Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Burnes Steps Down

Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes is stepping down from her role as chief insurance regulator to take a fellowship position at Notheastern University in Boston.

Burnes will head to her alma mater to teach a course on regulatory reform and to work with students interested in pursuing careers focused on government regulation, public policy, law and business.

“Nonnie Burnes is a great friend and was a great insurance commissioner,” Governor Deval Patrick said in a prepared statement. “She brought fresh insight and real courage to one of the central successes of this administration — the introduction of balanced, consumer-oriented competition to our auto insurance market.”

Burnes’ tenure as commissioner was marked by a major overhaul of the state’s auto insurance system. Her handling of the 18-month old managed competition system drew criticism from agents and more established insurers, but also earned praise from the governor as well as other insurers who claimed it paved the way for their re-entry into the state’s auto market.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Nonnie’s professional accomplishments bring her knowledge and expertise to our students,” said Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun.

Prior to her appointment as commissioner in 2007, Burnes was a superior court judge. She previously served as a partner at the law firm Hill & Barlow.

Joseph Murphy, Burnes’ top deputy, will serve as acting insurance commissioner until a permanent successor is named.