Mary Jo is a trusted adviser to insurance company leaders on complex transactions and matters requiring review and approval by state regulators. She also represents clients in critical matters pending before the NAIC.

Mary Jo has served as a lead adviser regarding death master file and unclaimed funds issues for life insurance companies, defending numerous life insurance companies in dual market conduct/unclaimed property audits, dual settlements, document production and national trade association representation. She has also served as defense counsel to insurers in multi-state market conduct examinations, including travel examinations. In addition, Mary Jo serves as a consulting and testifying expert witness in state and federal court cases involving insurance regulation and insurance products and distribution.

As Ohio’s Insurance Commissioner from 2007 until 2011, Mary Jo served as the chair of the Ohio Health Care Coverage and Quality Council, chair of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission and as a member of the NAIC Executive Committee. Mary Jo also has prior experience as general counsel for the Office of the Ohio Insurance Liquidator and as a staff attorney for the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Mary Jo is a board member of the Association of Life Insurance Counsel and the Women Corporate Directors Association. She has served as a board member and Audit Committee member of AIG Property Casualty, Inc., as a board member of the American Academy of Actuaries and as a board and Executive Committee member of the United Way of Central Ohio, as a board member and chair of the Audit and Accountability Committee of the Columbus Board of Education, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Human Rights Campaign.

Education

University of Cincinnati, J.D., honors

Miami University, B.A.

Admissions

Ohio, 1989

Publications

Author, “State Insurance Regulation – Increased Disparagement of the Regulatory Framework and a Call for Action,” Squire Patton Boggs White Paper, April 2018.

Author, “Commencement of Insurance Policy and Duration of Risk,” 8-84 New Appleman on Insurance Law Library Edition 84, New Appleman on Insurance Law Library Edition.

Author, “Life Insurance, Unclaimed Property and the Death Master File: Towards a Uniform National Framework,” White Paper prepared for the American Council of Life Insurers (updated 2015 and 2016).