seniors; industry and regulator preparedness in the face of catastrophic losses; and streamlined state approval of product filings.

Note: As of press time, commissioner position was subject to new appointment because of a change in governor.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE 

Steve Poizner, Commissioner

300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1700, Sacramento, CA 95814

916-492-3500 Fax: [phone]

www.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 from Stanford University; B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Texas. Co-founder of Poizner Family Foundation and Ed Voice to improve public education system.

Issues: Driving down insurance rates; aggressively fighting insurance fraud; getting uninsured drivers off the roads; and preparing for the next major natural disaster.

COLORADO DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Marcy Morrison, Insurance Commissioner

1560 Broadway, Suite 850, Denver, CO 80202

303-894-7425 Fax: [phone]

www.dora.state.co.us/insurance

Background: Background in public service began in 1984, when served as an El Paso County Commissioner. State representative 1992-2000. Elected mayor of Manitou Springs in 2001; re-elected to the mayoral post in 2005. Other positions: membership on the state Board of Health, member of Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. Won the AARP "Legislator of the Year" award in 1998.

Note: As of press time, Morrison still needed to be confirmed by the state Senate.

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Commissioner

P.O. Box 816, Hartford, CT 06142-0816

860-297-3800 Fax: [phone]

www.ct.gov/cid

Note: As of press time, a new insurance commissioner was expected to be named by the end of January.

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Matthew Denn, Commissioner

Rodney Building, 841 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904

302-674-7300 Fax: [phone]

www.delawareinsurance.gov

Background: Appointed in 1998 to serve as chairman of the state's Child Protection Accountability Commission, a commission set up in the aftermath of the deaths of several children in state care. Served as legal counsel for Gov. Ruth Ann Minner from 2001 through 2003.

Issues: Controlling homeowners, auto, and health insurance coverage; improving consumer service.

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: [phone]

www.floir.com

Background: A leading member of the NAIC's Catastrophe Working Group. Also chairman of the state's Annual Wine Fest event.

Issues: Improving homeowners insurance market--availability and affordability. Reforming Florida Joint Underwriting Association also is a priority. Leading charge for a National Catastrophe Fund.

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: [phone]

www.gainsurance.org

Background: In early 2004, announced intent to run for lieutenant governor, but later dropped out of that race to run for fourth term as insurance commissioner. Has indicated a desire to expand the post to cover transportation and education issues. Also serves as fire safety commissioner, industrial loan commissioner and comptroller general.

Issues: Led investigation into sales practices of companies and agents who market life policies and other financial products to active duty servicemen. Has made expansion of health insurance coverage to rural Georgians a major priority.

GUAM DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND TAXATION, INSURANCE BRANCH

Artemio B. Ilagan, Director of Revenue and Taxation

Tower Government of Guam, P.O. Box 23607, GMF, Guam 96921

671-475-1843 Fax: [phone]

www.guamtax.com

Background: Previously a noncommissioned officer in charge of information management for the U.S. Air Force reserve; a supervisor of criminal investigations with the Department of Revenue and Taxation; and a supervisor of examination branch and tax enforcement administrator with Revenue and Taxation.

Issues: Territory passed legislation in 1998 establishing itself as a captive domicile, and has been particularly active since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in trying to attract insurance capital. Ln 2003, Guam amended its law to allow "protected cell" captives, and it is in the process of promulgating new rules to attract medical malpractice captives.

HAWAII INSURANCE DIVISION

Jeffrey P. Schmidt, Commissioner

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 3614, Honolulu, HI 96813

808-586-2790 Fax: [phone]

www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ins

Background: Prior to government service, was an officer with the Los Angeles Agency of the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank in commercial lending, and with Coldwell Banker Commercial Group. Issues: Hawaii recently registered its 200th domiciled captive insurer. Schmidt has been active in creating grants to home and business owners for hurricane retrofits. Has also been proponent of using interstate compacts to address the problem of availability of property/casualty insurance for natural catastrophe risks.

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

William W. Deal, Director

700 West State St., 3rd Floor, Boise, ID 83720-0043

208-334-4250 Fax: [phone]

www.doi.idaho.gov

Background: A long-time state legislator, was selected by Gov.-elect Butch Otter after falling short in a bid to become speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives. Served as chairman of the State Affairs Committee, and has more than 40 years of experience as an insurance agent.

