Iowa Insurance Commissioner steps down

Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart has stepped down, effective December 23. He will be replaced by deputy commissioner Doug Ommen on interim basis.

Gerhart was appointed in 2013 by governor Terry Branstad. He has served on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) executive committee.

Gerhart led Iowa on health care matters during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Ommen, the interim insurance commissioner, has previously served as Missouri’s insurance commissioner under governor Matt Blunt and has more than 30 years of experience in public service.

Gerhart said: “I’m honoured to have had the chance to serve Iowans by leading the Iowa Insurance Division, however both myself and my family feel that as my term is ending, now is the right time to move forward to other opportunities and focus on our family as it continues to grow.

“Iowans are in good and capable hands with Doug Ommen as their interim insurance commissioner.”