Ariz. Director of Insurance Announces Resignation

Charles Cohen announced that he is resigning as Arizona state Director of Insurance, effective Oct. 24, 2003.

Cohen, an attorney, began representing the Department of Insurance as an Assistant Attorney General in 1987. From 1992 to 1998 he held several positions on the Department’s executive staff, and served as Deputy Director of the agency for four different Directors. Governor Hull appointed him as Director for the remainder of a term in 1998, and then appointed him for a full six-year term in 2000.

Cohen said that it is his own decision to resign to seek new challenges and opportunities.

As Director of Insurance, Cohen led the Department of Insurance to numerous achievements to enhance consumer information, assistance and protection, to promote competitive insurance markets, and to improve the operations and efficiency of the Department.

In his letter of resignation, Cohen stated, “I cannot adequately express what it has meant to me to have the honor of serving as Arizona’s Director of Insurance, to work with the fine people of the Department of Insurance, and to serve the Governor and the people of Arizona. I will regard with great pride and pleasure the many improvements to, and accomplishments of, the Department of
Insurance, and the many instances of needed assistance and protection rendered to Arizona insurance consumers, while I have been the Director.”

Cohen has not yet determined what he will do next. “I have ideas, but this announcement is the start of exploring real opportunities and making decisions,” he explained.