Padilla To Head Insurance Council Of New Jersey

Padilla To Head Insurance Council Of New Jersey

NU Online News Service, Jan. 12, 10:12 a.m. EST?The Insurance Council of New Jersey trade organization said it had selected Magdalena Padilla, an attorney with experience as a state cabinet official and fraud prosecutor, to serve as its president.[@@]

Ms. Padilla, who was already serving as the ICNJ's vice president, government affairs and counsel, was selected by the Ewing, N.J.-based group's executive management committee. ICNJ represents the state's $12 billion property-casualty insurance industry.

As chief executive staff officer, Ms. Padilla will oversee the general operations of the organization and serve as primary spokesperson for New Jersey's insurance industry.

Ms. Padilla succeeds John K. Tiene, who joined New Jersey Skylands Insurance Companies in September 2003.

Ms. Padilla said, "The ICNJ plays a significant role in assisting the government and the insurance industry in improving the marketplace for insurers and policyholders alike. I look forward to expanding ICNJ's efforts in that area."

Prior to joining ICNJ, Ms. Padilla served as director, business and economic policies, for the New Jersey Commerce & Economic Growth Commission with the administration of Democratic Gov. James McGreevey and also served as Acting Secretary of the Commission, a position in the governor's cabinet.

Ms. Padilla's background also includes time as assistant counsel to former New Jersey Republican Gov. Christy Whitman. One of her activities while serving in that position was the drafting of the complex legislation creating the Commerce and Economic Growth Commission. She also coordinated the interdepartmental and legislative lobbying effort to support the Commission's creation.

In addition, Ms. Padilla served as legislative liaison for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and as a deputy attorney general in the New Jersey Attorney General's Office. During her tenure in the Attorney General's Office, she served as counsel to the Department of Insurance, prosecuting Insurance Fraud Act violations.