NAIC Hires Former Arizona Regulator Urias as International Director

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has hired Christina Urias, former Arizona insurance commissioner, to the fill newly-created position of managing director of the International Insurance Regulatory Affairs Division.

This position reports directly to the CEO Ben Nelson and has responsibility for NAIC international staff in Washington, D.C., New York City and Kansas City, Mo.

Urias will provide policy guidance and technical expertise to NAIC members and staff on global regulatory developments, according to the announcement. She will play a lead role in advising on priority activities, developing and maintaining relationships with international regulators, government officials and standard-setting bodies around the world. She will also coordinate international efforts with federal and state officials, the insurance industry and other key stakeholders.

Urias served as the director of the Arizona Insurance Department from 2003 to 2012. She chaired the NAIC’s Solvency Modernization Initiative Task Force, served on the NAIC’s Executive Committee and was elected chair of the NAIC’s Western Zone. Prior to that, she practiced insurance law with the firm DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy.