GOVERNOR APPOINTS INSURANCE DIRECTOR
State Representative Ann Womer Benjamin to Head Agency
COLUMBUS (December 16, 2002) - Governor Bob Taft today announced the appointment of Ann Womer Benjamin as director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. She will begin her duties on January 6.
"Ann brings extraordinary ability and integrity to this vital position as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience in state government," Taft said. "She will provide strong leadership to maintain the public's confidence in the important oversight work of this agency. I am delighted she has agreed to serve in my Administration."
"I am greatly honored by Governor Taft's appointment of me to lead Ohio's Department of Insurance," Womer Benjamin said. "I am looking forward to working with all interested parties to make the Department and the industry responsive to the needs of all Ohioans."
As director, Womer Benjamin will oversee the Ohio Department of Insurance's 265 employees, who are responsible for licensing and regulating Ohio's nearly 1800 insurers and 166,000 agents.
Since 1995, Womer Benjamin has served the Portage County-area in the Ohio House of Representatives where she has chaired the Criminal Justice Committee since 1998. She also has served on the Finance and Appropriations and Civil Law Committees and the Higher Education Subcommittee.
Prior to and during her service as state Representative, Womer Benjamin worked as an attorney for the Cleveland-based law firm Arter & Hadden since 1984. From 1978 to 1984 she worked as an attorney at the Canton-based law firm Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh.
Womer Benjamin earned her law degree in 1978 from Case Western Reserve University's School of Law and received her undergraduate degree in 1975 from Vanderbilt University with degrees in German and Political Science.
Womer Benjamin lives in Aurora with her husband David and two children.
# # #
Contact: Joe Andrews, Governor's Office, at (614) 644-0957