Governor Bob Taft on Monday appointed William E. Mabe, a retired Nationwide Insurance executive, to serve as administrator and CEO of the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Mr. Mabe takes control of an agency that has faced significant scrutiny in recent months over concerns about operational policies and investment losses. In making the appointment, Mr. Taft directed the new leader to implement the final recommendations of a Management Review Team, which also released its final report on Monday. Mr. Taft said Mr. Mabe has a "strong track record of improving private sector operations in need of a turnaround," citing his involvement in improving the operations of Nationwide Health Plans. Just before announcing the appointment, Mr. Taft was advised by state ethics officials that the selection wouldn't pose any conflict of interest. The governor's office asked the Ohio Ethics Commission for an opinion on whether Mr. Mabe's pension from Nationwide, or the company's employment of his wife and daughter, would pose problems. The opinion was sought because Gates McDonald, a subsidiary of Nationwide, has a business relationship with BWC. Mr. Mabe retired after a lengthy career at Nationwide in 2003 and most recently served as a consultant with R.E. Nolan Management Consulting and as an adjunct professor at Franklin University. He holds degrees from Ohio State University and Capital University Law School. In a letter to the Senate president sent early Tuesday, Minority Leader C.J. Prentiss (D-Cleveland) made the case for confirmation hearings on Mr. Mabe. Bill Harris replied Tuesday that he is open to the minority leader's request for a hearing on the governor's appointment of Mabe, but wouldn't let it become an inquisition.