New Insurance Commissioner Named in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry announced he has selected a long-time Tulsa insurance executive and public servant to serve as Oklahoma’s state insurance commissioner. Kim Holland succeeds Carroll Fisher who resigned under fire amid criminal charges and legislative impeachment proceedings.

Gov. Henry announced Holland’s appointment Jan. 21, saying the Tulsan has the qualities essential for Oklahoma’s top insurance regulator.

“Kim Holland will restore integrity and public confidence to the insurance commissioner’s post,” said Gov. Henry. “After all of the negative headlines associated with the office in recent months, Kim will provide a breath of fresh air to the people of Oklahoma, the insurance industry and insurance department. She brings unquestioned honor and a wealth of private and public sector experience to the job. Kim Holland will be an exemplary public servant and a strong leader for the state of Oklahoma.”

During her career, Holland has compiled a distinguished record of service in both the public and private sectors. She has worked in the Oklahoma insurance industry for 25 years, spending the last two decades with the Team Insurance Group (formerly the Quarles Group) where she served as executive vice-president.

Holland has also been active in public service, putting her experience to work on state regulatory and policy boards. She is a board member of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the entity responsible for implementing state health programs related to Medicaid. She has also served on the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council and the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Holland is also a past chairman of the Oklahoma Academy, a non-partisan, think tank.

“I appreciate Gov. Henry’s confidence in me and look forward to serving the people of Oklahoma as their insurance commissioner,” Holland said. “My top priorities are restoring public confidence in the office and creating a fair and balanced regulatory environment that protects the interests of all Oklahomans. I look forward to working with the governor, employees of the insurance department and industry officials to accomplish these goals.”