Colo. Governor Appoints New Insurance Commissioner

Colorado Governor Bill Owens announced the appointment of David Rivera as Colorado Insurance Commissioner.

Rivera has been part of the Owens’ administration since August 2001. In his position as Senior Policy Advisor, Rivera developed and helped to implement the Governor’s agenda on health care, auto insurance and higher education policy issues.

Prior to his current position, Rivera served as the manager of advocacy for the American Heart Association in Colorado. Rivera spent the first seven years of his professional life working on actuarial issues in Washington D.C. He was responsible for coordinating public policy issues for the American Academy of Actuaries, a 14,000-member professional association.

“David Rivera has shaped and helped fight for important and needed insurance reforms,” Owens said. “Through his work, we significantly expanded the ability of small businesses to offer health insurance to their workers that best suits employees’ needs at a price they can afford. David has been a national leader in the concept of consumer- directed health insurance which gives patients a stronger voice in their care and, as a result, reduces health insurance costs, particularly in Medicaid.”

Rivera, 34, is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a degree in International Affairs. He also studied at Saint Louis University of Madrid. His appointment is effective April 20; he must be confirmed by the Senate.

The Colorado Division of Insurance regulates the life, auto, health, property and casualty insurance industry in Colorado. The Division is part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Rivera replaces Doug Dean who recently was appointed director of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

Topics Colorado