CT Insurance Department Leadership Set To Change As Lamont Prepares New Nomination

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew Mais will retire from state service on Nov. 28, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday.

Lamont said he plans to nominate Josh Hershman to succeed Mais. Hershman will begin serving in an interim capacity on Dec. 12, and the governor will submit his formal nomination to the General Assembly when lawmakers return for the 2026 legislative session in February.

“Commissioner Mais has actively worked to achieve the crucial balance necessary to ensure that consumers are protected and have access to affordable and reliable insurance coverage, while at the same time supporting the continued growth of this sector of our economy,” Lamont said. He thanked Mais for his service and said Hershman’s regulatory experience makes him well-suited to lead the department.

Mais has served as commissioner since February 2019 and recently completed his term as president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. He also served as vice chair of the executive committee of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors. During his tenure, he focused on consumer protection initiatives, including the 2024 creation of the Connecticut Severe Weather Mitigation and Resiliency Advisory Council.

“Serving the people of Connecticut under the leadership of Governor Lamont has been the highlight of my career,” Mais said. He called Hershman the right choice to lead the department, citing his experience as deputy commissioner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hershman is currently CEO of the Immigrant Life Insurance Company of America and executive director of openIDL, a Linux Foundation project focused on modernizing data exchange in the insurance sector. He also advises industry organizations on regulatory compliance and business strategy. From 2019 to 2022, he served as deputy commissioner and chief operating officer at the Connecticut Insurance Department, where he led initiatives related to artificial intelligence, data modernization and industry innovation.

“I am honored to lead the Connecticut Insurance Department at this pivotal moment,” Hershman said. “Our focus will be protecting consumers, strengthening market stability, and supporting a vibrant, forward-looking insurance industry that delivers real value for the people of Connecticut.”

Hershman lives in Guilford, where he serves on the town’s fire commission, with his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters.