Joseph Murphy was the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance from 2010 until 2014.[pullquote]Arbella is very fortunate to be adding a director with such a strong background in regulatory and legislative issues that impact the insurance industry – John Donohue[/pullquote]
The Arbella Insurance Group announced earlier today that it has welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors, Former Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance, Joseph Murphy and O’Dwyer & Bernstein Senior Partner Brian O’Dwyer. Each new director will bring a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory issues facing the Massachusetts insurance industry today said the Quincy-based insurer in its official announcement.
In announcing the appointment, John Donohue, Chairman, President and CEO of the Arbella Insurance Group said, “Arbella is very fortunate to be adding a director with such a strong background in regulatory and legislative issues that impact the insurance industry. Joe’s tenure as Insurance Commissioner gave him invaluable insights into the issues facing insurance companies in an ever-evolving business climate, which will bring a good perspective to the board.”
Joseph Murphy
Mr. Murphy was the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance from 2010 until December 2014. During his tenure at the Division of Insurance, Mr. Murphy played an active role in many issued affecting the Massachusetts insurance industry from the automobile insurance industry’s transition over to “Managed Competition”, to ensuring the stabilization of health insurance costs for individuals and small business, to ensuring the solvency of various Massachusetts-based insurers.
While Commissioner, Mr. Murphy also served as Treasurer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), as well as on the Government Relations Leadership Council, Property and Casualty Insurance Committee, Antifraud Task Force, the National Insurance Producer Registry Board of Directors and the International Insurance Relations Leadership Group.
Prior to becoming the Commissioner of Insurance, Mr. Murphy served as the First Deputy Commissioner of Insurance. He is now the COO of Boston-based Coverys.
As Insurance Commissioner, I was very familiar with Arbella,” noted Mr. Murphy upon the announcement of his appointment. “They are a service oriented carrier and have performed well in this very competitive market. I am excited to be a part of their board.
Brian O’Dwyer
With a law career spanning over 40 years, Brian O’Dwyer has extensive experience in Labor Relations, Employee Benefits, Personal Injury, and General Litigation. And while a Senior Partner at O’Dwyer & Bernstein, LLP based in New York, Mr. O’Dwyer say he is more than acquainted with Quincy-based Arbella.
I am very familiar with Arbella. I’m confident that my regulatory background in the insurance sector will be beneficial and I look forward to being a part of its very dedicated and tenured board,” said O’Dwyer.
In addition to his knowledge of insurance and his work with O’Dwyer and Bernstein, Mr. O’Dwyer also has long been involved in immigrant rights issues. Most notably, Mr. O’Dwyer is the founder of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, the largest Irish immigrant center and advocacy group in the United States. As for his experience in the political arena, Mr. O’Dwyer has focused on Irish and Irish-American interests, serving as national chairman of Irish-Americans for Clinton-Gore in 1992 and 1996 and Irish-Americans for Gore in 2000. He also was a founding member of both the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Committee and Irish American Democrats.
“From his litigation background to his extensive regulatory activities, both at the state and federal level, Brian has been involved in numerous important insurance issues throughout his 40 year career,” added Donohue. “I’m confident he’ll bring a strong perspective and knowledge to the board.”
