Geeslin Appointed as Texas Commissioner

Texas Gov. Rick Perry named Mike Geeslin as the state’s new insurance commissioner. While the appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, Geeslin’s term would expire Feb. 1, 2007, if approved by the Senate.

“Mike Geeslin will be a strong and steady voice for continued improvements in the insurance industry in Texas while protecting consumers by ensuring that insurance is available and provided at fair rates,” Perry said. “As insurance commissioner, he will play an integral role in overseeing major reforms to our workers compensation system. His expertise in insurance matters and management skills will serve Texans well in this important new role.”

Geeslin, 36, has served as deputy commissioner for policy at the Texas Department of Insurance since January 2003. During that time, he has overseen and coordinated implementation of major insurance reforms directed by the legislature in 2003. Prior to his service at the insurance department, he was a budget and policy advisor on insurance and regulatory matters to Perry in both the governor’s office and lieutenant governor’s office. He
also worked as chief of staff for state

Sen. Tom Hay-wood, as a legislative aide to Sen. Florence Shapiro, and as an assistant to Congressman Joe Barton.

Geeslin is a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in business administration. While attending A&M, he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and served as a Ross Volunteer. He attended public schools in Red Oak, Texas.

Geeslin succeeds Jose Montemayor, who held the post for six years and informed the governor in January that he did not want to be considered for another term as
commissioner.

Montemayor recently announced he is joining the Black Diamond Group, which specializes in insurance investments and insurance company restructuring.

Topics Texas