A distinguished diplomatic leader and experienced corporate strategist, David L. Cohen served as the US Ambassador to Canada from 2021 to 2025. He was nominated by President Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the US Senate. With extensive experience across business, law, government, and international relations, Cohen delivers compelling perspectives on Canada-US relations, leadership excellence, political dynamics, and diversity initiatives that help leaders navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in our rapidly evolving global landscape.
Before his tenure as the US Ambassador to Canada, Cohen was the senior advisor to the CEO and senior executive vice president of Comcast NBCUniversal. His portfolio included corporate communications, legal affairs, government and regulatory affairs, public affairs, corporate administration, corporate real estate and security, and community impact. He also served as the company’s first chief diversity officer.
Cohen is a lawyer by training and was the partner and chairman of the US law firm, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP. He was also Chief of Staff to the Honorable Edward G. Rendell, the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, from January 1992 to April 1997, a service chronicled in Buzz Bissinger’s bestselling book, Prayer for the City.
In addition, Cohen has served on numerous non-profit boards. He is currently chair of The Philadelphia Citizen Media Group and a member of the board and executive committee of The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. Cohen also sits on the board of the Joe and Jill Biden Foundation and is an Honorary Trustee of the Barnes Foundation. Previously, Cohen was chair of the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Theatre Company, the FIFA 2026 World Cup Philadelphia Bid Committee, and City Year. He also sat on the board of directors for the National Urban League and of the US Semiquincentennial Commission, as well as the PNC Financial Services Group, PNC Bank, and FS Global Credit Opportunities Fund. Cohen was also the chair of the corporate board of advisors for UnidosUS.
In recognition of his civic and charitable activities, Cohen has received numerous awards including six honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from US universities, including the University of Pennsylvania. Cohen graduated with a BA from Swarthmore College in 1977 and with a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, summa cum laude, in 1981.
