The commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (“TDCI”), Julie Mix McPeak, is leaving Tennessee state government to pursue career opportunities in the private sector.
Her last day as commissioner will be June 14, 2019.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has named the TDCI's deputy commissioner, Carter Lawrence, to serve as interim commissioner until a permanent commissioner is selected.
“We thank Julie Mix McPeak for her over eight years of service and her tireless commitment to her department and to Tennessee. We wish her the best in her future endeavors,” Governor Lee said in a statement. “Carter Lawrence has ably served as deputy commissioner at the Department of Commerce and Insurance, and I look forward to serving alongside him as he steps into the role of interim commissioner.”
Ms. McPeak, who first was appointed commissioner by Governor Bill Haslam in 2011, is the immediate past president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). The former executive director of the Kentucky Office of Insurance, Ms. McPeak is the first woman to serve as chief insurance regulator in more than one state.
“Tennessee is a special place, and it has been a distinct privilege and honor to have served the Volunteer State,” Ms. McPeak said. “It's been an amazing journey. At the end of the day, I'm enormously proud of our accomplishments on behalf of Tennesseans. I believe the department has helped play a role in transforming Tennessee into a national and international destination for families and businesses. I am excited about the next chapter of my life and my career in Nashville – and I'm equally excited about what's in store for Tennessee.”
Mr. Lawrence previously served as TDCI's deputy commissioner overseeing the TDCI's administration as well as the Division of Regulatory Boards.
Mr. Lawrence is an attorney and studied law at the University of Tennessee, where he also obtained an M.B.A. He obtained a B.A. at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.
Mr. Lawrence said, “Commissioner McPeak leaves a legacy of sound management practices and continually challenging the department's executive staff and our team members to strive for their best as they serve the public. Following her example, I will champion Governor Lee's vision for Tennessee during my service as interim commissioner. I thank Governor Lee for the opportunity to serve Tennessee in this role.”
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].