NU Online News Service, Jan. 30, 3:47 p.m.EST

New Jersey's Banking and Insurance Commissioner Tom Considinewill leave his post to become the chief operating officer ofMagnaCare, a health plan service company inNew York.

In a statement from the office of Gov. Chris Christie today, thegovernor named Ken Kobylowski, currently the chief of staff andacting director of banking at the Department of Banking andInsurance, to replace Considine when he officially leaves his poston Feb. 10.

Christie praised Considine for improving the state's regulatoryclimate during his time in office and "bringing private sectormetrics and performance management to state government."

Considine became commissioner on Jan. 15, 2010, after workingfor MetLife for close to 17 years.

Kobylowski, an attorney in private practice for 20 years, joinedthe department in February of 2010 as chief of staff, taking on theadditional role of acting director of banking in October of2011.

In a statement, MagnaCare says Considine will assume his post asCOO in March.

Responding to Considine's departure, Bernie Flynn, president andchief executive officer of New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Co.said, "Commissioner Considine has been a strong consumer advocatewhile supporting a vibrantNew Jerseyinsurance market. His record ofaccomplishment during his two-year tenure is impressive,particularly the leadership he displayed in response to thedramatic events caused by Tropical Storm Irene and the department'sinitiative in proposing regulatory reforms in personal injuryprotection medical coverage designed to control costs borne by autoinsurance policyholders."

He added, "We look forward to working with the governor'snominee as commissioner, Ken Kobylowski, in the continuing effortto better control medical costs for the benefit of all New Jerseydrivers."