Issues: As a legislator, Deal has been a major advocate of health insurance parity for mental illnesses. Also was an active member of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, which has been among the staunchest opponents of federal regulation of insurance.

ILLINOIS DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Michael T. McRaith, Director

100 W. Randolph, Suite 9-301, Chicago, IL 60601-3251

217-785-5516 Fax: [phone]

www.idfpr.com

Background: Prior to appointment, spent 15 years in private practice as an attorney in Chicago. Helped to convene the first National Catastrophe Insurance Summit; was a representative of the NAIC at the International Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris.

Issues: Testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, advocating preservation of McCarran-Ferguson's limited antitrust exemption for insurance. Chairs the NAIC's Broker Activities Task Force and has taken an active role in multistate settlements of bid-steering investigations into several major brokers and insurers. Also has been advocate of a national catastrophe insurance plan.

INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Jim Atterholt, Commissioner

311 W. Washington St. Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 62767-1678

317-232-2385 Fax: [phone]

www.in.gov/idoi/

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, 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 Center for at-risk children.

Issues: Wants to grow insurance jobs in Indiana, as well as improve the legislative and judicial climate to encourage people to relocate to Indiana. Also wants to improve the efficiency of rate and form filings in the state.

IOWA DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Susan Voss, Commissioner

330 E. Maple St., Des Moines, IA 50319

515-281-5705/media 515-242-5179

Fax: [phone]

www.iid.state.ia.us

Background: Has been 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. Issues: The two issues Voss anticipates facing are small employer health insurance and medical malpractice insurance.

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Sandy Praeger, Commissioner

420 SW 9th St., Topeka, KS 66612-1678

785-296-3071 Fax: [phone]

www.ksinsurance.org

Background: NAIC president-elect. Served three terms in the Kansas Senate and one term in the Kansas House of Representatives. 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 to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the public health through elected and career government service. Won re-election in 2006 with 63% of the vote.

Issues: Anti-Fraud Legislation: Will give the commissioner additional authority to fight fraud and make the reporting of any fraudulent act mandatory. Medicare Part D: Amend foreign insurance company statute to allow the Kansas Insurance Department to license the participating plans.

KENTUCKY OFFICE OF INSURANCE

Julie Mix McPeak, Executive Director

P.O. Box 517, Frankfort, KY 40602-0517

502-564-6027/3630 Fax: [phone]

www.kentucky.gov

Background: Served in state government as a staff attorney for the Kentucky Health Policy Board and supervising attorney for the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. Also spent nine years as an attorney for the KOI, the last five as general counsel.

Issues: Working with other state agencies to find ways to provide relief to those in the small-group health insurance market. Continuing efforts to attract new health insurers to the Kentucky market. Continuing efforts to draw captive insurers to the state.

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

James Donelon, Commissioner

P.O Box 94214, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

225-342-5423 Fax: [phone]

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. Eked out a victory in a 2006 special election to keep his seat with 50.1% of the vote.

Issues: Fair settlement of property insurance claims from hurricanes Katrina and Rita; continued availability and affordability of property insurance through the voluntary market in the wake of the hurricanes; fair pricing of auto insurance in consideration of post-Katrina demographic shifts.

MAINE BUREAU OF INSURANCE

Eric Cioppa, Acting Superintendent

State Office Building Station 34, Augusta, ME 04333-0034

207-624-8475 Fax: [phone]

www.maineinsurancereg.org

Background: Deputy superintendent since 1998. Served on various committees at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, including the workers' compensation task force and co-chair of the NAIC/IAIABC Joint Working Group. Issues: Affordable health insurance; affordable homeowners insurance for island and coastal properties; pursuit of NAIC speed-to-market initiatives.

Note: As of press time, commissioner position was subject to new ap pointment because of a new gubernatorial term of office.

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

R. Steven Orr, Commissioner

525 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202-2272

410-468-2090 Fax: [phone]

www.mdinsurance.state.md.us

Background: Currently involved with advocating for health-care reform as vice-chair of the Federal Relief Task Force at the NAIC. Most recently served as senior vice president and chief information officer for the Universal Underwriters Group, a position he held from 2000. Between 1982 and 2000, was involved in the start-up and operation of businesses specializing in information technology systems and project management.

Issues: Affordable, high quality health care; availability and affordability of property and casualty coverage for Marylanders along the coast; preparation for natural disasters and pandemics.

MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Joseph Murphy, Interim Commissioner

1 South Station, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210

617-521-7301 Fax: [phone]

www.mass.gov/doi

Note: Murphy took on the role as interim commissioner on Jan. 9. As of press time, Gov. Deval Patrick's appointment of a new commissioner was pending.

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Linda A. Watters, Commissioner

Office of Financial and Insurance Services,

Ottawa Building, 3rd Floor 611 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933-1070

517-373-0220 Fax: [phone]

www.michigan.gov/ofis

Background: Former president and chief executive officer of Detroit Commerce Bank; vice president and relationship manager at Michigan National Bank (now Standard Federal); numerous positions at Comerica Bank from 1988 to 1996. Began career on the finance staff at General Motors. Was active in community groups before her appointment.

Issues: Seeks more affordable insurance in urban areas for auto, home and HMOs. Proposes to ban the use of credit scoring in underwriting. Her package of bills before Legislature would give commissioner power to order rate reductions, rebates, and decide what is excessive instead of relying on competition.

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Glenn Wilson, Insurance Commissioner

85 7th Place East, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN 55101-2198

651-296-6025 Fax: [phone]

www.commerce.state.mn.us

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 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: Provide national leadership in the development and implementation of the Insurance Compact; further the automation of the services including licensing and continuing education; refine and improve risk-based capital audit system; expand the impact of new insurance fraud unit.

MISSISSIPPi INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

George Dale, Director

1001 Wollfork St. Building, 501 N. West St., Jackson, MS 39201

601-359-3569 Fax: [phone]

www.doi.state.ms.us

Background: Holds the distinction of being the longest-serving elected commissioner of insurance in the United States. Prior to his first election in 1975, served as an aide to former Governor Bill Waller. Was a teacher, coach, principal and administrator in the Moss Point, Miss., public school system.

Issues: Revamping the windstorm pool following Hurricane Katrina and assisting claimants with claims relating to the hurricane. The affordability and availability of insurance on Mississippi Gulf Coast remains a major priority.

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

Doug Ommen, Director

301 W. High St., Suite 530, Jefferson City, MO 65102

573-751-4126 Fax: [phone]

www.insurance.mo.gov

Background: Previously served as the department's deputy director and general counsel, and also was commissioner of securities at the Secretary of State's Office.

Issues: Strive for state legislation that would help to streamline insurance regulation in areas such as market conduct and professional conduct rules for producers. Push for passage of the Interstate Compact of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission.

MONTANA STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE

John Morrison, Montana State Auditor, the

Commissioner of Insurance and Securities

840 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601

406-444-2040 Fax: [phone]

www.sao.mt.gov

Background: Represented Montana in the state's tobacco case, and media organizations in the Unabomber case. Author of Mavericks, The Lives and Battles of Montana Political Legends. Also chaired the NAIC task force addressing legal issues arising from the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

Issues: Development of a plan, supported by a diverse coalition of business and consumer groups, to insure tens of thousands of Montanans. Legislators have approved his "Insure Montana" program that uses tax credits and pooling to make health insurance more affordable for small businesses.

NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Tim Wagner, Director

941 0 St., Suite 400. Lincoln. NE 68508

402-471-2201 Fax: [phone]

www.doi.ne.gov

Background: Prior to his appointment, was vice president of government relations for Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha. Co-chairs the NAIC task force on climate change.

Issues: The financing of health-care coverage; the relationship between the insurance industry and automobile repair facilities; continuing to voice concerns about climate change and its effect on the insurance industry.

NEVADA DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Alice A. Molasky-Arman, Insurance Commissioner

788 Fairview Drive, Suite 300, Carson City, NV 89701

775-687-4270 Fax: [phone]

www.doi.state.nv.us

Background: Has served longer than any insurance commissioner in state's history. Has provided guidance for innovative programs, including legislation establishing a reinsurance program for health insurers (a first for Nevada) and taking a leading role in Nevada's transition toward a three-way workers' compensation environment.

Issues: Making health insurance available and affordable. Consumer protection and insolvency of insurers are prime concerns.

NEW HAMPSHIRE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Roger A. Sevigny, Insurance Commissioner

21 South Fruit St., Suite 14, Concord, NH 03301

603-271-2261 Fax: [phone]

www.nh.gov/insurance

Background: NAIC vice president. Prior to joining the New Hampshire Insurance Department, worked at Travelers Insurance for more than 30 years in several technical and management positions.

