Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Announces Life & Health Deputy Commissioner and Communications Director

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 12 -- The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued the following news release:

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced the appointment of Rich Robleto to serve as Life and Health Deputy Commissioner and Harvey Bennett to serve as Communications Director for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office).

Rich Robleto, Life & Health Deputy Commissioner:

"Rich Robleto is a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of insurance experience and knowledge," stated Commissioner McCarty. "I am pleased that Mr. Robleto has accepted this appointment, bringing his proven skills to the Office as we work on the complex issues surrounding the life and health insurance marketplace."

As the Deputy Commissioner for Life and Health, Robleto will oversee the Life and Health Product Review and Financial Oversight Units, which provide regulatory oversight of insurers operating in Florida, including life and health form and rate filings, licensure, and financial solvency.

Prior to joining the Office, Robleto served as the Executive Director of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, where he was instrumental in Florida KidCare's milestone of six consecutive years of enrollment growth and an overall 35% reduction in the number of uninsured children.

He also previously worked eight years for the Office and received the highest recognition given by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners - the Robert Dineen Award - which is presented annually to an individual in honor of his or her exceptional success as an insurance regulator. Before moving to Florida, Robleto spent 26 years at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Delaware.

Robleto earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Temple University and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware along with numerous industry certifications.

Robleto's appointment becomes effective on March 24, 2014.

Harvey Bennett, Communications Director:

"For more than 25 years, Harvey has focused his career on communications and media markets. He brings a wealth of experience that will be used to lead the Office in communicating complex insurance matters. I look forward to having him as an integral member of the team," stated Commissioner McCarty.

Bennett will assume responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the communications business unit, serve as a key spokesperson for the Office, and advise on overall communications strategy.

Over the past decade, Bennett worked at Florida TaxWatch, a Tallahassee-based research institute, serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing/Membership and Vice President of Communications/Marketing.

Bennett began his career in the television and radio markets gaining experience as a reporter, anchor, producer and news director. Prior to joining Florida TaxWatch, Bennett was the Vice President of News at Florida's News Channel, where he led efforts to create and launch the nation's first 24-hour multi-channel regional television news service.

Bennett is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in journalism with an emphasis on marketing.

Bennett's appointment is effective on March 17, 2014.

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