New Insurance Commissioner
Former state legislator and insurance executive Jay Bradford will be the new state Insurance Commissioner starting Jan. 15. Gov. Beebe announced the appointment today. Bradford has been director of Behavioral Sciences at the Arkansas Department of Human Services, which runs the State Hospital, for the past two years.
Bradford replaces Julie Benafield Bowman, who resigned today. Lenita Blasingame will serve as interim director until Bradford is sworn in.
Text of Beebe's announcement is on the jump.
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Beebe will appoint Jay Bradford of Pine Bluff as Commissioner of the Arkansas Insurance Department. The appointment will take effect on January 15.
For the past two years, Bradford has served as Director of the Division of Behavioral Sciences at the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Prior to that, Bradford worked in the insurance industry for more than four decades, including 30 years as founder and chairman of First Arkansas Insurance Group in Pine Bluff. Bradford also served more than two decades in the Arkansas Legislature, chosen both as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Bradford will replace Julie Benafield Bowman, whose resignation takes effect today. Beebe will appoint Lenita Blasingame of El Paso, a 43-year veteran of the Arkansas Insurance Department, to serve as Interim Commissioner until Bowman’s term officially expires on January 14. Blasingame will return to her position as Chief Deputy Commissioner once Bradford is sworn in. Bradford's appointment will expire January 14, 2013.
For the past two years, Bradford has served as Director of the Division of Behavioral Sciences at the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Prior to that, Bradford worked in the insurance industry for more than four decades, including 30 years as founder and chairman of First Arkansas Insurance Group in Pine Bluff. Bradford also served more than two decades in the Arkansas Legislature, chosen both as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Bradford will replace Julie Benafield Bowman, whose resignation takes effect today. Beebe will appoint Lenita Blasingame of El Paso, a 43-year veteran of the Arkansas Insurance Department, to serve as Interim Commissioner until Bowman’s term officially expires on January 14. Blasingame will return to her position as Chief Deputy Commissioner once Bradford is sworn in. Bradford's appointment will expire January 14, 2013.
Comments
As a general rule, I'm not too keen on insurance guys, but must say that Bradford was one of the best state senators and representatives I've ever known. He was fair to all, in my observation. Hope this trait remains evident in his new role.
Posted by: durangokid![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 31, 2008 04:00 PM
Not only has Bradford been a solid state legislator, he has been an excellent bureaucrat. In two short years, he has improved the Dept. of Behavioral Health. Now he is championing a cause to increase funding for alcohol and drug addiction......much needed. If his work in the legislature and DBH is an indicator, Bradford will be an innovative, ethical and effective Insurance Commissioner.
Posted by: mouthinfreely![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 1, 2009 10:09 AM
So why did Bowman resign?
Posted by: Smirk![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 2, 2009 01:13 PM