Florida insurance regulator appoints two deputy commissioner

The deputies will be charged with overseeing the implementation of recently enacted insurance legislation.

“During their time at OIR, Sheryl and Virginia have been critical to our consumer protection, market regulation and financial oversight efforts,” Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky said in a release. (Credit: MarekPhotoDesign.com/Adobe Stock)

Sheryl Parker has been appointed the first deputy commissioner of market regulations for the state of Florida, while Virginia Christy has been tapped to serve as deputy commissioner of property and casualty, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) reported.

The two new appointees will work to implement recently passed legislation that aims to strengthen Florida’s property insurance market and safeguard consumers from predatory insurance practices, according to OIR.

In the newly created role of market regulation deputy, Parker will supervise all market regulation efforts to protect policyholders from unlawful or harmful business practices.

As P&C deputy, Christy will oversee the P&C financial oversight and product review units. She will also be OIR’s representative member on the Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Market Account Advisory Committee.

With more than 20 years of experience in insurance regulations, Parker most recently served as director of P&C market regulations at OIR. She has also worked at OIR as an operations review specialist and financial administrator.

Prior to joining OIR in 2021, Parker worked in the division of consumer services at the Florida Department of Financial Services. She started her insurance career in 1990, working as an agent in North Carolina and Florida, after serving in the Marine Corps.

Christy brings more than a decade of experience to her new role, most recently serving as director of P&C financial oversight at OIR. She also served as OIR’s chief assistant general counsel. Before working at Florida’s insurance regulator, Christy was an assistant public defender with the 2nd Judicial Circuit.

“During their time at OIR, Sheryl and Virginia have been critical to our consumer protection, market regulation and financial oversight efforts,” Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky said in a release. “I’m confident they will continue to serve and protect policyholders to the fullest extent.”

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