New Jersey Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine announced yesterday he had picked for his new top insurance regulator a corporate lawyer, Steven M. Goldman, who has a background in mergers and banking.

Mr. Goldman, who was nominated to the post of commissioner of Banking and Insurance, could not be reached for comment. Neither the governor's announcement nor the information on his firm's Web site details any insurance background.

If confirmed by the State Senate he will replace Acting Commissioner Donald Bryan, who has been with the department since 1982 in various posts including insurance director.

Mr. Corzine praised the new appointee for having what he said was ability as an excellent manager and a "terrific grasp of the pressing issues" as well as an understanding of "the unique challenges facing his department."

Mr. Goldman, a resident of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., is a senior member and 22-year veteran of Sills Cummis Epstein & Gross law firm in Newark, N.J.

The governor's announcement said that Mr. Goldman as an attorney has focused on corporate law dealing with mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, joint ventures, and leveraged buy-outs.

According to his law firm's Web site, Mr. Goldman has represented entrepreneurs in the start-up of new businesses taking an idea from concept to reality, including obtaining start-up capital, bank financing, and the assembling of a management team.

"Having been in private industry as a member of management, the perspective and experience Mr. Goldman brings is often critical in helping to accommodate the parties' competing interests and in getting the deal done," the site states.

Special Reports /

Corporate Lawyer Named Top N.J. Insurance Regulator

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