Redmer Named New Md. Commissioner
By Michael Ha
NU Online News Service, May 30, 3:11 p.m. EDT? Alfred Redmer Jr., an insurance marketing and public relations specialist and a Maryland state legislator, has been tapped to succeed Steven Larsen as Maryland's new insurance commissioner beginning next month.
Mr. Redmer was named to his four-year term this week by Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. His appointment, though, is still subject to a formal confirmation by the State Senate when the General Assembly convenes early next year, according to Governor Ehrlich's spokesperson.
Commenting on the appointment, the governor's spokesperson Henry Fawell told National Underwriter that Mr. Redmer has a long history "not only in the insurance sector but also in the public sector as a legislator who worked on many insurance issues for the public."
In the private sector, Mr. Redmer, 47, has been working as a public relations and marketing specialist for BenefitMall, a Cockeysville, Md.-based broker-oriented sales company which manages some $1 billion in annualized insurance premiums.
A licensed insurance broker, Mr. Redmer has also been serving as the Minority Leader in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he has represented a Baltimore County district since 1991.
Governor Ehrlich noted in a statement that Mr. Redmer brings a "proven record of experience, reliability and fair-mindedness" to his new role. "As one of the legislature's leading advocates for responsible insurance reform, he earned broad support from industry and consumers alike," Gov. Ehrlich said.
"I appreciate the faith and confidence that Governor Ehrlich is placing in me," said Mr. Redmer in a statement. "I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Maryland by leading an agency that is committed to vigorous consumer protection and vigorous competition."
Some critics of Gov. Ehrlich in the legislature have argued that Mr. Redmer may be too close to the insurance industry to lead the state's insurance agency and to effectively defend consumers' interest. Mr. Fawell dismissed such claims.
"We don't believe that at all. Mr. Redmer has a proven record on working for consumers. We think it's beneficial to have someone who understands the industry and consumers. We want to make sure that our consumers are the ultimate beneficiaries," he told National Underwriter.
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