Indiana and Massachusetts announce new insurance commissioners

Holly Williams Lambert has been appointed as the next insurance commissioner of Indiana, while Michael T. Caljouw has been named insurance commissioner for Massachusetts.

Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb selected Lambert for the role. She previously served as chief of staff at the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI), a position she has held since joining the department in 2011. Lambert is set to officially take over the position on Oct. 16.

The appointment follows the announcement that current Indiana Insurance Commissioner Amy Beard will step down on Oct. 15. During her time as commissioner, Beard oversaw the addition of 11 domestic insurers in the state, the implementation of a cybersecurity reporting law and portal, the creation of a pharmacy benefit managers oversight team, and the launch of a health insurance claims database and a consumer complaint portal.

Lambert expressed her commitment to continuing the work started by Beard, saying the department will focus on building on the existing foundation, implementing key initiatives, and working collaboratively with the insurance industry to address the needs of Indiana residents.

Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, Gov. Maura Healey appointed Michael T. Caljouw to the commissioner role. Caljouw brings 33 years of experience in insurance law and policy, most recently serving as vice president of state and federal government and regulatory affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Caljouw’s public sector experience includes serving as general counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Insurance and the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations (OCABR). OCABR, which operates within the Executive Office of Economic Development, oversees the Department of Insurance.

During his career, Caljouw contributed to shaping key insurance policies, including the state’s HMO insolvency and cost containment law. He has also been responsible for decisions related to insurance rates and the review of major mergers and acquisitions across various insurance sectors.

Caljouw expressed his enthusiasm about returning to public service under the Healey-Driscoll Administration, with a focus on maintaining stable, affordable, and transparent insurance markets while protecting consumer interests in the state. His term as commissioner will officially begin on Nov. 4.

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