Rivera Named Colo. Insurance Commissioner

NU Online News Service, April 21, 7:59 p.m. EDT—Colorado Republican Gov. Bill Owens has named his senior policy adviser David Rivera to be the state's insurance commissioner.



Mr. Rivera, 34, has served in the governor's administration for the past four years, advising on auto insurance, education issues and health care.



The announcement Tuesday from the governor's office said his prior background also includes serving as manager of advocacy for the American Heart Association and as coordinator of public policy issues for the American Academy of Actuaries.



The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.



Mr. Rivera replaces Doug Dean, the former Assembly speaker, who was recently appointed director of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.



Mr. Owens said that Mr. Rivera “shaped and helped fight for important and needed insurance reforms.”



“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,” he said.