West Virginia has appointed a new insurance commissioner – James Dodrill.

Governor Jim Justice announced Dodrill’s appointment earlier this week. Dodrill replaces Allen McVey, who has been named secretary of the Department of Administration; his appointment will become effective on March 04.

Dodrill previously served as corporate claims counsel for the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies. The Associated Press reported that Dodrill has also worked as an attorney in the insurance industry for the past two decades. A resident of Hurricane, WV, he is a former member of the West Virginia Air National Guard.

In the interim between McVey’s departure and Dodrill’s appointment, Erin K. Hunter served as West Virginia’s acting insurance commissioner. Hunter, who has served as the general counsel for the office of the insurance commissioner, was named acting insurance commissioner by Gov. Justice on January 25, 2019.