The Kentucky Department of Insurance announced today that Sharon P. Clark has been appointed as the new commissioner, and will begin work in this role on July 16.

Mark York, a spokesman for the Public Protection Cabinet, of which the DOI is a member agency, said the post of insurance commissioner is appointed by the governor and does not require legislative confirmation.

Ms. Clark has worked in Kentucky state government for 17 years, including five years as the director of the Consumer Protection and Education division at the DOI.

The new commissioner has also served three years in positions for the Kentucky House of Representatives, and most recently accepted a position in the Finance Administration Cabinet last December, according to a statement by Robert D. Vance, secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet.

“Sharon's knowledge of the industry, coupled with her background in consumer protection, will serve the department well,” Mr. Vance said.

Ms. Clark said in a statement, “I am gratified for the opportunity to serve Governor [Steve] Beshear and look forward to undertaking the challenges that face the department.”

Ms. Clark replaces John Burkholder, who has been serving as acting commissioner since December, according to Ronda Sloan, public information officer for the DOI.

Mr. Burkholder took over as acting commissioner from Julie McPeak, who left in December after the election of Gov. Beshear, who undertook a reorganization of various government agencies including the insurance unit. Ms. McPeak was executive director of the former Office of Insurance, which became the DOI.

Mr. York said that Ms. Clark has not announced any sort of agenda as of yet, as she will not assume the post until July 16. He noted, though, that she is familiar with insurance issues, having worked within the department previously as well as having dealt with insurance issues while working for the Legislature.