In a press release issued on January 22, 2013, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced that former Nebraska Senator Bill Nelson has been named as CEO of the NAIC.  In his new position, Nelson will be the primary advocate and chief spokesperson for the NAIC in Washington, D.C.  Nelson’s responsibilities at the NAIC will also include outreach to federal and international governmental entities, as well as state government associations, consumers and insurance industry representatives.

Prior to retiring from the Senate in 2012 after two terms, Nelson served as Governor of Nebraska from 1990 to 1998.  He also served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff for the NAIC from 1982 to 1985; Director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance from 1975 to 1976; and Executive Vice President and then President/CEO of the Central National Insurance Group from 1977 to 1981.  Nelson replaces NAIC Acting CEO Andrew Beal, who stepped into the role after former CEO Dr. Therese M. Vaughan left the association in November.

Jim Donelon, NAIC President and Louisiana Insurance Commissioner, expressed enthusiasm about Nelson’s insurance regulatory background, saying “[A]s a former regulator and Executive Vice President of the NAIC, Senator Nelson has a keen understanding of the insurance marketplace, which will make him an effective advocate for the preservation of our state-based system of regulation.”

To see the NAIC’s press release announcing Nelson’s new position, click here.