James A. Dodrill will be stepping down as West Virginia Insurance Commissioner. He will continue to serve in this capacity until a new commissioner is appointed by Governor Justice.

Dodrill became Insurance Commissioner in March 2019. He has led major modernization efforts during his tenure at the agency. Most recently he established a new program called “Regulatory Sandbox.” The program is to encourage companies to consider the West Virginia market for insurance innovation. West Virginia was one of the first in the nation to develop and implement this program.

Dodrill led the agency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by making a seamless transition to remote work. Also, in response to the pandemic he issued 17 Insurance Bulletins to provide guidance to the insurance industry. He also issued nine Emergency Orders to protect West Virginia consumers.

Dodrill rebranded the Fraud Unit to the Special Investigations Division. Consumer awareness of the importance to report potential fraud to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. It is the OIC’s statutory charge to investigate and prosecute all types of insurance crime.

During his tenure Commissioner Dodrill served on the NAIC Long Term Care Task Force, NAIC Interstate Compact Treasurer, NAIC FEMA Advisory Group Co-chairman, and was selected as a 2021 West Virginia Bar Foundation Fellow.

Dodrill is a graduate of Marshall University and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from West Virginia University College of Law. Prior to becoming Insurance Commissioner, Dodrill served more than 40 years in the military, including 21 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. He served as chairman of the West Virginia Insurance Federation, and has more than 25 years experience in West Virginia private practice.