Oregon appoints former deputy director as insurance commissioner

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) announced Wednesday that TK Keen has been chosen as Oregon’s new insurance commissioner. 

Keen has been serving as the acting insurance commissioner since June and previously held the role of deputy insurance commissioner for five years. He also serves as the administrator of the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), a part of DCBS. 

He was appointed by Sean O’Day, DCBS director, and nominated by Gov. Tina Kotek. The Oregon Senate confirmed the appointment last month. 

“As director of DCBS — the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency — O’Day can delegate the insurance commissioner duties to another member of the DCBS leadership team,” a press release says. 

While leading DFR, the division earned its five-year accreditation from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) after a review of DFR’s financial analysis and examination programs, the release says. 

“Accreditation ensures Oregon’s oversight of insurance companies meets national standards, protects consumers, and provides assurance to other states that they can rely on Oregon’s work,” the release says. 

The state has 40 domestic insurance companies and 1,507 foreign insurance companies, which made about $24.5 billion in premium volume in 2024. 

“TK has taken a lead role in DFR’s accreditation with the NAIC, organizing its response to emerging issues and technologies, and driving efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said O’Day in the release. “He prioritizes consumer protection and the financial stability of our regulated institutions, and I appreciate him taking on the insurance commissioner role.”

According to the release, Keen has worked on multiple bills, including Senate Bill 829, which contains a broad study of a possible reinsurance program for property markets in the state. 

He has also worked to broaden consumer disclosures and transparency as to rates charged in the state. 

“The work of the insurance commissioner is vital to Oregonians, especially during a time of rising natural disaster risks and financial uncertainties,” said Keen in the release. “I am proud to lead a team that is filled with caring and intelligent people who are dedicated to protecting consumers and working with the state’s insurance and financial services industries to find ways to help Oregonians fulfill their financial goals.”

Before joining DFR in 2012, Keen practiced law as a sole practitioner in Washington, focusing on employment law cases, the release says. 

While in law school at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, he worked for the Oregon Department of Justice, the Hon. Elizabeth L. Perris, and the Portland State University Office of General Counsel.

Image

Photo of TK Keen courtesy of NAIC.