SCC Names New Commissioner of Insurance

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Richmond, December 1, 2010 — The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has appointed Jacqueline K. Cunningham to serve as Virginia's 13th Commissioner of Insurance in the 104-year history of the SCC's regulation of the insurance industry. Cunningham assumes the post on January 1, 2011, upon the retirement of Alfred W. Gross.

Cunningham has been deputy commissioner of the life and health division of the SCC's Bureau of Insurance for six and one-half years. She has been employed by the Commission in various capacities within the Bureau since 1993.

SCC Chairman James C. Dimitri, also speaking for Commissioners Mark C. Christie and Judith Williams Jagdmann, said, "The opportunity to name Jackie to this highly important position ensures a smooth transition at a critical time for Virginia's insurance industry and its policyholders. Her leadership skills and knowledge of the industry, particularly the health insurance sector, will be vital as the Bureau and the Commonwealth implement various state-level initiatives related to health care reform and meet the challenges facing state regulation of insurance."

Cunningham has been actively engaged with efforts of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners regarding state responses to the requirements of federal health care law. She is also actively engaged with the Virginia Health Reform Initiative Council, providing technical support to its efforts to ensure meaningful reform that meets the needs of Virginia's citizens and government.

Cunningham succeeds Commissioner Gross who retires at the end of the year after 14 years as Commissioner of Insurance and as a Bureau employee since 1981.

Cunningham said, "Commissioner Gross is a recognized leader among state insurance regulators, so I have huge shoes to fill at a very important time for Virginia consumers. I look forward to the challenge, made easier by the professional capabilities of a Bureau staff in which I have full faith and confidence."

The SCC's Bureau of Insurance oversees compliance with Virginia's insurance laws affecting more than 2,500 insurance companies, groups, and plans, and nearly 184,000 insurance agencies and agents. In addition to life and health insurance, the SCC also regulates home, fire, and auto insurance among other property and casualty lines of insurance.

Career Highlights:
• Joined the Bureau of Insurance as a senior market examiner in 1993.
• Advanced to principal market examiner in 1996 and chief market examiner in 2000.
• Named Deputy Commissioner of Insurance of the life and health section in June 2004.