A little over three months after Gov. David A. Paterson tapped him to head the New York Insurance Fund, the governor has appointed James J. Wrynn as the next superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department.

James J. Wrynn

Paterson announced today (Aug. 14) that Wrynn would be his selection to succeed Eric Dinallo, who resigned in July. Kermitt Brooks served as acting commissioner since that time and Paterson said Brooks will return to his role as first deputy superintendent, assisting Wrynn through the transition.

Wrynn will begin to serve as superintendent-designate on Aug. 20 and later assume the permanent appointment, if confirmed by the New York Senate. He will earn $127,000 annually in his new role, according to the governor’s office.

In a statement, Paterson thanked Brooks for his leadership over the last few months and said Wrynn will fit in well in his new role.

“As an experienced insurance lawyer with expansive involvement in government, I am confident that he will serve both the department and state well,” Paterson said.

Wrynn is a founding partner of MacKay, Wrynn & Brady in Little Neck, N.Y., having litigated cases focused on insurance issues and claims on behalf of major companies, their policyholders, municipalities, and public authorities.

From 1982 to 1992, Wrynn worked as a trial attorney, specializing in civil trials and appellate practice related to professional malpractice, subrogation, property and casualty coverage disputes, liabilities and insurance. His professional career has provided considerable experience in the areas of insurance, accounting and tax issues, according to the governor’s office.

Wrynn is admitted to the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, as well as state courts in New York and New Jersey. He has received an associate’s degree in risk management and in captive insurance.