Scott Kipper, deputy commissioner of the Office of Health for the Louisiana Department of Insurance (DOI), has been named administrator of Oregon's Insurance Division, according to Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon.

"Scott has done an excellent job as deputy commissioner and his expertise and leadership will be sorely missed by the department," said Commissioner Donelon. "He has done great things for Louisiana, including helping to create, implement and enforce emergency rules to ensure the continuation of health insurance coverage after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

Kipper's appointment is effective Dec. 27. In his new role, he will lead the 90-employee Insurance Division, which helps ensure the financial soundness of insurers, the fair treatment of consumers and the affordability and availability of insurance products in Oregon.

Kipper's career has focused on insurance and regulatory issues. He served as senior regional director, state affairs, for America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), where he managed legislative and regulatory activities in eight states. As government relations manager for General Electric Capital Assurance Co., Kipper worked with state and federal agencies on legislation affecting the long-term care industry. He also worked as health analyst for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and spent 10 years in Wyoming state government and industry, including serving as legislative liaison for the Department of Insurance. Kipper earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wyoming.

"Although my time with the Louisiana DOI has been rewarding, I look forward to the opportunity to take on this important leadership role for the people of Oregon," Kipper said.

"It is refreshing to see our senior staff assume leadership roles in the state and private sectors throughout the country," said Donelon. "This is a reflection of the positive image Louisiana's Department of Insurance carries nationwide."

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