In Mass., Bowler Steps Down; Murphy Named Interim Chief

Julianne Bowler has stepped down as Massachusetts insurance commissioner, making way for newly-installed Gov. Deval Patrick to name her successor.

Joseph Murphy, first deputy commissioner, has been named acting commissioner, Insurance Journal has learned.

Bowler has been with the state agency for more than eight years. Bowler was originally appointed commissioner on April 2, 2002 and re-appointed by Gov. Mitt Romney on March 3, 2003.

Bowler serves on numerous committees if the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and is currently the chair of the Reinsurance Task Force and secretary/treasurer of the Northeast Zone. She also participates in IAIS Activities and is currently the Chair of the Reinsurance and Other Risk Transfer Subgroup and the Mutual Recognition Working Group.