The Department of Financial Regulation (DFR) has promoted assistant director Christine Brown to director of captive insurance. Brown replaces Sandy Bigglestone, who is to be appointed deputy commissioner of the division when David Provost retires at the end of August. Bigglestone began her tenure as an entry-level examiner in the captive insurance division in 1997, before being promoted to director of examinations in 2008, while Provost, who announced his retirement in May, has more than 30 years’ experience in captive insurance, in both the private and government sectors. Brown began working for the captive insurance division in 2003 as an examiner. Commenting on her new role, Brown says: “During my career in captive insurance, I have had the privilege of working with, and learning from, the best and brightest in the industry. “I am honoured to have been chosen for the director position under Sandy’s leadership. I look forward to continuing to grow and support the industry, together with my amazing colleagues at DFR and our valued industry partners as we promote Vermont’s standard of excellence.” Prior to joining the division, Brown worked for an accumulation of six years at Johnson Lambert and Ernst & Young as an auditor. Brown has also held the position of examiner in charge and assistant chief examiner within DFR’s captive insurance division. She became assistant director of the division in 2016. Commenting on Brown’s promotion, Bigglestone says: “Christine has performed at an exceptional level, already participates in many of the tasks involving the director role, and applies the standards valued in the work of the DFR. She has established herself as a respected and appreciated member of the captive division’s leadership team.” Dan Petterson, director of examinations at the DFR, says: “In my many years of working with Christine I have come to know her as one of the most talented, professional, and dedicated captive insurance regulators around, as well as one of the friendliest and most thoughtful.” He adds: “Christine’s contributions to our successes are immeasurable. We are fortunate to have an individual as accomplished and collaborative as Christine to take on the responsibility of captives director and to help ensure Vermont’s tradition of gold standard regulation.” Kevin Mead, president of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA), comments: “What an awesome choice to have Christine Brown succeed Sandy Bigglestone as the DFR’s next director of captive insurance. All of my colleagues here at the VCIA join me in wishing her the best in this appointment, and we look forward to seeing her in a few short weeks at the VCIA conference.” Brittany Nevins, captive insurance economic development director for Vermont’s Department of Economic Development, says: “The promotion of another expert regulator from within helps contribute to broader stability within the domicile and commitment to Vermont’s quality regulatory standard.” She adds: “While there have been many transitions, there is a sense of confidence in the future because a pipeline of leaders has been developed over many years throughout Vermont’s 40-year history as a captive insurance domicile. Promoting Christine was an obvious choice and will serve Vermont well.”
