At its 95th Annual Convention and Medical Institute, IAIABC honored major contributors to the improvement of workers’ compensation worldwide. IAIABC then-President Peter Federko, CEO of the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board, honored eight individuals and agencies for displaying extraordinary efforts in improving workers’ compensation systems and environments for workers. Mr. Federko announced the award recipients at the Annual Convention and Medical Institute Banquet and Dance on September 24, 2009.

The IAIABC President traditionally confers these President’s Awards at the Annual Convention to publically acknowledge accomplishments of Association members and industry professionals. Mr. Federko comments, “It was my honor to recognize these individuals and organizations for their innovative thinking and dedication to making positive changes to workers’ compensation; their tireless efforts and commitment are an inspiration.”

The following people and organizations were recognized by the IAIABC in its 2009 President’s Awards:

The IAIABC 2009 President’s Award was given to Daniel Sumner of the Florida Department of Financial Services “in recognition of your strategic leadership in growing the IAIABC into a premier workers’ compensation organization.” Mr. Sumner was honored for many years of contributions to the Association on its Executive Committee, his service as President of the Association, and his many innovative contributions to the State of Florida. Mr. Sumner is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff to CFO Sink for the Florida Department of Financial Services. In early August, the Florida Dept. of Financial Services announced the Daniel Y. Sumner Fellowship in Law and Public Policy at a luncheon honoring Daniel Sumner for his years of dedicated government service.

The 2009 Samuel Gompers Award was given to WorkSafeBC in recognition of its “outstanding efforts in improving the working conditions of the masses.” Through innovative approaches to safety and return to work, meaningful health and safety regulation, and an openness to sharing their research and work with others, WorkSafeBC has shown an incredible commitment to improvements in workers’ compensation, health, and safety systems, much like Samuel Gompers, founder of the AFL-CIO.

Dr. Joachim Breuer of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) received the 2009 Frances Perkins Award for “dedication to innovation and progressive leadership in workers’ compensation and social security.” Dr. Breuer has exhibited a lifetime commitment to improving workers’ compensation and social security systems throughout the world, just as Frances Perkins did as U.S. Secretary of Labor and IAIABC President. Dr. Breuer is the Director General of DGUV, the umbrella organization of all German statutory accident insurance and prevention institutions in the private and public sector, and is often consulted as an expert in social security by governments in Europe and abroad, and he has published various articles on social law and accident insurance matters.

Three Awards of Merit were conferred to IAIABC members “for outstanding contribution of leadership, commitment, and professional talent in furthering the goals of the Association.”

Dr. Jamie Cox of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia was recognized with the 2009 Award of Merit. Dr. Cox has shown incredible dedication and effort in developing the Medical Institute programming, and members of the IAIABC have benefitted substantially from the information and knowledge he has shared. Dr. Cox is the Medical Director for the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, working to improve health care and quality outcomes for workers.

The 2009 Award of Merit was also given to Brent Hatch of the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation. Mr. Hatch has played a many roles in the Association through his continued service on the Board of Regents, Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and knowledgeable advisor to his peers on workers’ compensation problems. Brent Hatch is the Deputy Commissioner of Field Services for the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation.

The 2009 Associate Member Award of Merit was given to Shawn Maloney of Ingenix. Mr. Maloney has been a dedicated and committed member of the IAIABC for over 15 years, sharing incredible expertise and knowledge, particularly in the field of EDI. Shawn Maloney is the Senior Vice President of EDI Solutions for Ingenix.

The 2009 Outstanding Achievement in EDI Award was conferred upon Tina Greene of Ingenix for her “outstanding contribution and commitment to the development of Electronic Data Interchange standards for workers’ compensation reporting.” Tina Greene has been actively involved in EDI standard-setting for a number of years and is the Vice Chair of the EDI Medical Committee. Tina Greene is the Senior Business Analyst for Ingenix.

The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board received the 2009 Excellence in Safety Award “for an enduring commitment to the improvement of workplace health and safety and the elimination of occupational injuries, diseases, and fatalities.” The Board has made significant inroads in all areas of workers’ compensation, particularly on the injury prevention front. The “Road to Zero” focus has inspired many Canadian jurisdictions to adopt a similar philosophy and strategically develop programs in support of the elimination of workplace injuries.

The IAIABC thanks all of its President’s Award recipients for their continued support of the mission of the Association.

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