DENVER  -  Governor Bill Owens announced the appointment today of William J. Kirven of Englewood as Insurance Commissioner for the State of Colorado.

"Bill brings a great deal of regulatory experience to his role as insurance commissioner," said Gov. Owens. "I am please that we found such a qualified person to fill this position."

The insurance commissioner serves at the pleasure of the governor and is subject to senate confirmation. The commissioner is responsible for regulatory oversight for 2,000 licensed companies including life, health, auto, workers' compensation, and others.

Kirven is currently a principal in the firm Oliver and Kirven, P.C., specializing in healthcare, administrative, general business and special district law. Kirven's professional experience ranges from health care and regulatory entities to ground water and real property issues. He served in the Wyoming Attorney General's Office from 1969-1970 and received his law degree from the University of Denver School of Law in 1969.

Through the Colorado Division of Insurance, the commissioner oversees resolving consumer complaints against insurers, monitoring companies for financial solvency, licensing producers and investigating illegal activities.