The Washington, D.C. Department of Insurance has appointed Chester McPherson as acting commissioner.
McPherson succeeds William White, who claims he was dismissed from his post after making statements that were critical of President Barack Obama.
McPherson has served as the deputy commissioner for the department since 2011.
Deputy mayor Victor Hoskins said: “Chester McPherson's extensive management and leadership background make him an ideal candidate to lead the department of insurance.”
The District of Columbia declined to comment on Mr. White's departure.
Previously White served as director of the captive insurance division for the department, from 2003 to 2004. He was then selected to head a program to attract captive insurance companies to Delaware, a post that he left in 2009.
