Senate Committee Endorses new Director of Department of Insurance and Financial Services

A Senate committee has endorsed the governor’s choice to head the state Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Patrick McPharlin was in the hot seat answering lawmaker’s questions about his experience and the direction he plans to take the department.

McPharlin says the focus has been to regulate, but believes the department should also do its part to help those in the insurance and financial industries.

He says he’d also like to get more college students to consider careers in the two fields.

McPharlin was CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union when he was tapped to take over the department in April.