Alabama Names Ridling as Insurance Commissioner

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley filled a recently vacated opening on his cabinet, naming a commissioner to head the Department of Insurance.

Jim L. Ridling takes over the position from Walter Bell, who announced in August he was resigning to become chairman of Swiss Re America Holding Corp.

Ridling is past president and chief executive officer of Southern Guaranty and is one of the founders of River Bank and Trust.

Ridling began his new position as Insurance Commissioner on Sept. 15.

David Parsons, the state’s deputy insurance commissioner, has been serving as acting commissioner.