A native of Delaware, Karen Weldin Stewart’s roots in the state trace back to the 1600s. Karen was elected to a four-year term as Insurance Commissioner in 2008.

After a successful career as a retail executive and entrepreneur, Commissioner Stewart first came to work for the Insurance Department as a Deputy Receiver in 1989.  She served in this capacity until 1993.  Following her departure from the Insurance Department, Karen opened the Weldin Group, an insurance and reinsurance consulting company. 

In 1991, Commissioner Stewart co-founded IAIR (International Association of Insurance Receivers) and was elected three times as its president.  She received the distinction of Certified Insurance Receiver – Multi Lines in 1995.   Karen currently serves on IAIR’s Board of Directors.

Additionally, the Commissioner has been active for 20 years with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.  The mission of the NAIC is to assist state insurance regulators to protect the public interest by, among other things, promoting competitive markets; facilitating the fair and equitable treatment of insurance consumers and; promoting the reliability, solvency and financial solidity of insurance institutions.

Formerly an Assistant to State Senator Harris B. McDowell, III, Karen was charged with preparing, editing and securing sponsors for a number of pieces of legislation including the Single Payer Universal Health Care bill.

Karen has held numerous other leadership positions.  She sits on the Widener University advisory board.  She previously served as President of the Claymont chapter of the Business and Professional Women Association and was the Chief of Staff to the majority whip of the Delaware State Senate.

Karen remains active in her local community by serving on a number of boards including the board of the Peoples Settlement Association, which provides shelter, food, clothing and daycare to low-income families, and the board of the Addictions Coalition of Delaware.  She also serves on the Frank D. Vari Memorial and Scholarship fund and is a member of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute.