(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Nick Gerhart as the new Iowa Insurance Commissioner.
Gerhart will begin work within the department this fall, and will fully assume responsibilities from current director Susan Voss at the end of this calendar year.
“I want to thank Susan Voss for her great service to the state of Iowa,” said Branstad. “Nick Gerhart is a bright, talented executive who understands the vital importance of this industry in our state. Nick understands the challenges within the industry as well, and is a problem-solver who will excel in this position.”
Gerhart currently serves as the vice president of compliance and regulatory affairs at the Sammons Financial Group. Previously, he served as the vice president of compliance communications and associate general counsel at American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company.
“I am excited to serve the people of Iowa in this new position,” said Gerhart. “The insurance industry has become a pillar of our Iowa economy. I am thrilled to be leading a division that is not only recognized for their ability to protect the public, but also their ability to work with companies critical to our economic success.”
Gerhart, 37, has a Bachelor of Arts in History, where he graduated cum laude from the University of Northern Iowa. Gerhart earned a juris doctor from the Saint Louis University School of Law in 2001, and went on to attain his Masters of Health Administration in 2002. His full resume can be viewed here.
“Susan Voss did fantastic work leading the Iowa Insurance Division,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. “I am excited to have Nick Gerhart continue that work, and bring fresh, new ideas in accomplishing the mission of the division.”
Nick and his wife, Jessica, reside in Des Moines. They have two daughters.
