Tyler stepping down as insurance commissioner

Maryland Insurance Commissioner Ralph S. Tyler, a former top aide to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), is stepping down early next year to become general counsel at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"I am excited to have this new opportunity in public service, including the opportunity to work again as a lawyer," Tyler said in an e-mail Wednesday morning to his staff. "That excitement does not diminish the genuine sense of loss, if not pain, I feel as I contemplate ending my time as Insurance Commissioner."

Tyler served as Baltimore city solicitor while O'Malley was the city's mayor and then moved with O'Malley to Annapolis in 2007 to serve as his top lawyer in the governor's office. In both positions, Tyler played a big role in O'Malley's efforts to combat rising energy costs, through litigation and negotiation with Baltimore Gas and Electric.

O'Malley appointed Tyler to his current post in September 2007. The insurance administration regulates companies that provide life, health, automobile, homeowners and other types of insurance.

Tyler's resignation is effective Jan. 8.