Commissioner Gerhart Announces Resignation as of December 23

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 5 -- The Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division issued the following news release:

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart announced his resignation effective December 23, 2016. Deputy Commissioner Doug Ommen will serve as the interim insurance commissioner (https://governor.iowa.gov/2016/12/iowa-insurance-commissioner-nick-gerhart-announces-resignation-branstad-names-doug-ommen).

"I'm honored to have had the chance to serve Iowans by leading the Iowa Insurance Division, however both myself and my family feel that as my term is ending, now is the right time to move forward to other opportunities and focus on our family as it continues to grow," Gerhart said. "Iowans are in good and capable hands with Doug Ommen as their interim insurance commissioner."

"It has been an honor to serve under the leadership of Commissioner Gerhart. I look forward to continue working with Deputy Commissioner Jim Armstrong and the rest of the Iowa Insurance Division staff to serve the best interest of Iowans," Interim Commissioner Doug Ommen said.

Gerhart was appointed as Iowa's Insurance Commissioner by Governor Terry Branstad beginning February 1, 2013. Gerhart has served on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Executive Committee, Chair of Life and Annuity (A) Committee, member of Financial Condition (E) Committee and International (G) Committee. In addition, he is a board member of the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). He was named by the U.S. Treasury in 2014 to serve on the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (FACI) that advises the Federal Insurance Office on domestic and international policy. Gerhart has represented the NAIC at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors and at the EU-US Dialogue project.

Gerhart led Iowa on health care matters during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. He also led the team that created and hosted the Global Insurance Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, an event that attracts over 400 people from all over the world to discuss emerging issues in insurance. Gerhart helped educate Iowans about insurance and investment matters by creating Iowa Fraud Fighters, a statewide initiative that aims to educate seniors on how to protect themselves and not fall prey to fraudulent investment scams.

Ommen has previously served as Missouri's insurance commissioner under Governor Matt Blunt and has more than 30 years of experience in public service. Ommen also provided leadership in consumer protection in the administrations of Attorneys General Bill Webster, Jay Nixon and Chris Koster in Missouri from 1985 to 2013.

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