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NAIFA congratulates former Senator Ben Nelson on his appointment as CEO of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
“Senator Nelson has always been a great advocate for agents and brokers,” said NAIFA President Rob Smith. “He understands the importance of insurance for protecting the financial security of 75 million American families.”
“NAIFA has had a good relationship with Senator Nelson for years,” Smith added. “He has a wealth of experience on insurance matters and will be a great addition to the NAIC. We look forward to working with him in his new role to protect and improve our industry.”
Nelson was a two-term governor of Nebraska who once served as CEO of the Central National Insurance Group, chief of staff and executive vice president of the NAIC, and director of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. He represented Nebraska for two terms in the U.S. Senate, but opted not to run for re-election in 2012.
Nelson holds a special appreciation for insurance advisors, which is likely to help him in his new position. Speaking to a group of NAIFA members in 2011, Senator Nelson said: “I respect the insurance business. I recognize the security you provide for people. When people don’t plan ahead, an uncertain future lies ahead for their family or their business. You help close the gap and provide that certainty, and I respect that.”
“The NAIC has chosen wisely in their selection of former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson as their next CEO,” said former NAIFA President Terry K. Headley. “As a Nebraska native and constituent of the senator, I’ve seen first-hand that he has been a champion for the life insurance industry. He served as the Senate co-chairman of the Life Insurance Caucus and was a co-sponsor of Life Insurance Awareness Month.”
“Senator Nelson will bring his pragmatic, common-sense perspective to the NAIC CEO position,” Headley added. “His balanced approach of smart, effective state-based regulation will advance the regulatory climate with an understanding of the significant impact the insurance industry plays in our U.S economy for all stakeholders, including consumers, companies, and the agent community.”