INDIANAPOLIS (June 16, 2009) - Governor Mitch Daniels today announced the appointment of Department of Insurance (DOI) Commissioner Jim Atterholt to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Greg Server. Bedford native and current DOI Chief Deputy Commissioner Carol Cutter will succeed Atterholt at the department. 

"Jim totally transformed the department from a source of constant criticism to a nationally recognized source of pride," said Daniels.  "In both the core mission of consumer protection and the improvement of Indiana as a good environment for insurance jobs, everyone agrees that his tenure has been a spectacular success."

Atterholt was appointed DOI commissioner in 2005.  During his tenure, he led agency reform efforts to make DOI more responsive to consumers and the insurance industry while strengthening the department's commitment to consumer protection. Atterholt also initiated a program to provide DOI assistance to Hoosier victims of natural disasters who are having problems with insurance claims.  Since 2005, the DOI has set record numbers with respect to the dollars recovered for consumers who filed insurance-related complaints.

Atterholt served as a state representative (House District 86) from 1998-2002 where he served on the commerce committee and worked as the director of state government affairs for AT&T Indiana from 2003-2004.  He previously served as a congressional aide in Indiana and Washington, D.C., where his responsibilities included energy issues.    

Cutter has served as DOI deputy commissioner of health issues since 2005.  She has led efforts to eliminate an 18-month backlog of rate and form filings for health, life, and property/casualty products in her first two years on the job.  Cutter also helped establish a self-certification process for life and annuity rate and form filings to allow for a faster turnaround for approval of those insurance products for marketing.  Prior to serving in state government, Cutter worked in various capacities in the insurance industry for nearly 30 years.

Following an application period and interviews, the IURC Nominating Committee, chaired by Mike Sample, recommended three candidates for the governor's consideration based on education and academic honors received, professional experience and reputation, financial interests in the utility industry, and public service.

The appointments will be effective June 22.

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