NU Online News Service, March 25, 10:43 a.m.EDT

The Insurance Federation of North Carolina said it has namedJennifer Cohen, an attorney with government experience, as its newexecutive director replacing Joe Stewart.

Ms. Cohen previously served as deputy chief of staff and laterchief of staff in the North Carolina State Treasurer's office.

The property-casualty trade organization said in the 1990s Ms.Cohen practiced insurance law in New York and California with thelaw firm LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, monitoring insurancelaw in multiple states, developing insurance products, andrepresenting clients in regulatory matters, mergers andacquisitions.

"Jennifer has thorough experience in both state government andthe insurance industry," said Steve Carroll of North Carolina FarmBureau, the chairman of the IFNC board of directors, in astatement. "With her leadership, we intend to continue to build acompetitive insurance market that benefits North Carolinaconsumers."

A spokesman for the IFNC said Mr. Stewart left his position atthe end of last year to take a job with the North Carolina Chamberof Commerce.