MEET MARYLAND INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Kathleen Birrane
Kathleen Birrane was appointed Maryland Insurance Commissioner in May 2020. Prior to her appointment, she was a partner in the Insurance Sector and Litigation and Regulatory Practice Group at the global law firm of DLA Piper LLP. From 2002 until 2007, Birrane served in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General in the statutory position of Principal Counsel to the Maryland Insurance Adminstration (MIA).
On the following pages, the commissioner answers IA&B’s questions on her transition to the MIA, legislative proposals that would impose a fiduciary standard on the conduct of insurance producers, and her priorities while in office. You previously served in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General before working for a private practice firm. What prompted your return to civil service? The short answer is that the Governor’s Office reached out and asked if I would assume the post in light of Commissioner Redmer’s [former Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr.] shift to Maryland Auto Insurance [formerly MAIF]. While I was not seeking a change, I did not hesitate to say yes. First, I have great respect for Gov. Hogan, who is an extraordinary leader and public servant, and am honored to be part of his administration. Second, as the Governor’s Office emphasized when they contacted me, my background would allow a smooth transition, with a minimal learning curve, which was important given the state of emergency and the number of insurance issues playing out in light of the pandemic. So, it was the right thing to do, and I was happy to be given the opportunity to serve. I am fortunate in coming to this position after having been counsel to the agency in the past and after many years of
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working with licensees and other sector participants as both in-house and outside counsel. That background gives me good and practical insight into the sector, including how regulated entities and their vendors currently operate, and what is on the horizon. I believe that I understand the state-based insurance regulatory framework and how to apply it so as to assure that the law is followed and consumer interests are protected, while also assuring a healthy, vibrant, innovative market. And, because I have worked closely over many years with regulators, licensees, vendors, and other stakeholders across a broad spectrum of regulatory and transactional issues – including recent work relating to technology and digital innovation – I feel that I have been able to hit the ground running and get up to speed on most issues relatively quickly. At the six-month mark, I can say that I am happy to have returned to civil service. It is absolutely the best job I have ever had. We know that the advancement of insurance industry technology and innovation is of interest to you. Tell us more. I’d like to see Maryland at the forefront of technological innovation. As an agency, we will be part of the drive within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to use technologies, such as blockchain, to improve the speed and efficiency of regulation. Likewise, we will encourage the appropriate and controlled use of innovation, data analytics, and sophisticated modeling to deliver better and faster results for consumers, including product and pricing innovations and fully digital purchasing and claim experiences. We can deliver the kinds of innovation that modern consumers expect, while protecting data and consumers.
DECEMBER 2020
