Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Stepping Down

September 10, 2009

Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes is stepping down from here role as chief insurance regulator to take a fellowship position at Notheastern University in Boston.

Burnes resignation is effective at the end of the month, when she heads to her alma mater to teach a course on regulatory reform and to work with students interested in pursuing careers focused on government regulation, public policy, law and business.

“Nonnie Burnes is a great friend and was a great Insurance Commissioner,” Governor Deval Patrick said in a prepared statement. “She brought fresh insight and real courage to one of the central successes of this administration — the introduction of balanced, consumer-oriented competition to our auto insurance market.”

Burnes tenure as commissioner was marked by a major overhaul of the state’s auto insurance system. Her handling of the 18-month old managed competition system drew criticism from agents and more established insurers but also earned praise from the governor as well as other insurers who claimed it paved the way for their re-entry into the state’s auto market.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Nonnie’s professional accomplishments bring her knowledge and expertise to our students,” said Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun.

Prior to her appointment as commissioner in 2007, Burnes was a superior court judge. She previously served as a partner at the law firm Hill & Barlow.

Topics Massachusetts

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Latest Comments

  • November 27, 2009 at 1:59 am
    Dee says:
    We are the only state in the country that punishes drivers up to 6 years. This policy needs to change in favor of consumers who live in the 3rd highest cost of living state i... read more
  • September 11, 2009 at 5:31 am
    Jane Logan says:
    I must admit I focus more on the coastal homeowner insurance crisis than Personal Auto. That being said, do nothing Nonnie gave Progressive and other companies an unfair advan... read more
  • September 11, 2009 at 10:46 am
    expert says:
    The comment that Nonnie Burnes did nothing is only partially correct. What she did do is hand over the private passenger auto market - and premiums - to the carriers, in parti... read more

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