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Mike Chaney, Mississippi’s 11th Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal, is currently serving his fifth term in office. First elected in 2007, Chaney brought extensive business knowledge and experience to the office combined with 15 years of service in the Mississippi House and Senate. 

His priorities in office are focused on consumer protection, healthcare, and fire protection. To that end, Chaney is making strides in healthcare reform; disaster recovery from flood, tornado and hurricane events; bail bond industry reform and reductions in state fire deaths. He has worked tirelessly to stabilize rates since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005. 

Chaney has served on two hospital boards – experience that is invaluable given the increased focus on healthcare that the Mississippi Insurance Department has seen in recent years. He has also served on bank and economic boards and worked on local and national Chamber of Commerce events. Insurance touches every aspect of life including the economy. Without insurance, no economic project would be financed and, therefore, no jobs created.   

An active member of the NAIC, Chaney has served on numerous committees, task forces and working groups. Among the issues he is involved in addressing are examination oversight, accounting practices, producer licensing, health insurance and managed care, senior issues, catastrophe and property and casualty insurance.

As Commissioner, Chaney was inducted into the Insurance Hall of Fame at his alma mater, Mississippi State University (MSU). He received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Mississippi Risk Management and Insurance program and its Professional Society. He has been named one of the top insurance professionals by Insurance Business America Magazine, and was named a Healthcare Hero by the Mississippi Business Journal.

Chaney started an oil distribution business in Vicksburg in the 1970s. He eventually moved into the wood preservation business and real estate ventures before his election to the House of Representatives in 1993. After his election to the Senate in 2000, Chaney served on the Insurance Committee. This appointment combined with his business experience provided significant knowledge useful in his service as Insurance Commissioner.

Chaney is a Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow. He is a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. A native of Tupelo, Chaney graduated from MSU in 1966 with a degree in banking and finance. Chaney and his wife, Mary live in Vicksburg. They have three children and eight grandchildren.