Chief deputy commissioner Jackie Obusek retires from the North Carolina Department of Insurance effective 1 October, ending a 30-year career at the department. Obusek provided leadership for the state’s captive insurance programme as senior deputy commissioner, a role taken up in 2017 that also carried responsibility for financial analysis and licensing, financial examination, receiverships and liquidations, and actuarial services. Insurance commissioner Mike Causey announces the retirement, describing Obusek as one of the top insurance regulators in the country. Obusek joined the department in 1996 as a financial examiner before taking on several financial regulatory leadership roles. Obusek was appointed chief deputy commissioner in 2022. In 2023, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners presented Obusek with the Robert Dineen award, which recognises outstanding service and contributions to state insurance regulation. Causey says: “I am grateful for the dedication Jackie has given the department for 30 years. Jackie’s depth of financial experience and leadership will be missed.” Causey adds: “Jackie has represented the department and me dozens of times and countless hours at national organisations, such as NAIC, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and NCOIL, the National Council of Insurance Legislators. Her experience, insights and opinions are sought after at every conference. While I will miss her work and her advice, I wish her well as she enters the next phase of her life.” Obusek says: “From my first day as a financial examiner to my final days as chief deputy commissioner, my 30-year career at the North Carolina Department of Insurance has been focused on consumer protection. “I want to thank the very dedicated professional North Carolina Department of Insurance team for their support. I also sincerely appreciate Commissioner Mike Causey for his leadership and for the opportunity to serve as his chief deputy.” Obusek is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from East Carolina University.
