Insurance commissioner nominee stresses transparency, administrative

Designated Insurance Commissioner Suzette M. Del Valle Lecároz

By THE STAR STAFF

The Senate Committee on Innovation, Reform and Appointments, chaired by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, held a public hearing Monday to evaluate the nomination of attorney Suzette M. Del Valle Lecároz as Puerto Rico’s insurance commissioner.

During her testimony, Del Valle Lecároz presented her Strategic Plan for 2025–2028, aimed at reinforcing the solvency of the insurance sector, ensuring reliable regulatory oversight, and modernizing the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). She emphasized that her administration would prioritize transparency, administrative efficiency, and accountability as the foundation of a strong institution serving the people of Puerto Rico.

“Our commitment is to consolidate a results-driven, trustworthy agency that protects the rights of policyholders, promotes innovation, and fosters a stable and sustainable environment for Puerto Rico’s insurance industry,” Del Valle Lecároz stated.

Her strategic plan outlines seven priority areas: policyholder protection and public service excellence; strict oversight and compliance of insurers; talent development and a culture of continuous improvement; technological modernization and process digitization; regulatory resilience and operational continuity; and the promotion of institutional ethics, integrity and public responsibility.

Del Valle Lecároz also addressed the recent suspension of the OIC’s accreditation by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). She assured lawmakers that since assuming office in August, she has actively worked on corrective measures to address the issues raised and restore the certification that validates Puerto Rico’s regulatory compliance.

“I personally appeared before NAIC’s Committee F to present our progress and the corrective actions underway,” she said. “This accreditation is vital to our jurisdiction’s credibility and consumer trust.”

Additionally, Del Valle Lecároz announced that Puerto Rico will host the NAIC’s regional convention this week for insurance commissioners from the southeastern United States. She described the event as an opportunity to showcase Puerto Rico’s leadership in insurance regulation at both national and international levels.

The nominee went on to reaffirm her commitment to public service and the well-being of Puerto Rico’s citizens.

“I take on this responsibility fully aware of the duty it entails and with the conviction that transparency, accountability, and public service are the pillars of public trust,” she said.

In the same hearing, the Senate also reviewed the nomination of attorney Daniel E. Iturregui Pérez as commissioner and chairman of the Public Service Appeals Commission (CASP by its acronym in Spanish). Iturregui Pérez pledged to transform the entity into a model of administrative management through modernization, transparency and efficient execution of justice.

Iturregui Pérez has served on the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico since 2021, following his bar admission. His career includes roles as associate manager of fundraising at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and as an adviser to the Office of the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in Washington, D.C., through the Córdova & Fernós Internship Program.

“My professional journey reflects a comprehensive commitment to Puerto Rico -- from assisting constituents after Hurricane Maria to managing complex legal processes,” he said. “I am confident that my experience and management skills equip me to lead CASP in alignment with its legal mission and the highest standards of efficiency and justice.”

The committee also reviewed the nominations of attorneys Loures E. López Lugo as Assistant Prosecutor I, Josenid Orozco Velázquez as Assistant Prosecutor II, and Samuel Wiscovitch Corali as prosecutor for juvenile affairs at the Department of Justice.