Arizona Gets New Insurance Commissioner

NU Online News Service, Oct. 21, 3 :12 p.m.EDT?Christina Urias, an attorney with some practicalinsurance industry experience, has been appointed ArizonaDepartment of Insurance director by Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Ms. Urias, who takes office Friday, is a lawyer with the firmDeConcini, McDonald, Yetwin & Lacy in Phoenix.

Her background includes a stint working as a claimsrepresentative before her graduation from the University of Arizonalaw school. Prior to joining the DeConcini law firm, she was anattorney in private practice, specializing in general civil andcommercial litigation.

Ms. Urias will replace Charles R. Cohen, who according to anInsurance Department press release announced his resignation inAugust "to seek new challenges and opportunities." Mr. Cohen,however, has yet to decide what those challenges and opportunitiesare, as the release reports that he "has not yet determined what hewill do next."

"I have ideas, but this announcement is the start of exploringreal opportunities and making decisions," Mr. Cohen said in astatement.

Mr. Cohen is credited with making Arizona a captive insurerjurisdiction during his tenure.