Blagojevich names new head of Division of Insurance

CHICAGO -Gov. Rod Blagojevich named Michael T. McRaith as the new director of the Illinois Division of Insurance, within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  McRaith will oversee the division responsible for regulating the insurance industry.

McRaith, an attorney with 15 years of legal experience, has practiced commercial litigation with an emphasis on legal matters involving regulated institutions including the insurance industry.  McRaith is a partner at the national law firm McGuireWoods, LLP and works in the commercial litigation department.

"Part of my effort to reform our state government is to bring in accomplished professionals, like Mr. McRaith, from the private sector who have expertise and experience to make our system work better," the Governor said.  "Mr. McRaith's experience in dealing with complicated financial and commercial issues and his extensive civic involvement will be a tremendous asset to state government in general, and the Division of Insurance in particular."

McRaith lives in Chicago and is a member of the boards of directors of the Chicago Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.  He is also affiliated with the American Bar Association, Litigation Section and is a member of the Chicago Bar Association.

McRaith, 39, earned a law degree at Loyola University School of Law in 1990 and received a B.A. from Indiana University in 1986.  His appointment becomes effective on March 21, and requires Senate confirmation.