Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed Charles Bassett as the next director of the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI), selecting a veteran public policy attorney to lead the state’s insurance and financial oversight.
Bassett brings more than 30 years of experience in public policy, with a career shaped largely around insurance regulation and health care policy.
Bassett succeeds Maria Ailor, who has served as Interim DIFI Director since May 2025. Governor Hobbs expresses her gratitude to Maria for stepping into the role of Interim Director to serve Arizona’s financial institutions, insurers, insurance producers, and the people of Arizona.
Since 2004, he has served as vice president of government relations and public policy at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, where he oversaw state and federal legislative affairs and advised senior leadership on regulatory strategy and compliance.
Before joining Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Bassett worked as an associate attorney at a Phoenix-area law firm, concentrating on insurance regulatory law. His earlier experience also includes service as a rules attorney and legal counsel for committees of the Arizona House of Representatives, along with work connected to the governor’s office.
Beyond his legal and regulatory background, Bassett holds leadership roles in business and professional organisations. He serves as co-chair of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry Healthcare Committee and is a member of the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys. His community involvement has included work with Arizonans for the Arts and the Fiesta Bowl Committee, according to the governor’s office.
Hobbs said Bassett’s combination of regulatory expertise and community leadership made him well suited to guide the department through a period of scrutiny and transition.
Chuck Bassett is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Arizona’s insurance landscape and a proven track record of navigating complex policy environments
Governor Katie Hobbs
“His extensive experience and commitment to public service make him the ideal person to lead DIFI as we work to protect Arizona consumers and ensure a fair and stable insurance market,” said Governor Katie Hobbs.
It’s an honor to be appointed to lead the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, an agency I have worked with and admired my entire career.
Chuck Bassett, DIFI Director
“I look forward to working closely with the Governor’s Office, policymakers, and stakeholders to improve oversight, promote transparency, protect consumers, and ensure the state’s insurance and financial services markets remain fair, competitive, and resilient,” said DIFI Director Chuck Bassett.
Richardson’s renomination failed amid opposition from Republican lawmakers, who criticised her participation in a National Association of Insurance Commissioners committee focused on race and insurance.
Legislators also argued she exceeded her authority by relying too heavily on informal directives rather than committee-reviewed bulletins.
Hobbs’ office described the rejection as a political hit job against a nonpartisan public servant. At the time, Jake Hoffman, chairman of the Committee on Director Nominations, said the decision would ultimately result in a stronger nominee. Bassett’s appointment now closes that chapter.
