Former North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Glenn A. Pomeroy has been hired as chief executive officer of the California Earthquake Authority, the quasi-public insurer of last resort, the CEA board announced.

Mr. Pomeroy will take the post April 1. It has been vacant since March 2007 when then CEO Elaine Bush left the job at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's request to serve as chief deputy in the Department of Health and Welfare. The position pays $182,000.

In addition to serving as an insurance commissioner, Mr. Pomeroy has past service as North Dakota securities commissioner, assistant attorney general and three terms in the North Dakota House of Representatives.

CEA Governing Board Chair J. Clark Kelso said Mr. Pomeroy was the ideal choice for the job "because of his well-rounded background and strong leadership skills. We are pleased to welcome such a capable individual who can help this important organization continue to grow."

As a commissioner Mr. Pomeroy served in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and was president of the group in 1998. During his time with NAIC, he led negotiations that created the International Commission for Holocaust Era Insurance Claims.

"The CEA has a very important mission--providing earthquake insurance coverage for Californians," said Mr. Pomeroy. "I am honored and excited about the opportunity to team up with the Governing Board, CEA staff and all the important stakeholders as together we roll up our sleeves and work to broaden insurance protection against the risk of earthquake in California."

The Authority is a publicly managed, largely privately funded organization that provides catastrophic residential earthquake insurance and encourages Californians to reduce their risk of earthquake loss.

This article was updated March 19, 10 a.m.