Okla. Gov. Names Holland Insurance Commissioner
By Steve Tuckey
NU Online News Service, Jan. 24, 1:15 p.m. EST?Oklahoma Democratic Gov. Brad Henry has selected Kim Holland, a longtime Tulsa insurance executive, to serve as the state's insurance commissioner.[@@]
Ms. Holland, a Democrat, will succeed Carroll Fisher, also a Democrat, who resigned last September two days before the start of a state Senate impeachment trial on corruption charges.
"Kim Holland will restore integrity and public confidence to the commissioner's post," said Gov. Henry Friday in making the announcement. "After all the negative headlines associated with the office in recent months, Kim will provide a breath of fresh air to the people of Oklahoma, the insurance industry and insurance department."
Since Mr. Fisher stepped down the department has been directed by Deputy Commissioner Daryl England.
Ms. Holland has worked in the Oklahoma insurance industry for 25 years, spending the last two decades with the Team Insurance Group (formerly the Quarles Group) where she served as executive vice president.
She has also served as a board member of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the entity responsible for implementing state health programs related to Medicaid.
Mr. Fisher was first elected to the post in 1998 and reelected four years later. At first, he ignored calls to resign from Gov. Henry but at the last minute decided to quit before the trial.
He was accused in the articles of impeachment of neglect of duty, incompetence and corruption in office.
Mr. Fisher awaits trial on criminal charges in connection with the allegations that he used campaign donations for personal expenses and illegally mishandled funds for charity and for an insurance education conference.
Ms. Holland will serve through 2006 when the next election is set.
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