New deputy insurance commissioner for Washington State

Michael Wood has been appointed chief deputy commissioner in Washington State’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Wood joined the office in October 2021 after serving as administrator for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Oregon. While there, he oversaw a staff of 200 people responsible for workplace safety and health for all workers in the state. Before that, he worked at the Washington Department of Labor and Industries in various roles, including acting program manager for self insurance. He has also worked for the Washington State House of Representatives.

Wood replaces Mark Dietzler, who resigned to return to the private sector as an attorney.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler welcomed the appointment: “Michael brings an array of experience in strategic planning, regulatory and legislative strategies, management and unemployment insurance,” Kreidler said. “He led the state of Oregon’s occupational safety efforts during the height of the COVID pandemic and has proven to be a strong, steady leader in his short time with our agency.”