Ann Womer Benjamin Named as Ohio Insurance Director

Ohio Governor Bob Taft announced the appointment of Ann Womer Benjamin as director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, effective January 6.

“Ann brings extraordinary ability and integrity to this vital position as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience in state government,” Taft stated. “She will provide strong leadership to maintain the publics confidence in the important oversight work of this agency. I am delighted she has agreed to serve in my Administration.”

Womer Benjamin has served the Portage County-area in the Ohio House of Representatives since 1995. She has chaired the Criminal Justice Committee since 1998, and has also served on the Finance and Appropriations and Civil Law Committees and the Higher Education Subcommittee. Prior to joining the legislature she worked as an attorney for the Cleveland-based law firm Arter & Hadden.

“I am greatly honored by Governor Taft’s appointment of me to lead Ohio’s Department of Insurance,” Womer Benjamin stated. “I am looking forward to working with all interested parties to make the Department and the industry responsive to the needs of all Ohioans.”

She will oversee the Ohio Department of Insurance’s 265 employees, who are responsible for licensing and regulating Ohio’s nearly 1800 insurers and 166,000 agents.