Kathleen Birrane, Former Maryland Insurance Commissioner and Stalwart of Insurance Law and Public Service Has Passed Away
The legal, regulatory, and civic communities of Maryland are reeling from the sudden and unexpected passing of Kathleen A. Birrane, the former Maryland Insurance Commissioner appointed by both Governor Larry Hogan and Governor Wes Moore. Birrane died from complications of a rare gastrointestinal infection that rapidly progressed to sepsis, cutting short the life of a revered figure known for her formidable intellect, integrity, and dedication to public service.
Governor Hogan first appointed Birrane as Insurance Commissioner in May 2020, recognizing her deep expertise during a period of global uncertainty. Demonstrating rare bipartisan confidence, Governor Moore reappointed her, a testament to her unparalleled skill and nonpartisan professionalism. In this role, she was a steady hand guiding the state’s insurance landscape through complex challenges, from pandemic-related disruptions to evolving technological frontiers.
Her distinguished career was a masterclass in the intersection of public duty and private practice. Prior to her commissionership, Birrane was a partner at the global law firm DLA Piper, where she led in the Insurance Sector and Litigation and Regulatory Practice. Her practice was vast, covering reinsurance transactions, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and the cutting-edge analysis of artificial intelligence in insurance. This built upon a foundational period from 2002 to 2007 as Principal Counsel to the Maryland Insurance Administration, where she managed all legal affairs for the regulator.
Birrane’s journey began at the Baltimore firm Kramon & Graham, P.A., where she rose to shareholder. Her early work in complex commercial and insurance litigation forged the sharp legal mind that would become her hallmark. Her career also included a key role as General Counsel for hedge fund-owned portfolio companies specializing in insurance-linked investments, giving her a unique 360-degree view of the industry.
Beyond her professional accolades, Birrane’s commitment to her community was profound. She served on the University of Maryland Medical System Board of Directors and was actively involved with the Baltimore Bar Foundation, Catholic Charities of Baltimore, and the United Way of Central Maryland, where she served on the Executive Committee of Women United.
Kathleen Birrane’s passing leaves an immense void. She was a trailblazer whose leadership transcended politics, a brilliant legal mind who navigated the most intricate aspects of insurance law, and a compassionate civic leader. Maryland has lost not just an exemplary public servant, but a pillar of its professional and philanthropic community. Her legacy of excellence, bipartisanship, and service will endure as a benchmark for future leaders.