Commissioner Grant names Dorn to lead consumer education and advocacy at Maryland Insurance Administration

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​Dorn, who has served at the Maryland Insurance Administration since 2012, will lead the Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit (CEAU), which is tasked with educating Maryland residents about insurance products and helping Marylanders understand their rights and obligations under the terms of their insurance policies.

“I am proud of the Insurance Administration’s work in consumer education and advocacy,” Commissioner Grant said. “Patti is a committed and strong leader, and I am confident she will continue the high standard of excellence in CEAU.”

Since 2023, Dorn has served as health insurance administrator for the Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT), a program recently launched by the Insurance Administration that offers Marylanders one-on-one assistance using their health insurance policies, filing appeals and complaints, choosing a health insurance product, and solving simple and complex issues related to their coverage.

In addition to the H-CAT program, CEAU also operates the innovative Rapid Response Program. This program helps consumers resolve auto, homeowners and certain other property and casualty claims quickly and without having to file a formal written complaint. The Rapid Response Program puts individuals who are having difficulty resolving a claim in touch with special representatives at participating insurance companies in an effort to have problems resolved directly and quickly. 

CEAU’s Outreach Team hosts in-person and virtual educational events and travels to fairs, trade shows and other events across Maryland to provide educational materials to consumers. The unit is also a trusted resource for Marylanders in the wake of natural and manmade disasters and frequently staffs physical and virtual disaster centers.

“I’m excited for this opportunity and the continued ability to serve Marylanders,” Dorn said.  “Insurance is such an important part of our overall financial health, and Marylanders deserve an entity committed to helping them understand the insurance products we all rely on for our financial protection.”

Dorn replaces Joy Y. Hatchette as associate commissioner for CEAU. Hatchette was named deputy commissioner of the Maryland Insurance Administration in December 2024. Dorn holds a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and a Professional of Insurance Regulation designation from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.