FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAIC NAMES D.C. DIRECTOR
Sonnichsen promoted to lead Government Relations Divison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 27, 2009) - National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Therese M. (Terri) Vaughan today announced the appointment of Ethan Sonnichsen as Government Relations Director. Sonnichsen previously served as the Division's Government Relations Manager.

In his new position, Sonnichsen will provide the leadership to make the Government Relations Division the central point of contact for the NAIC and state insurance departments on federal legislative/regulatory issues and international trade policy impacting insurance regulation. He will also oversee the preparation of testimony and analysis of legislation, as well as brief NAIC members who testify before Congress.

"This is an important time in the evolution of insurance regulation, and under Ethan's leadership, the NAIC's Government Relations Office has aggressively defended the strength and solvency of state-based regulation on Capital Hill," Vaughan said. "I'm confident he will continue to assist our members as we work with Congress and the Administration to protect the safety and interests of American insurance consumers."

Sonnichsen joined the NAIC in 2006 as Government Relations Policy Legislative Analyst II. Prior to joining the NAIC, he was lead staff for the Risk Management and Financial Reporting Council of the American Academy of Actuaries. Sonnichsen earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland.