DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday announced Marguerite Salazar as the new executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Salazar is currently Colorado’s Insurance Commissioner.

She replaces Joe Neguse who announced his resignation last month. Salazar begins her role as DORA’s executive director on July 24.

Salazar has served as Colorado’s Insurance Commissioner since Aug. 19, 2013. In this role, she oversees the regulation of the insurance industry in Colorado as head of the Division of Insurance, one of the nine divisions within DORA.

Prior to joining the state, Salazar served as the Region 8 Regional Director for the Department of Health and Human Services. She was appointed by President Barack Obama to oversee the implementation of the Affordable Care Act not only in Colorado but also in Wyoming, Montana, Utah, North Dakota and South Dakota. She also led one of the largest Community Health Centers in the country, Valley-Wide Health Systems, for more than 25 years in the San Luis Valley.

“Few are more deserving and capable of this position than Marguerite,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “She has guided the Division of Insurance through a time of great change in our country and has helped Colorado be a leader in the industry. Her experience in one of the agency’s divisions provides a steady and guiding hand during this time of transition.”

DORA's Executive Director's Office provides leadership and support to DORA’s nine divisions: Banking, Civil Rights, Financial Services, Insurance, Professions and Occupations, Real Estate, Securities, the Office of Consumer Counsel and the Public Utilities Commission. Functions of the Executive Director’s Office include administrative oversight as well as the Colorado Office of Policy, Research & Regulatory Reform (COPRRR) and the Broadband Fund.

“We are grateful for the service of DORA’s Chief Administrative Officer Marisol Larez, who has served as the interim executive director following Neguse’s resignation,” the governor said.