Governor Swears In Commissioner Cohen Following Confirmation Vote

Governor Janet Mills today praised the Maine Senate's unanimous confirmation of Joan Cohen to serve Commissioner of the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. The Governor swore in Cohen as Commissioner this morning, just minutes after the Senate voted to confirm her.

"I thank the Maine Senate for its unanimous vote to confirm Joan Cohen as Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation," said Governor Janet Mills. "Commissioner Cohen is a person of great integrity whose decades of experience have prepared her to lead the Department's work to protect Maine consumers. I thank her for her willingness to continue serving the people of Maine."

"I am honored that Governor Mills placed her trust and confidence in me with this nomination and that the Senate confirmed my nomination with such a strong vote," said Commissioner Joan Cohen. "I am confident that the Department can be a key partner in efforts to grow Maine's workforce and economy while carrying out our core mission of protecting the public. I look forward to the important work ahead."

Cohen, who has served as a Deputy Commissioner of the Department since 2019, has led the department in an acting capacity since November 2024, following the retirement of former Commissioner Anne Head.

As Deputy Commissioner, Cohen was a critical member of the Department's executive leadership team, helping to oversee matters including professional licensing and the regulation of insurance. Prior to joining the Department, Cohen led an extensive career that included law, government relations, health policy, and higher education, and service in the Maine Legislature.

Governor Mills announced her intention to nominate Cohen to serve as Commissioner on November 15, 2024. On January 8, 2025, the Legislature's Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services voted unanimously to recommend Cohen's confirmation to the Maine Senate.