Ohio Insurance Director Announces Staff and Structural Changes

Newly appointed Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson has announced staff and structural changes. Hudson was appointed by Governor Ted Strickland and officially began serving as the state’s 46th Insurance director on Jan. 8,2004.

“Changes have been made to streamline the agency in order to support my vision for the Department and the Governor’s Turnaround Ohio Plan,” Director Hudson said. “Our goals are to ensure that Ohio insurance consumers are protected and that the state continues its growth as a vibrant and competitive insurance market.”

The Department reorganization is as follows:

The Office of Consumer Services will be merged with the Market Conduct Division to form the Office of Consumer Affairs.

The Offices of Property and Casualty and Life and Health will be merged to form the Office of Life and Health and Property and Casualty, headed by Assistant Director John Pedrick.

The Office of Fraud and Enforcement will be merged with the Licensing Division to form the Office of Fraud, Enforcement and Licensing, led by Assistant Director Anne Thomson, a current employee.

Wendy Pestrue has joined the Department as the assistant director of the newly formed Health Insurance Policy Section.

Deputy Director Peg Ising will assume the title Deputy Director of Regulatory Compliance and Consumer Protection.

Amy Andres has been named the Department’s new chief of staff.

Guy Ford has been named the Department’s new assistant director of Policy and Legislation.

Kathy Hoke has been named assistant director of Communications.

Source: Ohio Department of Insurance