IAIABC Perspectives

Guest Editor’s Note

Perspectives / December 2019

One of our NextGen recipients, Magnum Dampier, started an online business as a child selling exotic chicken eggs. Ryan Duke keeps chickens and bees. Caitlin Smith’s grandmother had chickens as well. This common thread kept us entertained but it also became a starting point for deeper connection. These were all accomplished professionals moving the workers’ compensation system forward. And yet, these NextGen recipients freely shared vulnerabilities. They talked about challenges – sickness, insecurity, lack of direction, professional setbacks - and how they overcame. They were authentic and candid with one another. Beyond position, education, and background they came together with a desire to understand and experience together. Our dinner was just the beginning of the powerful stories shared at the IAIABC 105th Convention. In her welcoming address, IAIABC President Abbie Hudgens shared how decisions made in the best interest of her family ultimately led to the relentless pursuit of better for the workers’ compensation industry. Keynote speaker, Bill Strickland, shared his life’s work to create better futures for underserved people around the world. And each of the 2019 NextGen recipients shared their passion for improving the system in service to those who unexpectedly find themselves with a workers’ compensation claim. My time in Pittsburgh reinforced that workers’ compensation must always remember its humanity. We are an industry in service to those who are harmed from an occupational injury or illness. The best outcome can be achieved when we recognize the needs of the injured worker and their family, their supervisor and employer. These needs might be relatively straightforward – medical treatment and time to recovery. These needs might also be complex

– medical treatment, community support, job accommodations. As the industry looks to the future, it must leverage talent and technology to connect and deliver individualized service to those harmed. The 2019 NextGen recipients will be leading the way. These are leaders with a deep sense of purpose and the ability to build meaningful connections. They are also smart and sophisticated, using data, technology, and skill to transform the experience within workers’ compensation. During our conference conversation it was evident each of these professionals is personally motivated to change both the perception and reality of workers’ compensation. #Magicalthings indeed. I want to express my personal thanks and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from these individuals. I now want four Cuckoo Marans for my backyard and will absolutely let them free range. Even more than chicken facts, I am encouraged by the important work these leaders are doing to move the system forward. I am confident their contributions will be felt across the workers’ compensation industry. Even more importantly, these individuals will touch numerous lives.

Guest Editor’s Note Jennifer Wolf, Executive Director, IAIABC

I recently learned a lot about chickens. It wasn’t knowledge I sought or expected to appreciate, but it was a conversation topic that instantly created friends. It’s a memory that will last a long time. In some ways, it was a little like a workers’ compensation claim. No employee ever expects to learn about the system. And their experience following a work injury can be a positive or negative imprint on their life. Let me explain. At the recent IAIABC 105th Convention, the IAIABC had the pleasure of hosting dinner for the 2019 NextGen recipients. It was an opportunity for everyone to meet and get to know one another. It turned into a very special evening.

As the Executive Director of the IAIABC, Jennifer builds community, creates value, andmotivates change. The actions and innovations of IAIABCmembers work to reduce harmand aid recovery for those impacted by an occupational injury, illness, or fatality. In her role, Ms.Wolf connects with industry professionals fromaround the globe to identify emerging issues, develop resources, and reinforce the social purpose of workers’ compensation programs.

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