Mr. Cohen will become acting commissioner upon Mr. Head’s retirement on November 30, 2024.
Governor Janet Mills announced today that Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) Commissioner Anne Head will retire at the end of this month after more than 16 years in the role.
The Secretary was appointed to head the department in 2008 by former Governor John Baldacci. She was reappointed by former Governor Paul LePage in 2011 and reappointed by Governor Mills in 2019. In addition to her duties as Director-General, she is also the professional and departmental head of the Ministry. The Director of Professional Regulation has held the position since 1996. Prior to working for the Department, he served as General Counsel for the Maine Health Care Financing Commission and General Counsel for the Federal Election Commission in Washington, DC.
“For more than 16 years, Anne Head has worked tirelessly to protect Maine consumers as Commissioner of the Department of Professional Financial Regulation, a difficult job that she has excelled at. It is a testament to her expertise, skill and integrity that three governors, one Republican and one Republican, have recognized Ann as an effective leader and trusted advisor.” Governor Janet Mills said:. “On behalf of all the people of Maine, I would like to thank Anne for her extraordinary contributions to our state and wish her well as she enters a well-deserved retirement.”
“It has been a great honor to lead the department and the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for many years.” Anne Head, Director-General of the Department of Professional Financial Regulation, said:. “I am grateful to Governor Mills for his trust and support throughout his administration, and I am also grateful to the talented and hard-working department staff who have served the nation alongside me.”
Governor Mills today announced the appointment of Portland resident Joanne Cohen, Deputy Secretary of the Department, to replace the Secretary. Mr. Cohen, who has served as deputy commissioner since 2019, is a former Maine state legislator with deep legal and public policy experience. Governor Mills also appointed Secretary Cohen as Acting Secretary upon his retirement on November 30, 2024.
As Deputy Secretary, Mr. Cohen served as a member of the Department’s senior management team, contributing to oversight of professional licensing, insurance regulation, and more. She serves as the department’s primary liaison to the Maine Legislature and the Governor’s Office and has led efforts to strengthen Maine’s workforce by reducing licensing barriers.
Prior to joining the Department, Cohen had an extensive career in law, government relations, health policy, and higher education. From 2008 to 2010, she represented Portland’s North Deering district and parts of Falmouth in the Maine House of Representatives, leading bipartisan efforts to streamline the regulatory process while maintaining strong consumer protections. He received praise for his legislative efforts.
“I am pleased to name Joanne Cohen as Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.” Governor Mills said. “Joan’s service as Deputy Secretary and her service in the Legislature, along with her decades of experience in law and public policy, prepares her to lead the Department’s important work to protect Maine consumers.” Ta.”
“I am honored that Governor Mills has appointed me to this important role.”said Joanne Cohen, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.. “I am committed to working collaboratively with the Legislature and look forward to continuing to advance regulations that protect the public, grow Maine’s workforce, and strengthen our state’s economy.”
The Governor plans to formally nominate Deputy Secretary Cohen to the position in the coming weeks. Cohen’s nomination will be considered by the Joint Standing Committee on Health Care, Insurance and Financial Services and must be approved by the Maine Senate.
The mission of the Office of Professional Financial Regulation is to protect the people of Maine through the regulation of state-chartered financial institutions, the insurance industry, providers of consumer finance, the securities industry, and the numerous professions that serve the public. . .
The Department protects consumers through licensing, inspection, and audit activities. By implementing programs aimed at increasing voluntary compliance with state laws. By investigating possible violations of the law. and by taking enforcement action. The Department responds to consumer complaints and requests for information and conducts education and assistance programs to make consumers aware of their rights under Maine law.
