Brannan Appointed New Workers’ Comp Commissioner in Texas

Gov. Rick Perry appointed Ryan Brannan of Austin as commissioner of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), effective Aug. 1, 2014, for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2015.

Brannan replaces Rod Bordelon, who is leaving the post after nearly six years at the helm.

Brannan was most recently an advisor in the Governor’s Office Division of Budget, Planning and Policy, focusing on issues relating to the insurance industry, including property and casualty insurance, workers’ compensation, healthcare, public health and health and life insurance.

Texas Insurance Commissioner Julia Rathgeber commented on Brannan’s appointment in a statement released by TDI.

“Texas has one of the most effective and efficient workers’ compensation systems in the country,” Rathgeber said. “I look forward to working with Ryan as the next Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation; he brings a thorough understanding of insurance policy that will allow him to continue to build on the positive trends achieved under Commissioner Bordelon. These trends have made Texas a model state for workers’ compensation.”

In an email to Insurance Journal, Albert Betts, executive director of the Insurance Council of Texas, congratulated Brannan on his appointment and said the ICT looks “forward to working with him in his new role.”

Betts has served previously as commissioner of workers’ compensation.