Prior to establishing his own private practice, Mr. Clark served as counsel for Montgomery Ward Life Insurance for 10 years.

"Part of my effort to reform our state government is to bring in accomplished professionals, like Mr. Clark, from the private sector who have expertise and experience to make our system work better," said Gov. Blagojevich in a statement. "Mr. Clark's background in insurance law and his extensive civic involvement will be a tremendous asset to state government in general and the Department of Insurance in particular."

Paul Blume Jr., vice president of AIA's Midwest region, also welcomed Gov. Blagojevich's decision to tap Mr. Clark.

"Illinois' regulatory environment, which has fostered the nation's most competitive insurance marketplace, is routinely held up around the country as a model for other states," said Mr. Blume. "AIA and its member companies congratulate Mr. Clark on his new position, and we look forward to working with him to ensure that consumers and insurers alike continue to reap the benefits of robust competition."

Mr. Clark would succeed Arnold Dutcher, who has been the department's acting director since Jan. 24 when Nathaniel Shapo resigned from the post to go into a private law practice, said the insurance department's spokesperson.