Issues: Health insurance affordability continues to be a major issue in the state. Other issues: an increased emphasis on market analysis and working on the NAIC Interstate Compact to create a single filing point for life insurance products.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF BANKING & INSURANCE

Steven Goldman, Insurance Commissioner

P.O. Box 325, Trenton, NJ 08625-0325

800-446-7467 Fax: [phone]

www.njdobi.org

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, a Jurist Doctorate from the George Washington University School of Law and an Artium Baccalaureatus in political science from Boston University. Lives in Woodcliff Lake with his wife and three children. Issues: Continuing to advance auto insurance reforms of 2003 toward the ultimate goal of securing a stable sustainable market in New Jersey; reform of the health insurance system in New Jersey; and preparation and implementation of a disaster response plan for the state.

NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Morris Chavez, Superintendent

P.O. Drawer 1269, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1269

505-827-4601 Fax: [phone]

http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/id.htm

Background: 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, he worked in the insurance and financial services industry, most recently at the Manual Lujan Agencies.

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Eric Dinallo, Superintendent

25 Beaver Street, New York, NY 10004-2319

212-480-2289 Fax: [phone]

www.ins.state.ny.us

Background: Most recently served as the general counsel of insurance broker Willis Group Holdings. Previously worked with then-New York state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer from 1999 to 2003 as chief of the investment protection bureau in Spitzer's office. Played the lead role in the investigation of conflict of interests and biased stock ratings issued by research analysts at Merrill Lynch and other investment firms. Following this, joined Morgan Stanley as managing director and head of regulatory affairs.

Note: As of press time, nominated, awaiting action by state Legislature.

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Jim Long, Insurance Commissioner

1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1201

919-733-3058 Fax: [phone]

www.ncdoi.com

Background: Prior to current post, represented Alamance County in the North Carolina House of Representatives, as did his father and grandfather. Also previously served as legal counsel to the speaker of the house and chief deputy commissioner of the Department of Insurance. A past president and vice president of the NAIC.

Issues: Rating filing for auto rates, continue to pay attention to health insurance and health-care issues, Medicare Part D. and availability and rates for homeowners insurance.

NORTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Jim Poolman, Insurance Commissioner

600 E. Boulevard. Bismarck, ND 58505-0320

701-328-2440 Fax: [phone]

www.state.nd.us/ndins

Background: Served four terms in the North Dakota House of Representatives. Prior to taking office in Jan. 2001, was employed with the Bremer Bank as a trust officer.

Issues: Commercial and personal lines modernization; agent licensing issues (stressing uniformity, what North Dakota is doing to make licensing more seamless); speed-to-market issues (new release of SERFF version, quick turnaround in rate filings).

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Mary Jo Hudson, Director

2100 Stella Court, Columbus, OH 43215-1067

614-644-2658 Fax: [phone]

www.ohioinsurance.gov

Background: Practiced law for 11 years, 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.

Note: As of press time, appointment has not been affirmed by the Senate.

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Kim Holland, Insurance Commissioner

2401 NW 23rd St., Suite 28,

Oklahoma City, OK 73107

405-522-2828 Fax: [phone]

www.oid.state.ok.us

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.

Issues: Affordable access to health insurance; improving workers' compensation system; addressing the uninsured motorist issue.

OREGON INSURANCE DIVISION

Joel Ado, Insurance Administrator

P.O. 14480, Salem, OR 97309-0405

503-947-7202 Fax: [phone]

www.insurance.oregon.gov

Background: Served as secretary-treasurer and vice president of the NAIC. Devoted 25-year career to consumer protection activities, first as a public policy analyst and executive director in the non-profit sector and as a senior manager in the Oregon Insurance Division. Graduate of St. Olaf College, Harvard Divinity School and Harvard Law School.

Issues: Affordability of health care and universal coverage initiatives; transparency on cost and quality of health care; and title insurance.

PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Diane Koken, Commissioner

1326 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120

717-783-0442 Fax: [phone]

http://www.ins.state.pa.us

Background: President of the NAIC from Sept. 2004 through 2005. Former vice president, general counsel and secretary of major life insurer in Philadelphia. In addition to her responsibilities as a member of the Governor's Cabinet, is chair of the Financial Committee and vice chair of the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims, Board member since 2002 of the National Insurance Producer Registry, chair of the Interstate Insurance Product Commission and board member for the Center for Ethics in Financial Education of The American College.

