DCBS Media Release

January 8, 1997
For more information:
Steve Corson, 503-947-7868

Ellison to head State Insurance Division

(Salem) Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services Director Kerry Barnett has appointed Nancy M. Ellison to be administrator of the department's Insurance Division. As director of DCBS, Barnett serves as the state insurance commissioner.

Ellison is currently a health care and environmental management consultant in Washington State. She was formerly deputy insurance commissioner for health policy with the Washington State insurance commissioner's office, as well as a regional manager for the Washington Department of Ecology. She served three terms as vice-chair of the board of trustees of Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, and was a member of the Washington Department of Social and Health Services' Human Research Review Board.

Ellison holds a doctor of law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law, and master of public health and doctor of public health degrees from the University of Hawaii School of Public Health. She has also attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

"Nancy Ellison clearly has the management, policy, legislative, and leadership skills to guide the Insurance Division in regulating an increasingly complex insurance marketplace," Insurance Commissioner Barnett said. "Given the seven billion dollars in premiums Oregonians paid for insurance coverage last year, we are very pleased to have someone of Nancy's caliber to help maintain our commitment to consumer protection and a healthy insurance market."

The Insurance Division regulates insurance companies and agents doing business in Oregon to make certain consumers are treated fairly and have access to affordable insurance products and services. As administrator, Ellison will supervise a staff of 91 employees. Her appointment follows an extensive nationwide recruitment effort.

Ellison replaces Mary Alice Bjork as of February 3, 1997. Bjork is retiring from state service after five years as administrator of the Insurance Division.