Former Mo. Big ‘I’ Leader Appointed Insurance Director

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt announced the appointment of W. Dale Finke to head the Missouri Department of Insurance. Finke is CEO and president of Corporate Insurance Management in St. Louis.

He was president of the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents in 1974 and was named Insurance Man of the Year by the association in 1977, according to a statement from MAIA. He most recently served as chairman of the MAIA’s government relations committee. Finke’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Doug Ommen, who is currently commissioner of securities in the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, is expected to assume the role of chief legal counsel and deputy director at the insurance department.

According to a press release distributed by Blunt’s office, Finke shares the Governor’s goal to control the cost of insurance premiums so that Missouri businesses and physicians can be allowed to operate effectively. Finke told reporters a lot of work needs to be done to improve insurance services in the state, but he supports Blunt’s goal of changing the way civil lawsuits are filed, tried and resolved in Missouri.

“Gov. Blunt’s appointment of MAIA Past President Dale Finke as director of insurance certainly puts someone in the director’s chair who thoroughly understands insurance operations,” said MAIA Executive Vice President Larry Case. “We look forward to continuing to have the opportunity to work with Dale albeit in a much different capacity.”