Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart Announces Resignation; Branstad Names Doug Ommen Interim Insurance Commissioner

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 5 -- Gov. Terry Branstad, R-Iowa, has issued the following news release:

Today, Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds applauded the work of Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart upon learning of his resignation effective Dec. 23, 2016. Branstad also announced that he is appointing Deputy Commissioner Doug Ommen of Ankeny as Interim Insurance Commissioner.

"I want to thank Nick Gerhart for his service as Insurance Commissioner to the state of Iowa," said Branstad. "He is a bright and talented individual who focused on protecting the public while making the industry better and more competitive in our state. I want to wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Branstad continued, "I'm pleased that Doug Ommen has accepted this responsibility as Interim Insurance Commissioner. Doug is a seasoned attorney and insurance regulator who has over 30 years of experience in public service and I'm confident in his ability to lead the Iowa Insurance Division in the interim role."

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds applauded Gerhart's service saying, "Nick Gerhart did a great job leading the Iowa Insurance Division during some complex and challenging times, and we're thankful for his service. I know that he will excel in the next role he takes. I am excited to have someone like Doug Ommen, and his 30 years of experience, continue the mission of the Division."

Ommen has served as Deputy Insurance Commissioner in Iowa since 2013. Prior to his service in Iowa, Ommen served as Missouri's insurance commissioner under Governor Matt Blunt and provided leadership in consumer protection in the administrations of Attorneys General Bill Webster, Jay Nixon and Chris Koster in Missouri since 1985.

Ommen attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981 and obtained his Juris Doctor from the St. Louis University School of Law in 1985. He is married and has two adult children who are also married.

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