NAIC Names 2021 Officers; President-Elect Stricken With COVID-19

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ended their fall meeting by electing a new slate of 2021 officers, with President-elect Dean Cameron announcing that he has COVID-19.

Cameron, a former longtime Idaho state senator and that state's insurance commissioner, appeared weak and spoke briefly during the virtual meeting.

"I've been fighting COVID," said Cameron, 59. "So hopefully someday I can share my antibodies and keep the rest of you from getting it. I look forward to continuing to fight for our state-based regulatory system and fight to protect our consumers in the way we should."

Idaho made national news Wednesday after a board of health meeting in Boise to discuss mask mandates ended abruptly. Protestors swarmed the homes of board members, according to news reports.

"You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers," outgoing NAIC President Ray Farmer told Cameron.

Cameron's diagnosis wasn't the only news out of the NAIC elections, as Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais competed for the secretary-treasurer post.

Both had passionate supporters and the candidates delivered lengthy speeches, with Mais coming out on top. Voting was done in executive session.

Mais's election is a victory for the liberal faction of the NAIC. Nominated by California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Mais is now on track to be president of the NAIC in 2024. He made his priorities clear during his speech to membership.

"We must be prepared to continue to address the issues that still concern us all," Mais said. "We've heard them -- issues like access to health care, long-term care insurance, climate change, closing the insurance gap. And, of course, protecting consumers in a rapidly changing world."

Florida To Lead

Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier was unopposed and will be 2021 NAIC president. Missouri Insurance Commissioner Chlora Lindley-Myers was unopposed for vice president.

In addition to geographic diversity, the 2021 slate gives the NAIC racial diversity as well. The association has been outspoken this year about diversity issues, adding Evelyn Boswell as its first diversity, equity, and inclusion director.

NAIC members also elected 2021 Zone Officers during the Fall National Meeting:

Northeastern Zone

Commissioner Jessica A. Altman – Chair, Pennsylvania

Commissioner Gary D. Anderson – Vice Chair, Massachusetts

Commissioner Kathleen A. Birrane – Secretary – Treasurer, Maryland

Southeastern Zone

Commissioner Jim L. Ridling – Chair, Alabama

Commissioner Mike Chaney – Vice Chair, Mississippi

Commissioner James J. Donelon – Secretary – Treasurer, Louisiana

Midwestern Zone

Director Larry D. Deiter – Chair, South Dakota

Commissioner Glen Mulready – Vice Chair, Oklahoma

Commissioner Doug Ommen – Secretary – Treasurer, Iowa

Western Zone

Director Lori K. Wing-Heier – Chair, Alaska

Commissioner Michael Conway – Vice Chair, Colorado

Commissioner Andrew R. Stolfi – Secretary–Treasurer, Oregon

InsuranceNewsNet Senior Editor John Hilton has covered business and other beats in more than 20 years of daily journalism. John may be reached at john.hilton@innfeedback.com. Follow him on Twitter @INNJohnH.

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InsuranceNewsNet Senior Editor John Hilton has covered business and other beats in more than 20 years of daily journalism. John may be reached at john.hilton@innfeedback.com. Follow him on Twitter @INNJohnH.