Bradford Begins Tenure as Arkansas Insurance Commissioner

Jay Bradford has been officially appointed Arkansas Insurance Commissioner effective Jan.15, 2009.

Commissioner Bradford previously served for two years as the director of the Division of Behavioral Health Services within the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Bradford worked in the insurance industry for more than four decades, including thirty years as founder, chairman and former stakeholder of First Arkansas Insurance Group in Pine Bluff. He is a graduate of Henderson State College and holds an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Bradford also has served as a state representative for Arkansas District 18, located in Jefferson County, and as a state senator for 16 years. Bradford served as President Pro Tem his last two years in the Arkansas State Senate and is the first person in Arkansas history to serve as President Pro Tem of the state Senate, as well as Speaker Pro Tem of the state House of Representatives. He served as Chair of the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee in both bodies.

Source: Arkansas Insurance Department