Issues: Availability of affordable health insurance for Pennsylvanians; senior issues; expanded education and outreach to consumers; implement greater fraud reporting guidelines and compliance; retire unfunded liability in the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund; implement risk-focused surveillance framework for financial examination and financial analysis; modernization efforts for increased efficiency and uniformity among states including implementing Interstate Compact.

PUERTO RICO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Dorelisse Juarbe-Jimenez, Commissioner

1607 Ponce de Leon Ave., Santurce, Puerto Rico 00909

787-722-8686 Fax: [phone]

http://www.gobierno.pr

Background: In February of 2000, joined the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance as a hearing officer. The following year was promoted to chief deputy commissioner. In 2003, served as acting commissioner until her confirmation to the post in 2004 by Hon. Governor Anibal Acevedo-Vila. Is an active member of the Asociacion de Superintendentes de Seguros de America Latina and the NAIC, which awarded her the "2006 Esprits de Corps" award for her "supportive work on behalf of Hispanic insurance consumers nationwide."

Issues: Puerto Rico's Legislature approved the island as an international and offshore domicile in 2004, effective in 2005; so far the country has one authorized international insurer and plans to name several others in early 2007. Puerto Rico is modernizing its Insurance Code; and preliminary efforts are under way for accreditation by the NAIC.

RHODE ISLAND DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Joseph Torti III, Superintendent

233 Richmond St., Suite 233, Providence, RI 02903-4233

401-222-2223 Fax: [phone]

www.dbr.state.ri.us

Background: Served more than 17 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 financial examiner and a certified financial services auditor. Coaches his son's T-Ball team.

Issues: Medical liability affordability and availability.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Eleanor Kitzman, Director

300 Arbor Lake Drive, Suite 1200, Columbia, SC 29223

803-737-6212 Fax: [phone]

www.doi.sc.gov

Background: Appointed by Governor Mark Sanford in February 2005. Founded Driver's Choice Insurance Services, a South Carolina automobile insurance organization. Received her B.A. from the University of Houston in 1984 and her J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 1986.

Issues: Continue to explore opportunities for streamlining insurance regulation so as to facilitate healthy competition for all lines of business; reform the workers' compensation system; increase the number of insurers writing coastal homeowners insurance; improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness through automation and better use of technology.

SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION OF INSURANCE

Merle D. Scheiber, Director

445 East Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501

605-773-3563 Fax: [phone]

www.state.sd.us/drr2/reg/insurance/

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. Is a certified insurance counselor. Was named PIA Company Representative of the year in 2001 and Sioux Falls Fastpitch Coach of the Year in 1997.

Issues: A legislative bill, Consumer Protection Standards, is being entered during the 2007 session to update Unfair Claims Statutes with the NAIC model and changes to that model. Issues resolved: added two domestic HMOs to the individual health market; worked with National Council on Compensation Insurance on state-run workers' compensation residual pool; changed eligibility for the Scheduled Rating Plan to apply to all accounts above minimum premium.

TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & INSURANCE

Leslie Shechter Newman, Commissioner

Davy Crockett Tower, Fifth Floor, 500 James

Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243-0565

615-741-6007 Fax: [phone]

www.state.tn.us/commerce/insurance/index.html

Background: An attorney at the Nashville firm of Farmer and Luna, was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen, whom she worked for previously when he was mayor of Nashville. Was associate metropolitan attorney for the Metropolitan Nashville Department of Law from 1994 to 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; earned law degree from the Washington University School of Law.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Mike Geeslin, Insurance Commissioner

P.O. Box 149104, Austin, TX 78701

512-463-6464 Fax: [phone]

www.tdi.state.tx.us

Background: Deputy commissioner for policy since 2003. 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: Funding of catastrophes, particularly along the coast, in addition to expanding health-care options and services. Also, continuing the implementation of workers' compensation reforms.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS SOUTHEASTERN ZONE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Greg Francis, Lieutenant

Governor/Insurance Commissioner

18 Kongens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802

340-774-2991 Fax: [phone]

www.governordejongh.com

Background: Served in the military for 27 years. Director of the Office of Veterans' Affairs from 1999 to 2001 and served as administrator of St. Croix from 2001 to 2006. Resigned to announce candidacy for lieutenent governor. Holds a variety of positions within community service organizations.

