AIA Welcomes Smith’s Appointment as Idaho’s New Insurance Director

The American Insurance Association (AIA) this week welcomed Gary Smith to the Idaho Department of Insurance.

Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne (R) named Smith to replace current Insurance Director Mary Hartung who will be retiring at the end of November.

“AIA and its member companies congratulate Mr. Smith on his appointment and look forward to working with him to sustain a healthy and competitive insurance marketplace in Idaho,” said Ken Gibson, vice president, AIA Western Region. “AIA also thanks Director Hartung for her hard work and dedication to balanced regulation. We wish her much happiness in her retirement.” Smith will begin his new duties on Dec. 1, 2004.

The insurance industry provides jobs to more than 5,000 Idaho residents, who earn a combined income of more than $207 million. The most recent investment and tax data shows that insurance companies operating in Idaho paid more than $61 million in premium taxes in 2001 and hold 13 percent of the municipal bonds sold in Idaho.