Workers' Compensation Leaders Recognized with IAIABC President's Awards
IAIABC then-President, Abbie S. Hudgens, Administrator of the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, recognized five individuals and one organization for their service to the IAIABC and the workers’ compensation industry at the IAIABC 105th Convention on October 23. The President’s Awards honor those who demonstrate commitment and achievement in reducing harm and aiding recovery from occupational injuries and illnesses.
“It is a special honor to give out these awards. The workers’ compensation industry is better for the contributions of these individuals and organizations. Even more importantly, the lives of those impacted by an occupational injury or illness are improved because of their commitment to improving the system,” said Ms. Hudgens.
The 2019 President’s Award was given to Judge David B. Torrey, Judge, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Judge Torrey’s extensive knowledge of workers’ compensation law, both in Pennsylvania and across the country, has improved legal scholarship and understanding of the system. Judge Torrey serves as the editor of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law Section Newsletter and teaches workers’ compensation law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
The 2019 Frances Perkins Award was given to Andrew Sabolic, Assistant Director, Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation. Under Mr. Sabolic’s leadership, the Florida workers’ compensation system has responded to system challenges in a balanced and effective way. Florida’s efforts to curb mis-classification serve as a model across the United States. The Division effectively uses data to improve service to stakeholders and promote system insights through systematic analysis of performance measures.
The 2019 Samuel Gompers Award was presented to The Black Car Fund. The Black Car Fund is an innovative coverage model that provides workers’ compensation benefits for livery and taxi drivers in New York State. Today, the Black Car Fund protects more than 130,000 affiliated drivers. The Black Car Fund continues to launch safety programs for its member drivers including offering defensive driving courses, wellness and safety and education programs, and safety advancement for excellence in driving.
The 2019 IAIABC Award of Merit was presented to Debbie Blevins, Deputy Commissioner, Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. Ms. Blevins is the current chair of the IAIABC Dispute Resolution Committee and has led the committee to develop educational programs and resources for judges and mediators across the United States. Ms. Blevins has been instrumental in strengthening the collaboration between the IAIABC and the National Association of Workers’ Compensation Judiciary.
The 2019 Associate Member Award of Merit was presented to Tom Glasson, Government Affairs Officer, AIG. Mr. Glasson’s multi-faceted experience within the insurance industry helps bring positive improvements to workers’ compensation systems across the United States. Mr. Glasson is currently the chair of the Associate Member Council, and also serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and on the EDI Council.
The 2019 Outstanding Achievement in EDI was presented to Jeff Willard, Lead Business Intelligence Engineer, York Risk Services. Mr. Willard has been active in the IAIABC for many years and has served on the EDI Council since 2017. Mr. Willard is also a member of the Claims Steering Committee and is leading the Claims Modernization Project. The development of a business process overview and narrative of the current claims process is a valuable tool for evaluating future needs of the claims regulatory reporting standard.
About the IAIABC
The IAIABC is an association of government agencies that administer and regulate their jurisdiction’s workers' compensation acts. Along with these government entities, various private organizations involved in the delivery of workers' compensation coverage and benefits participate in the IAIABC. Since its inception in 1914 the IAIABC has worked to improve and clarify laws, identify model laws and procedures, develop and implement standards, and provide education and information sharing. The IAIABC strives to gather the best resources available to solve the practical administrative and operational problems of its members.
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Contact: Heather Lore, Senior Manager, Membership and Communications, IAIABC
Phone: +1 (608) 841-2017
Email: hlore@iaiabc.org