NU Online News Service, April 18, 10:12 a.m.EDT

Kevin Clinton, former president and CEO of American PhysiciansCapital Inc., has been named the new commissioner of the MichiganOffice of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR).

Gov. Rick Snyder says Clinton was a special advisor to OFIRbefore being appointed commissioner. Early in his career Clintonalso worked for the Michigan Insurance Bureau, which is now part ofOFIR.

The appointment "signals the governor's commitment to promotinga vibrant insurance market in Michigan," said SteveSchneider, Midwest region vice president for the AmericanInsurance Association. 

Clinton assumes the role left open last week when Ken Rossannounced he was leaving effective April 15. Ross was appointed bythen-Gov. Jennifer Granholm in February 2008.

Though Clinton's first priority is to protect consumers, he willalso "lead our effort to eliminate burdensome regulations that arepreventing the industry from growing," says Snyder. "More insurancecompanies doing business in the state means more jobs, morecompetition among insurance companies and banks, and better ratesfor consumers."