State insurance chief resigns

Ann Frohman, a Nebraska Department of Insurance staff member for more than 20 years and its director since November 2007, said Tuesday she will leave that job Oct. 29 and pursue her "entrepreneurial spirit" in the private sector.

"It’s a good point in my life and career and a good point for the department," said Frohman, who is an attorney and turned 47 years old Tuesday. "I have ideas that I’m looking into right now" within Nebraska.

"I guess I have another 20 years to do something different. I have an entrepreneurial spirit I’d like to pursue." She declined to be specific but said she has no political aspirations.

The resignation is her idea, not Gov. Dave Heineman’s, she said. She was deputy director when Director Tim Wagner died in October 2007, and served as acting director until the governor appointed her about a month later. She had been a staff attorney and general counsel for the department before that.

Frohman said she first worked for the state 22 years ago in the Department of Labor, driving a Chevy Chevette around Nebraska to check on youth employment and job training.

The department regulates insurance companies that operate with in the state. She said her departure was not related to changes in the insurance industry, such as the newly enacted federal health care laws. "That’s exciting stuff, pretty challenging," she said.

In a press release, Frohman said, "It has been my sincerest pleasure to serve the citizens of Nebraska. I have the utmost respect for the dedicated employees of the Department of Insurance. They are among the best financial regulators in the nation."

Heineman said, "Ann has worked hard to ensure a fair regulatory climate and competitive marketplace for insurers in Nebraska.

"I appreciate her knowledge of the insurance industry, particularly during these last few months as we have sought information on the federal health care law and its impact on individuals, families and businesses in our state. I wish her well in all of her future endeavors."

Frohman also worked as state risk manager with the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services and served as a clerk for a Nebraska Supreme Court justice.

The governor appoints the state insurance director, with confirmation by the Legislature. A spokeswoman for the governor said he would identify and speak with potential candidate for the job. Frohman said she would help the governor as needed in the transition to a new director over the next two months.

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