New Nevada State Insurance Commissioner Appointed
July 9, 2010 by N/A
By Nevada News Bureau Staff | 6:37 pm July 7th, 2010
CARSON CITY – The director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry today announced the appointment of Brett Barratt as the new commissioner of the Division of Insurance.
Director Dianne Cornwall appointed Barratt to replace Scott Kipper, who stepped down as commissioner in June.
An attorney, Barratt has extensive experience in insurance regulation. Beginning in February 2005, he served as the insurance counsel/hearing officer for the division. In October 2009, he became the chief insurance assistant for the division, and since June, he has been the acting commissioner of insurance.
A graduate of the Michigan University College of Law, Barratt earned his law degree in 2003. He is a member of the Nevada State Bar Association’s Insurance and Health Law Section.
“Mr. Barratt comes to us with extensive knowledge of insurance regulation as well as strong legislative expertise and legal experience,” Cornwall said. “He has already proven his ability to lead during a transition, and I look forward to his ongoing oversight of this dynamic agency.”
As commissioner, Barratt will oversee the functions of the Nevada Division of Insurance. Under the auspices of Business and Industry, the division is charged with protecting the rights of the consumer and the public’s interest in dealings with the insurance industry.
The division regulates and licenses insurance producers, brokers and other professionals; sets ethical and financial standards for insurance companies; and reviews rates. The division also reviews programs operated by self-insured employers for workers’ compensation, and investigates claims of insurance fraud.
“I am pleased to be appointed permanently to the commissioner position by Director Cornwall,” Barratt said. “Overseeing the division during this transition has been very rewarding, and I look forward to further reinforcing the agency’s regulatory and consumer protection roles.”
