In 2026, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) proudly marks the 20th anniversary of the Insurance Regulator Professional Designation Program (Designation Program)—a milestone recognizing two decades of commitment to excellence, professional leadership development, and regulator-focused training that strengthens insurance oversight.
Since its launch in 2006, the Designation Program has become the gold standard of regulator development, offering a structured pathway to build expertise across all areas of insurance regulation. Over the past two decades, thousands of state insurance regulators have expanded their knowledge, sharpened their skills, and earned professional designations through the Designation Program. These designations reflect both their individual achievement and a shared commitment to strong, effective, and consistent regulation in the service of consumers and the insurance marketplace.
A Foundation of Learning, Leadership, and Impact
The Designation Program was built around a simple mission: provide a comprehensive, high-quality educational path that equips insurance regulators with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a complex and evolving industry. Through structured learning experiences and evolving content, the Designation Program supports regulators with the following:
Build strong insurance knowledge and regulatory fluency.
Deepen technical expertise in specialized regulatory areas.
Develop leadership and critical thinking skills to meet emerging challenges.
Strengthen consistency and competency across state-based regulation.
Advance consumer protection through better-informed oversight.
A Legacy of Growth and Modernization
Over the past two decades, the Designation Program has continuously adapted to meet the needs of a dynamic regulatory environment. Modernization efforts—including expanded curricula, virtual learning innovations, and enhanced tools that support regulator development—reflect the program’s forward-looking focus and commitment to continuous improvement.
As the insurance marketplace evolves, so does the Designation Program in equipping regulators to remain ahead of change and strengthen oversight where it matters most.
Celebrating the Community Behind the Program
Partnerships between NAIC staff and regulators power the Designation Program’s success. For 20 years, they have supported the program as instructors, mentors, content experts, and learners, strengthening the program for future generations.
The NAIC extends sincere congratulations and gratitude to all program participants and the many contributors who have helped build and sustain this program over the past two decades.
Looking Ahead
This anniversary is more than a celebration; it is a launch point for what comes next. With continued modernization, expanded learning opportunities, and an enduring commitment to professional development, the Designation Program is positioned to support the evolving needs of insurance regulation for decades to come.
To commemorate the Designation Program’s 20th anniversary, the NAIC will highlight its evolution and impact throughout the year.
Here’s to 20 years of learning, leadership, and progress, and to the many regulators and partners who make excellence in insurance oversight possible.
Meet Featured Designees
Matthew Aidala (DE), IPIR - Financial Analyst
As I progressed from Analyst I to Analyst III, the NAIC Designation Program helped me build a strong foundation in insurance regulation, reinsurance, investments, and solvency oversight. The coursework has been especially valuable in assessing market, credit, and liquidity risks, as well as understanding affiliated reinsurance agreements. These designations have directly supported my day-to-day work and informed how I help shape training pathways for analysts within the Delaware Department of Insurance.
Trey Hancock (TN), SPIR - Director of Financial Affairs
I first obtained my PIR when I was a manager on our Analysis Team, and since that time, I moved up to Assistant Director, then to the Director of Financial Affairs with our Department. Having the SPIR designation shows my commitment to state regulation and demonstrates my expertise and willingness to go the extra mile to solve problems and find solutions. The Regulatory Leadership Forum and Practical Manager Program helped me bring lengthy tasks to completion and navigate difficult situations. The training gave me the confidence and direction to appropriately handle each situation and encourage new employees to pursue their own designation journey.
Susan Berry (IL), PIR - Insurance Financial Analyst Supervisor
Having already developed a solid working knowledge of life and health insurance, I increased my understanding of property/casualty (P/C) entities by completing the APIR and PIR designations. The designations were critical in acquiring my current level of expertise in regulating large insurance groups and provided knowledge about how analysis, examination, market conduct, and consumer units work together to protect insurance consumers. The Designation Program gave me a strong foundation in insurance regulation, helped me gain confidence to take on more responsibility, and enables me to clearly explain the U.S. regulatory system while collaborating with international regulators in an increasingly global marketplace.