Oregon Regulator Takes Insurance Helm In Nevada

Oregon Insurance Administrator Scott J. Kipper, who resigned that post Oct. 31, 2008, has been appointed insurance commissioner in Nevada, replacing Alice Molasky-Arman, who retired in September.

The Nevada appointment of Mr. Kipper, who has a lengthy career of public service, is the latest musical chairs move among state insurance departments' personnel.

In November of 2007 Mr. Kipper replaced Joel Ario in Oregon, who left to become insurance commissioner of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Kipper before his Oregon post was deputy commissioner, Office of Health Insurance, for the Louisiana Department of Insurance, where he directed regulation and enforcement of health insurance laws in the state.

His background also includes time as senior regional director, state affairs, for America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), where he managed legislative and regulatory activities in eight states.

As government relations manager for General Electric Capital Assurance Co., Mr. Kipper worked with state and federal agencies on legislation affecting the long-term care industry. He also worked as health analyst for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and spent 10 years in Wyoming state government and industry, including serving as legislative liaison for the Department of Insurance.

Mr. Kipper's appointment was given a good review by one insurance trade group.

“Commissioner Kipper has a proven track record as a fair regulator that can balance the needs of protecting consumers with managing a healthy insurance industry,” said Janine Gibford, American Insurance Association assistant vice president, state affairs.

“We look forward to working with the new commissioner on the important issues facing Nevada, including reducing auto insurance fraud and helping to streamline the process of getting quality insurance products into the market place in a timely manner.”