David L. Cohen

David L. Cohen is an American attorney, business executive, and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Canada from December 2021 to January 2025. Prior to his diplomatic appointment by President Joe Biden and unanimous Senate confirmation, Cohen held senior leadership roles at Comcast Corporation, including Senior Executive Vice President, chief lobbyist, and Senior Advisor to the CEO. A prominent figure in Philadelphia civic and political circles, he previously served as chief of staff to Mayor Ed Rendell, chairman of the law firm Ballard Spahr, and chair of the University of Pennsylvania's board of trustees for twelve years. Cohen's career has emphasized corporate strategy, public policy advocacy, and philanthropy, including leadership in organizations like the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and the National Urban League. Following his ambassadorship, he returned to Philadelphia to chair the board of The Philadelphia Citizen Media Group and continue civic engagements.

The family soon relocated to Highland Park, New Jersey, a town with a high percentage of Jewish residents, where Cohen was raised as the eldest of three siblings, including one brother and one sister. He attended Highland Park High School, developing early interests in sports, avid reading, photography, and law—inspired from age three by his grandfather's profession. His parents continued residing in Highland Park into adulthood.