Wilbur J. Cohen

Wilbur J. Cohen was a student of Edwin E. Witte, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin--Madison economics department, and the first director of the United States Social Security Administration.

Along with Edwin E. Witte and Arthur J. Altmeyer, Cohen worked to developed the social security law, secure its passage through Congress. Following passage, Cohen served as the Director of the Bureau of Research and Statistics for the Social Security Board. His main task was to work with Congress to develop legislative adjustments to the law. His major contribution here was the 1939 revision of the Social Security Act which introduced an expansion of benefits.

Cohen also served in the administration of John F. Kennedy.

He was a professor of social work at the University of Michigan.