New Hampshire Insurance Department Announces Promotion of Jason Dexter

Michelle Heaton Named Assistant Commissioner and Director of Life and Health

The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is pleased to announce the promotions of Jason Dexter to Assistant Commissioner and Michelle Heaton to Director of Life and Health. These promotions reflect the dedication, expertise, and leadership demonstrated by both individuals during their respective tenures with the department.

Jason Dexter

Jason Dexter brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership and innovation to his new role as Assistant Commissioner. Since joining the New Hampshire Insurance Department in 2019 as the Life and Health Forms Compliance Administrator, Jason has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness within the department. His strategic approach to form review times has resulted in significant improvements, and his leadership as Director of Life and Health has been instrumental in driving market regulation, form and rate compliance, and healthcare analytics.

Prior to his time with the New Hampshire Insurance Department, Jason held pivotal positions at the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership as Deputy Director of the Division of Risk and Benefits. Jason’s diverse background, which includes roles at Sentry Insurance Company and Allstate Insurance Company, as well as legal experience in the public and private sectors, has equipped him with a unique blend of legal acumen and insurance expertise. Jason holds a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School.

Michelle Heaton

Michelle Heaton’s promotion to Director of Life and Health recognizes her exceptional contributions and commitment to excellence throughout her tenure with the New Hampshire Insurance Department. With nearly six years of experience as an Attorney in the Administrative Prosecutions Unit at the New Hampshire Department of Justice, Michelle has a proven track record of investigating complaints of misconduct and providing sound legal counsel. Since joining the New Hampshire Insurance Department, Michelle has served in various capacities, including Health Law and Policy Legal Counsel and Administrative Hearings Judge, where she has demonstrated her expertise in healthcare law and administrative proceedings. Michelle holds a Juris Doctorate from New England Law, Boston.

In her new role as Director of Life and Health, Michelle will continue to leverage her extensive legal background to ensure the department’s adherence to administrative and ethical rules while advancing initiatives aimed at protecting consumers and promoting a competitive insurance marketplace.

“We are thrilled to announce the promotions of Jason Dexter and Michelle Heaton,” said Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. “Jason and Michelle have demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and dedication throughout their careers with the New Hampshire Insurance Department. I am confident that they will excel in their new roles and continue to drive our mission of protecting consumers and ensuring a robust insurance marketplace in New Hampshire.”