Issues: Preparing for hurricane season; compulsory auto liability insurance has become law and requires every registered vehicle to have auto liability coverage; new legislation that affects adjusters, brokers, insurers and agents, specifically an increase in fees for licensing and formal registration.

UTAH DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Kent Michie, Insurance Commissioner

3110 State Office Building, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1201

801-538-3800 Fax: [phone]

www.insurance.utah.gov

Background: Thirty-five years of experience in Utah business, with the past 16 years as vice president, Zion's Bank Public Finance. Served as state financial adviser since 1984. Served for 20 years in the Utah National Guard as command sergeant major of the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion.

Issues: Addressing the health insurance issue, implementing the Insurance Receivership Model Act and planning an affordable catastrophe insurance program since earthquakes are biggest risk for Utah.

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: [phone]

www.bishca.state.vt.us

Background: A small-business owner and independent consultant. Served as deputy commissioner for Health Care Administration at BISH-CA from 2003 through 2005 and has many years of experience working in the field of health-care consulting.

Issues: Key interests include serving consumers and making health care more accessible and affordable. Note: As of press time, Thabault's appointment was to become effective Jan. 22.

VIRGINIA STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION BUREAU OF INSURANCE

Alfred W. Gross, Insurance Commissioner

P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, VA 23218

804-371-9741 Fax: [phone]

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; acting tag was removed in July 1996. Issues: Providing affordable coverage for employer-sponsored health care while premiums continue to rise. Affordability of coverage for small employers is a major issue. Increasing homeowners' awareness of hurricane deductibles; higher deductibles (5%) are new for Virginia.

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Mike Bradley Kreidler, Commissioner

P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255

360-725-7100 Fax: [phone]

http://www.insurance.wa.gov

Background: Doctor of optometry, with 20 years' experience as practicing optometrist. Sixteen-year veteran of Washington Legislature. U.S. House of Representatives, 1993-1995. Former regional director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Issues: Licensing reform for agents and brokers: modified producer model to reduce delays in processing, conserve resources and help bring a national uniformity and reciprocity to a state-based system. Market analysis: proposing to switch from five-year cycle of market conduct regulation to a market analysis approach promoted by NAIC. Health-care reform: universal health-care coverage for all Washington residents is the goal. Reform must address health-care availability, affordability, quality care, equity and choice.

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: [phone]

www.disr.dc.gov/disr

Background: Eighteen-year veteran of D.C. department. Deputy commissioner since March 2000. Previously worked as assistant deputy commissioner for the financial examination division and as the department's operations manager. Named acting commissioner in October.

Issues: Work with Congress and the NAIC in creating a resolution to the current Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act. Foster continued growth in the District's captive insurance marketplace, including pushing for two proposed bills--one that would securitize the risk of life insurance reserves of insurance companies and another that would allow small businesses to tap into the captive insurance marketplace. Adding the District to the NAIC's Interstate Compact. Pushing for laws that govern life settlements.

WEST VIRGINIA INSURANCE COMMISSION

Jane L. Cline, Commissioner

P.O. Box 50540, Charleston, WV 25305-0540

304-558-3354 Fax: [phone]

www.wvinsurance.gov

Background: NAIC secretary/treasurer. Commissioner of West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, November 1989 to October 1997. Previously served as deputy commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Highways. Principal in government consulting firm, Jane L. Cline & Associates.

Issues: Access to available and affordable health-care coverage. Continuing to prepare West Virginia's marketplace for the opening of workers' compensation insurance. Continuing to meet with insurance industry representatives to encourage expansion of a competitive marketplace.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Sean Dilweg, Commissioner

P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873

608-267-1233 Fax: [phone]

www.oci.wi.gov

Note: As of press time, nominated, awaiting action by state Legislature.

WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

Ken Vines, Insurance Commissioner

122 W. 25th St., 3rd East, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0440

307-777-7401 Fax: [phone]

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: Assist in providing health insurance coverage at more affordable rates to Wyoming citizens. Continue to work with the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission as the organization begins product filings in 2007. Adding a new department section that has focus on market conduct. Continue to focus on federal regulation and any proposed encroachments on state regulation.