The Kentucky League of Cities has named Douglas Goforth its chief insurance officer, replacing William Hamilton, who was fired in June.

Goforth had been the League's chief financial officer since 2006; a League release said he was selected from a national pool of candidates and was among four finalists.

An investigation by state Auditor Crit Luallen released in December 2009 found that Hamilton had several conflicts of interest with Tennessee-based Collins & Co., which was paid $6.6 million over three years for its work processing insurance claims for the League.

Hamilton and his wife rented office space in Georgetown to the business, and they accepted several Caribbean trips from Collins' chief executive.

The League provides insurance, lobbying and other services to its member cities. Its insurance group collects more than $38 million in premiums and insures more than $3.1 billion worth of property.

League Executive Director Jon Steiner began the search for a chief insurance officer after he joined the organization Nov. 1. Steiner succeeded Neil Hackworth, who was the acting executive director.

Hackworth had filled the job since January, when Sylvia Lovely stepped down after a series of Herald-Leader articles detailed large salaries, big expense accounts and conflicts of interest at the League.

Goforth previously worked for Kentucky state government for four years as an auditor and revenue examiner.

Goforth begins his new job Jan. 3. Steiner said the League will begin the search for a new chief financial officer after the first of the year.