FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAIC PAYS TRIBUTE TO JIM LONG
Colleagues, Friends Mourn Loss of N.C. Insurance Commissioner

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Feb. 3, 2009) - The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) mourns the loss of long-time North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, who passed away yesterday. He was 68.

There will be a public memorial service at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Hayes-Barton Baptist Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, N.C.   

Long recently retired after 24 years at the helm of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. In recognition of his many achievements, Long was presented with the inaugural President's Award for Distinguished NAIC Member Leadership during the NAIC 2008 Winter National Meeting. His accomplishments include:

• 1985 - 2008: North Carolina Insurance Commissioner
• 1990: NAIC Vice President
• 1991: NAIC President
• 1992: NAIC Immediate Past President
• 1997; 1998; 2001; 2005; 2007; 2008: NAIC Most Immediate Past President
• 2002 - 2008: Chair, NAIC Information Resources Management Committee
• 2005 - 2008: Promoted Compact legislation; served as a member of Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact Commission

The NAIC leadership team extends messages of sympathy and support to Long's family and friends, as well as his former staff in North Carolina.

NAIC President and New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner Roger Sevigny: "Jim Long served the insurance regulatory community in North Carolina - and the nation - with distinction for 24 years. In recognition of his many accomplishments, he was awarded with the NAIC's first President's Award for Distinguished NAIC Member Leadership. His sound guidance, good humor and Southern charm earned Jim the respect of colleagues, as well as many treasured friends. Jim, you were truly a special person. You took me under your wing and helped me immensely in my fledgling years as a commissioner. You didn't judge, but rather tried to guide and offer advice. Thank you, Jim. May God be with you in your new journey. You will be missed."

NAIC President-Elect and West Virginia Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline: "Commissioner Long was the dean of the NAIC's Southeastern Zone. He was a trusted advisor and provided wise counsel to many NAIC leaders. He was dedicated to serving the insurance consumers of North Carolina and worked tirelessly on behalf of the NAIC. Upon my appointment as insurance commissioner, Jim was one of my earliest mentors. He and his wife, Peg, quickly became cherished friends.  Bob and I enjoyed every minute we spent with them. Jim was a stickler for procedure, but he always knew how to have fun. Even though he was very busy with his own responsibilities and accomplishments, he always remembered everyone and enjoyed seeing others achieve whatever their potential allowed. I will always be grateful for his friendship and will miss his infectious laughter and warm, giving spirit. I will remember the joy he brought to those fortunate enough to have been associated with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Peg, their family and many friends."

NAIC Vice President and Iowa Insurance Commissioner Susan Voss:
"Jim Long was a friend, mentor and trusted colleague. Throughout my 14 years as a regulator, Jim Long has been a leader in state regulation. He always had time to discuss the issues and help you through difficult situations. He handled it all with grace and a sense of humor that will be missed by so many of us. I cannot believe that this kind gentleman is gone. The NAIC and all commissioners have lost a dear friend. There will be a little less laughter at our meetings - but I know he's already telling jokes to St. Peter!"

NAIC Secretary-Treasurer and Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty: "Jim was a pleasure to work with and a zealous advocate of consumer protection issues. He will be sorely missed."

NAIC Immediate Past President and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger: "Jim Long was the patriarch of the NAIC. We all looked to him for advice, guidance and historic perspective. His sense of humor was disarming, enabling us to laugh during some of our most trying debates. We were adjusting to Jim's retirement, but we certainly anticipated having him return frequently to our meetings to cajole and reprimand us if we failed to follow parliamentary procedure. I know we are all grateful that we had the opportunity to thank him for his service at the December NAIC meeting and to share those accolades with his beloved wife, Peg. But we weren't ready to say good-bye. I, along with many of our members, will miss the most his embracing bear hugs and his genuine interest in our well-being."

NAIC Chief Executive Officer-Designate Terri Vaughan: "As the second-longest serving commissioner in NAIC history, Jim was an influential and driving force behind many of our most successful initiatives. He was a mentor to me from my first days as a regulator and during my time as NAIC president - as he was to many, many others. He was a trusted advisor who worked just as hard behind the scenes to ensure the success of many important projects that now benefit consumers, regulators and the industry alike. I will miss his counsel and friendship."

View NAIC Memorial Booklet for Jim Long