Georgia's governor, Brian P. Kemp, has appointed John King to serve as interim insurance commissioner and safety fire commissioner following the indictment of insurance commissioner Jim Beck.
“John King is a decorated soldier, passionate community advocate, and devoted law enforcement leader with decades of experience,” Governor Kemp said in a statement. “As Georgia's next insurance commissioner and safety fire official, John will put hardworking Georgians first by shaking up the status quo. He will restore faith in the Department of Insurance and will always do the right thing – even when no one is looking.”
“I am grateful for Governor Brian Kemp and the opportunity he has given me to continue my service to the people of Georgia,” said Mr. King. “My decades of experience in law enforcement have prepared me for this important job in state government. I look forward to restoring trust in the Department of Insurance and providing leadership that protects consumers, promotes public safety, and provides a bright and promising future for all Georgians.”
Over three decades ago, Mr. King started his law enforcement career in the Atlanta Police Department. He started at the Doraville Police Department in 1993 and became chief of police nine years later.
A native of Mexico, Mr. King served as a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army National Guard as Director of the Joint Staff for the Georgia DOD. He is the former Commander of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During his tenure in the military, Mr. King earned a Bronze Star Medal and Combat Infantry Badge, meritorious service medals, and a NATO award for his service in both Bosnia and Afghanistan.
He also received the El Salvador gold medal for achievement in 2006.
Mr. King received his B.A. in criminal justice and public administration from Brenau University and a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].