Bonnie R. Cohen

Bonnie R. Cohen, in her retirement, has devoted herself to the renaissance of the DC Public Libraries. She has served as Finance Chair and Chair of the Foundation. Over the last 18 years, the DCPL has built 21 new prize-winning neighborhood libraries and rehabilitated 3 historic libraries. In September 2020—after a $200 million modernization effort—the flagship central library, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, had a grand re-opening, winning many distinguished architectural awards. The citizens of Washington have consistently awarded the DCPL “A” ratings.

Before retirement, as a consultant specializing in management and financial issues, Ms. Cohen served on the Board of Cohen and Steers Mutual Funds (no relation), a $25 billion family of mutual funds, as well as on the board of a diverse spectrum of nonprofit organizations.

From 1996-2000, Ms. Cohen served with Secretary Madeleine Albright as Undersecretary of State for Management, the Chief Operating Officer for the Department of State. From 1992-1996, Ms. Cohen was Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Policy, Management and Budget under Secretary Bruce Babbit. Prior to government service, Ms. Cohen was Senior Vice President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for 12 years and earlier in her career, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds.

Ms. Cohen holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Smith College. She and her husband Louis Cohen are long-time residents of Washington, DC, where they explore local adventures with their five grandchildren.