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The Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission (Insurance Compact) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Compact Chair and Maryland Insurance Commissioner Kathleen A. Birrane. Kathleen served as Compact Chair for two and a half years, concluding her tenure on July 1, 2024. During her time as a leader of the Compact, she helped lead the organization through a period of meaningful growth, collaboration, and strategic advancement. She launched the Compact’s Roundtables—bringing regulators, industry representatives, and stakeholders together to workshop emerging ideas—and helped lay the foundation for what has become known as “Compact 2.0,” including the adoption of Compact Compass 2.0, the organization’s forward-looking strategic plan.

“Kathleen was an exceptional leader who made a lasting impact through her service to state-based insurance regulation,” said Nebraska Department of Insurance Director and Insurance Compact Chair Eric Dunning. “She brought a clear vision for the future of the Compact and the ability to bring people together to achieve it. Her leadership positioned the Compact for continued success. I was personally glad to have her as a friend, and she will be greatly missed.”

“Kathleen was not only an exceptional leader, but also a trusted colleague and friend to so many of us,” said West Virginia Insurance Commissioner and Insurance Compact Vice Chair Allan McVey. “She brought thoughtful leadership, professionalism, and a true commitment to collaboration that strengthened the Compact in meaningful ways. It was an honor to work alongside her, and she will be deeply missed.”

“Kathleen brought both expertise and compassion to her work, and her commitment to consumers and to strong, effective regulation was evident in everything she did,” said Maryland Insurance Commissioner and Insurance Compact Treasurer Marie Grant. “She was also generous with her time and guidance, and her mentorship meant a great deal to many of us.”

“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Kathleen. She was not only a respected colleague, but a dear friend,” said Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation Director, Insurance Compact Past Chair, and NAIC President-Elect Elizabeth Kelleher Dwyer. “I had the privilege of working closely with Kathleen as she stepped into the Chair role, and I saw firsthand the care and vision she brought to the Compact. Her contributions to this community were profound, and she will be greatly missed.”

On behalf of the Compact staff, we are heartbroken by this loss,” said Insurance Compact Executive Director Karen Schutter. “Kathleen brought so much to the Compact—leadership, insight, and a genuine commitment to the people and mission behind this work. We are grateful for the time we had to work with her and for the lasting impact she has had on this organization.”

The insurance regulatory community also recently lost another stalwart in Eric Cioppa. A longtime insurance regulator and valued member of the Compact community, Cioppa served as Treasurer in 2016 and Vice Chair in 2017, and most recently as a member of the Consumer Advisory Committee. Over a career spanning more than three decades with the Maine Bureau of Insurance, including as Superintendent from 2011 to 2022, he was widely respected for his steady leadership, thoughtful approach, and commitment to public service.

The Insurance Compact extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Kathleen Birrane and Eric Cioppa. Their legacies of leadership, dedication, and public service will continue to guide and inspire the Compact community.