Kevin McCarty (Florida)
Kevin McCarty is a former Florida Commissioner of Insurance Regulation. He served from January 2003 until his resignation on May 2, 2016. McCary the first person to hold the office of insurance commissioner since it became an appointed position.[1] He is the immediate past president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an elected post within the organization.[2]
McCarty announced on January 5, 2016, that he would resign on May 2. He noted that the property insurance market had stabilized and that he made the decision without pressure from Governor Rick Scott (R), who had tried to oust him less than a year earlier. "Sometimes it’s good to leave on top," he said. McCarty was the last high-level appointee who had served continuously since the administration of Governor Jeb Bush (R), who left office in 2007. McCarty recommended Belinda Miller, a top deputy, to succeed him but that Governor Scott and his cabinet would likely conduct a national search.[3]
After a prolonged search for a new insurance commissioner, McCarty announced on April 20, 2016 that he was amending his initial resignation date and would step down 45 days after his successor is appointed in order to facilitate a smooth transition during Florida's hurricane season.[4] Following the appointment of his successor, David Altmaier, it was announced that McCarty would stay on for 60 days past his resignation date.[5]
Biography
McCarty worked for the Florida Department of Insurance and its successor, the Office of Insurance Regulation, since 1991. He began his career in public service in 1988 in the Florida Department of Labor & Employment Security, where he worked on workers' compensation issues. He is the President-elect of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and chairs a number of NAIC task forces. McCarty has also represented the United States in the International Association of Insurance Supervisors.[1]
Education
- J.D., University of Florida Law School, 1986
- B.A., Political Science, University of Florida, 1982
Political career
Commissioner of Insurance (2003-2016)
McCarty was the first person to hold the position of Florida Commissioner of Insurance Regulation since it became an appointed position. While serving in the role, his focus was stabilizing the Florida property insurance market, reforming personal injury protection law and protecting consumers.[1] McCarty resigned effective May 2, 2016.[5]
Resignation announcement
He announced his resignation in January 2016, effective May 2016.[3] The search for McCarty's successor was met with tension between Governor Rick Scott and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, delaying the selection of a new insurance commissioner. In response to the ongoing deadlock, McCarty sent a letter to Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam on April 20, 2016 changing the effective date of his resignation. McCarty said that he would step down 45 days after his successor is appointed in order to facilitate a smooth transition during Florida's hurricane season.[4] Following the appointment of his successor, David Altmaier, on April 29, it was announced that McCarty would remain with the commission for 60 days following his official resignation date.[5]
Issue positions
In his official bio, McCarty cites his three main principals of the role of government:[1]
- "Government should serve and ultimately be accountable to the people"
- "Government should be transparent in its operations, and treat it's clients fairly and equitably"
- "Government should promote a vibrant, competitive marketplace while protecting those unable to protect themselves"
Appointments
2003
McCarty was appointed as Florida Commissioner of Insurance Regulation by Gov. Jeb Bush (R) and the Florida Cabinet in January 2003.[6]
Recent news
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See also
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External links
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation "About the Commissioner"
- Project Vote Smart bio
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners bio
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Florida Department of Insurance, "Kevin McCarty Biography," accessed September 1, 2011
- ↑ National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "McCarty Bio," accessed February 16, 2013
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Steve Bousquet, Miami Herald, "Florida chief insurance regulator Kevin McCarty resigns," January 5, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Miami Herald, "McCarty letter," accessed April 22, 2016
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Florida Politics, "David Altmaier named insurance commissioner," April 29, 2016
- ↑ National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "Kevin M. McCarty," accessed August 4, 2012
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| Preceded by NA |
Florida Commissioner of Insurance Regulation 2003-2016 |
Succeeded by David Altmaier |
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