The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has named Mary A. Weiss its first Distinguished Scholar in Insurance Regulation.

The appointment reflects an increased emphasis by the NAIC toward expanding its research capabilities in insurance regulation.

"We are excited to enrich our resources with the addition of such a respected scholar," said Therese Vaughan, NAIC's CEO. "Dr. Weiss's expertise in solvency regulation, risk-based capital standards, and risk management will be particularly valuable as we pursue the NAIC's Solvency Modernization Initiative."

Weiss, who holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Risk and Insurance from the University of Pennsylvania, has been the Deaver Professor of Risk, Insurance, and Health Care Management at Temple University since 2001. She will play a key role in the Center for Insurance Policy and Regulation, spearheading the NAIC's effort to understand the impact of the current financial turmoil on the insurance industry and its implications for insurance regulation.

As NAIC's Distinguished Scholar, Weiss will give presentations and seminars to NAIC members and the industry, be responsible for establishing and managing a research program, and host a symposium on insurance regulation.

"I am eagerly looking forward to playing a lead role in the NAIC's enhanced academic engagement in the regulatory field," Weiss said. "I believe this role will provide productive opportunities for scholastic research that will reinforce the importance of state-based regulation."