Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing announced the appointment of Frank Cote as government affairs director.
“Cote is a great addition to an already intelligent, hard-working and dedicated team. His experience at CSI and in private industry is invaluable in fulfilling our charge as a criminal justice and consumer protection agency,” Commissioner Downing said. “His experience working with the Montana Legislature is incredibly valuable as we move forward with our legislative priorities to protect Montana consumers and promote Montana industry.”
With the addition of Cote, Downing’s executive team is fully staffed moving into the 2023 legislative session.
Cote is a former Montana deputy insurance commissioner and will return as government affairs director in early May.
Cote started his career as an insurance agent for New York Life where his efforts were quickly recognized, and he became qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table, a global, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals.
In January of 1993, Cote joined the Montana State Auditor’s Office under Commissioner Mark O’Keefe and served as the deputy insurance commissioner until November of 1999. Cote then opened his own consulting/lobbying and government relations firm. Cote was retained by Commissioner John Morrison to rehabilitate the Montana Benefits and Life Company.
In 2008, Cote joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) as the senior director of government relations. In 2012, Cote assumed the role of vice president of sales and account management, in addition to his public and government relations duties. At the end of 2017, he retired from BCBSMT. Cote has lobbied during the last two legislative sessions for the five Montana Catholic hospitals.