Jeff Kehler, former captive administrator for South Carolina, passes away
Jeffrey K. Kehler, the former captive program administrator for South Carolina has died according to a press release from the South Carolina Captive Insurance Association.
He had a long and distinguished career in the captive industry as both a practitioner and educator. Most recently he was Director, Consulting Services at Somers Risk Consulting where he was responsible for captive consulting and new formations.
Previously he spent fourteen years of his career as the captive program administrator for the Captive Insurance Division of the South Carolina Department of Insurance where he was responsible for the licensing of over 100 new captive insurance companies and for the promotion of South Carolina as a captive domicile.
Prior to that, Jeff worked for Liberty Mutual Alternative Markets and CNA Commercial Markets where he designed, developed, and marketed captive insurance programs.
Jeff was a frequent speaker and panelist at captive conferences, and has authored numerous articles on captives. He was a guest lecturer at the Charlotte School of Law for seven years and was a member of the faculty of the International Center for Captive Insurance Education (ICCIE) where he delivered two of their course modules. In addition to participating on numerous working groups within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, he was an observer and reviewer of captive insurance company papers produced by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors.
He was a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and gained an MBA from Grantham University, in Lenexa, KS.
Kathryn Marsh, Managing Director at Somers Risk Consulting said "Jeff was a much beloved member of our tight-knit, Somers Risk team for the last three years, and was a good friend while at the DOI before that. I always admired his technical ability, his significant presence and his ability and willingness to share all he knew with others – and was delighted when he joined our company. Unbeknownst to most, he fought cancer for many years with an amazing strength, dignity and upbeat manner. We are so sad to see such a dear friend go, and will sorely miss him."
Gary Osborne, Vice President at Risk Partners added "Jeff was a well-liked and respected regulator in South Carolina and had transitioned to the captive management side. He played a big part on the story of South Carolina working though some good times and bad times for the domicile but he was always a supporter of the captive industry there."
Jeff will be much missed at ICCIE where he was a faculty member for over a decade. Mitch Cantor, Executive Director ICCIE said “Jeff was a true leader of the captive industry, and his contributions to ICCIE were huge. He was a generous and giving person, and he will be sorely missed by all those who got to know him.”
Robin Johnson, Publisher of Captive International added "Jeff was one of the nicest people to grace the captive insurance world. A true gentleman with an unassuming nature. He was extremely knowledgeable and a true delight to speak with - both personally and professionally. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. I will miss him greatly."
He is survived by his wife Coleen.
