New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to name a replacement for Steven M. Goldman, either as an interim leader or as his successor, by July 15, the date Goldman steps down.

“We expect to have someone in place by the time he leaves,” Robert Corrales, a spokesman for Corzine’s office, told IFAwebnews.com.

Steven M. Goldman

Goldman announced last week that he is leaving as head of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance to return to private law practice with a New York City law firm. Goldman has been insurance commissioner in New Jersey since March 2006.

Goldman had been seeking to return to private practice for several months so his departure was not unexpected, according to staff and other industry sources.

Goldman joins Eric Dinallo, the New York insurance commissioner, who announced recently his resignation, effective July 3. Dinallo is considered a possible candidate for the New York attorney general’s position.

In New Jersey, Douglas Wheeler, the new director of insurance, who works directly under the commissioner, could be a possible successor to Goldman. Wheeler’s nomination as head of the agency’s insurance operations was confirmed June 25. Wheeler succeeds longtime insurance director Donald Bryan, who retired June 30.

Corzine nominated Wheeler, 37, an attorney who formerly served as the department’s chief of staff and assistant commissioner for legislative and regulatory affairs, in May. Wheeler has been serving as active director since March.

In a statement announcing his confirmation, Goldman called Wheeler “a strong leader and decision maker,” noting his work on drafting and implementing major auto insurance reform six years ago. In 2006, Wheeler joined National Atlantic Holdings Corp. and the Proformance Insurance Co. of Freehold, N.J., where he served as vice president and then general counsel.

“His skills, knowledge and leadership will help fill the gap created by the departure of Don Bryan, who has been an institution and a model public servant here for decades,” Goldman said in a statement.

Wheeler said in a statement when confirmed that he looked forward to returning to public service. “Some of the most pressing government issues today are the oversight of insurers and the financial services industry, consumer protection and health care reform. They are even more important in this tough economic climate,” Wheeler said.