Fitch’s Claire Cohen Honored by NAST, MAGNY

Claire Cohen was honored by the National Association of State Treasurers yesterday for her years of service to the nation’s public finance community.

Cohen, who is vice chair and head of the state ratings group at Fitch Ratings, will retire on Dec. 31 after 49 years in public finance, including 15 years at Fitch. She will remain a consultant to Fitch, and is being succeeded by executive managing director, Rich Raphael.

At the NAST ceremony, tribute was paid to Cohen with a gift of appreciation and the announcement of the establishment of a scholarship fund named in her honor. The scholarship will be awarded over a four-year period to use at the NAST Institute of Public Finance, an educational seminar for treasurers, treasury staff, and finance professionals held at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Scholarship funds will be provided by Fitch. Cohen has been an active Institute participant and faculty member.

“No-one is more deserving of this recognition for her lifetime of service in public finance,” said NAST president and West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue. “NAST members are indebted to her for her years of integrity, judgment and counsel.”In addition, Cohen received the Career Achievement Award on Friday from the Municipal Analysts Group of New York for her “extraordinary” contributions to the industry.

“Throughout her career, Claire has rolled up her sleeves and ‘got to work!’ with energy unmatched,” the MAGNY award reads.

A former MAGNY chairperson, Cohen’s award also recognizes her legendary analytical prowess and “quest to broaden and deepen her knowledge.”