Alabama Gov. Ivey appoints Fowler acting insurance commissioner
The appointment follows the retirement of state Insurance Commissioner Jim Ridling at the end of June.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Mark Fowler, deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Insurance, to serve as acting insurance commissioner.
The move took effect July 1, 2022, and follows the retirement of Jim Ridling, who was Alabama’s insurance commissioner for nearly 14 years. He was the longest-serving appointed commissioner in the U.S., according to the governor’s office.
Fowler joined the state’s insurance department in 2013 and has served as chief of staff as well as deputy commissioner. Prior to joining the insurance department, he spent 28 years working at the state and federal levels in government, public affairs and association management.
“Commissioner Ridling set a high bar for his dedicated service, integrity, grace and transparency during his 13-plus years of public service,” Fowler said in a release. “He has been the model of what the finest of insurance commissioners should be. I know that during my tenure as acting commissioner, I will be guided by the memory of his wisdom, his professionalism and his gentle good humor.”
Ridling receives inaugural IBHS Lifetime Achievement Award
Prior to announcing his retirement, Ridling was given the inaugural Lifetime Achievement in Resilience Award from the Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety for making Alabama a “leader in resilient construction.
During his tenure as commissioner, Ridling established the Strengthen Alabama Homes program, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to owners of primary residences in Mobile or Baldwin Counties, Alabama for home fortification. The governor’s office reported the program should reach 5,000 homes by the end of 2022.
“Commissioner Ridling led the charge as Alabama explored ways to make our homes and businesses stronger,” Governor Ivey said in a release. “His commitment to reducing the damage caused by Mother Nature put our state at the leading edge of the resiliency movement. So, I think it’s fitting that he be honored with an award celebrating a career dedicated to helping our state be better prepared for the next storm – no matter where it hits.”
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