Alabama Gov. Bob Riley announced Sept. 1 he has filled two openings on his cabinet, one being the commissioner of the Department of Insurance.

The governor appointed Jim L. Ridling as state insurance commissioner. Ridling is past president and CEO of Southern Guaranty and is one of the founders of River Bank and Trust. Ridling takes over the position from Walter Bell, who announced in August he was resigning to become chairman of Swiss Re America Holding Corporation. Ridling will start commissioner on Sept. 15. David Parsons, the state’s deputy insurance commissioner, is serving as acting commissioner from Sept. 1-14.

Ridling said, “I am deeply honored that Governor Riley has appointed me to this important position. The Department of Insurance is not only a regulatory agency it is also a consumer protection agency. In fact, our number one priority is to protect insurance consumers and promote a healthy marketplace. I am grateful for this opportunity to put my experience to work in public service.”

Source: Office of the Governor of Alabama

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