The New York State Department of Financial Services will see a change in leadership this October. Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris will step down after four years of service. Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed Kaitlin Asrow as acting superintendent, effective Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.
During her tenure, Superintendent Harris oversaw several initiatives that impacted the insurance industry, including regulatory updates around artificial intelligence in underwriting and expanded consumer protections.
PIANY acknowledges Superintendent Harris’s contributions and the collaborative relationship that developed between the DFS and the insurance producer community during her time in office. That connection has helped foster clearer communication and more practical regulatory outcomes for agents and their clients.
As Asrow steps into the role of acting superintendent, PIANY looks forward to continuing that dialogue. She brings experience from both the DFS and the Federal Reserve—with a focus on innovation and financial inclusion.
The association will be watching closely as the DFS continues its work under new leadership. And, we remain committed to advocating for policies that support independent agents and a fair, competitive insurance marketplace.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., joined PIA as government affairs counsel for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2012 and then, after a four-month leave, he returned to the association in 2018 as director of government & industry affairs responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for the five state associations. Prior to PIA, Brad worked as an attorney for Steven J. Baum PC, in Amherst, and as an associate attorney for the law office of James Morris in Buffalo. He also spent time serving as senior manager of government affairs as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a chamber of commerce serving the Buffalo, N.Y., region, his hometown. He received his juris doctorate from Buffalo Law School and his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from Utica College, Utica, N.Y. Brad is an active Mason and Shriner.
