Released: February 16, 2006

Jim Donelon became Louisiana's Commissioner of Insurance today following the retirement of Robert Wooley. Donelon previously served as the Department's Executive Counsel and Chief Deputy Commissioner.

"I am honored to serve as Commissioner of Insurance and I am committed to protecting our consumers and keeping the dialogue going with insurance companies to let them know Louisiana is a great place to do business," Donelon said.

Former Commissioner Wooley, who attended Donelon's swearing-in ceremony this morning, said he chose Donelon to be his Chief Deputy in 2001 because of his impeccable reputation and his extensive knowledge of insurance. "Jim was the only guy I knew who could help me restore the credibility and integrity of an office embarrassed because the three previous Insurance Commissioners had gone to jail," Wooley said. "He is a consumer advocate who does the right thing for the right reasons, and he knows insurance inside and out. I believe he is the most qualified Commissioner of Insurance to ever assume the position," Wooley added.

The 61-year-old Donelon is a native of New Orleans and a graduate of the University of New Orleans and the Loyola School of Law. Donelon retired as the State Judge Advocate of the Louisiana National Guard with the rank of Colonel following 33 years of military service.

Donelon is a former chairman of the Jefferson Parish Council and served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1982 until 2001, when he resigned his post to become Wooley's Chief Deputy Commissioner of Insurance. While in the Legislature, Donelon was chairman of the House Committee on Insurance and co-chairman of the Republican Legislative Delegation.

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