The United States Deputy Assistant Secretary, David Cohen is leaving after a five and a half year term at the helm of the Office of Insular Affairs.
His resignation was announced by the US Secretary of the Interior who described Mr Cohen as a passionate advocate for the U.S.-affiliated islands.
Mr Cohen, who holds the chiefly title Papaliitele is returning to California to practice law.
He leaves at the end of next month.
David Cohen has been credited with significantly raising the visibility of island issues in Washington.
He lead the implementation of the amended Compacts of Free Association and more recently he has been a strong advocate for both locals and guest workers in the Northern Mariana Islands.
