Washington insurance commissioner names new deputy

Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler announced a familiar face will return to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to serve as the new chief deputy commissioner. 

Jim Odiorne previously served as Kreidler’s chief deputy from 2013 to 2018 before he retired. Prior to that he was deputy commissioner for company supervision from 1996 to 2013. He starts his new role on July 29.

“Jim is widely regarded by the insurance industry and OIC employees as an expert regulator and brings a breadth of experience and knowledge of the issues we face today” said Kreidler. “I’m grateful to him for agreeing to step into this role and look forward to working with him again.”

Odiorne replaces Chief Deputy Commissioner Michael Wood who is taking a new position in the Civil Rights Division of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. Wood’s last day with the OIC will be July 31.