Ohio Department of Commerce Announces Retirement of Division of Financial Institutions Superintendent Kevin Allard

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield today announced the upcoming retirement of Kevin Allard, Superintendent of the Division of Financial Institutions, effective this Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Allard's departure marks the culmination of a distinguished 40-year career with the Division dedicated to ensuring the strength and stability of Ohio's financial services industry.

Allard began his career with the Division in 1986 as a bank field examiner immediately following his graduation from the University of Akron. Over the next four decades, he advanced through key leadership roles, including chief examiner (1990-2011), deputy superintendent (2011-2016), and superintendent (2016-2026). His tenure included guiding Ohio banks through the 2008 financial crisis, leading successful re-accreditation efforts in 2020 and 2025, and representing Ohio nationally through various roles with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), the State Regulatory Registry, and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS).

"The impact that Kevin has had during his 40-year career with the Ohio Department of Commerce is indelible and will continue to benefit Ohio's financial regulatory landscape for many years to come," Maxfield said. "Because of his tireless work and creative vision, Ohio is positioned as an attractive place for financial institutions to conduct business and succeed well into the future. I'm grateful for his steadfast commitment to serving Commerce, his Division, our licensees, and all Ohioans."

"What I will miss most is working with my colleagues in the Division and collaborating with our state and federal partners and licensees," Allard said as he reflected on his upcoming retirement. "Together, we've worked hard to make Ohio a great place to do business and serve the public well. I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and I leave knowing the Division is well-positioned to continue its mission of protecting consumers and fostering a fair, secure marketplace."

Following Allard's retirement, Director Maxfield has appointed Ingrid White to assume the role of Interim Superintendent for the Division of Financial Institutions. White has served as the Division's Deputy Superintendent for Banks since November 2017, where she has overseen the regulation of Ohio's banks and licensed money transmitters. Before joining the Division, White spent eight years with the New Hampshire Banking Department in key leadership roles, including hearings examiner, general counsel, and deputy commissioner, where she supervised banks, credit unions, mortgage, and consumer finance operations. Prior to that, she worked as an attorney in private practice.

A Columbus native, White holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University, a Juris Doctor from Boston College, and a master's degree in European Studies from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.

"I'm honored to step into this role and continue the important work of the Division," said White. "Kevin has built a strong foundation of collaboration and trust with our licensees and regulatory partners. My focus will be on maintaining that positive momentum and ensuring we navigate this period of change smoothly while keeping Ohio's financial marketplace fair, secure, and innovative to address the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow."

White will assume her new role on March 1, 2026.

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About the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions
The Division of Financial Institutions is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.com.ohio.gov.