NEW YORK—Kermitt Brooks, first deputy superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department, will take over as acting head of the department after the July 3 departure of Superintendent Eric Dinallo, a spokeswoman for New York Gov. David Paterson said.
Mr. Dinallo announced on May 28 that he was resigning his position to become a visiting professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business. Observers have speculated he may be considering a run for attorney general.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Paterson said the search for a permanent superintendent is under way but would not say who is being considered or when a selection might be made.
Sources say that Mr. Brooks is one of several candidates Gov. Paterson is considering to replace Mr. Dinallo. James Wrynn, executive director of the New York State Insurance Fund, is also being considered, sources say.
Before joining the NYSID in May 2007, Mr. Brooks served for nearly eight years in the office of then-Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, leading an investigation into employee benefits insurance that resulted in settlements with the country’s largest group disability and insurance carriers.
Previously, Mr. Brooks was counsel at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and an associate in the commercial litigation practice at Nixon Peabody L.L.P.
For reprints of this story, please contact Lauren Melesio at 212-210-0707 or email lmelesio@crain.com
