FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAIC NAMES FIRST DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR IN INSURANCE REGULATION
Mary A. Weiss will play key role in the new
Center for Insurance Policy and Research

MINNEAPOLIS (June 13, 2009) - Mary A. Weiss, Ph.D., has been selected as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) first Distinguished Scholar in Insurance Regulation. This new appointment by the NAIC signals an increasing emphasis toward enhancing its research capabilities in insurance regulation.

"We are excited to enrich our resources with the addition of such a respected scholar," said Therese (Terri) Vaughan, Ph.D., NAIC Chief Executive Officer. "Dr. Weiss's expertise in solvency regulation, risk-based capital standards and risk management will be particularly valuable as we pursue the NAIC's Solvency Modernization Initiative."

Weiss has been the Deaver Professor of Risk, Insurance and Health Care Management at Temple University since 2001. She will play a key role in the Center for Insurance Policy and Regulation, leading the NAIC's ongoing effort to understand the impact of the current financial turmoil on the insurance industry and its implications for insurance regulation. In addition to engaging other scholars in ongoing research efforts, Weiss will give presentations and seminars to NAIC members and the industry. She will also be responsible for establishing and managing a research program and hosting an Insurance Regulation symposium.

"I am eagerly looking forward to playing a lead role in the NAIC's enhanced academic engagement in the regulatory field," said Weiss. "I believe this role will provide productive opportunities for scholastic research that will reinforce the importance of state-based regulation."

During her career, Weiss has conducted exhaustive research in various areas, including the property-liability insurance industry, reinsurance and auto insurance. In addition to serving as editor of Risk Management and Insurance Review, she has been the Associate Editor of the Journal of Risk and Insurance since 1998. Weiss holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Risk and Insurance from the University of Pennsylvania.