America’s Leading Workers’ Comp Leaders and Influencers

Cathy Aguilar

Head, Workers’ Compensation, San Francisco Unified School District

  • “What Works for Schools”

Cathy Aguilar is a CHSWC commissioner and workers’ compensation manager for the San Francisco Unified School District and currently serves as a Director on the Golden Gate Chapter of RIMS. Cathy has worked in the workers’ compensation claims profession for over 25 years including a term as Vice President of a National TPA, and on the employer’s side doing claims and program management for Costco, the San Diego County office of Education JPA and currently for the San Francisco Unified School District. Cathy participated in groups working on the workers’ compensation reforms in the late 80’s, and again in the 2003/2004 reforms. She was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve as a Commissioner on the Commission on Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation in 2007, where she continues to serve. Cathy taught for the Insurance Education Association and has been active in numerous professional groups, including the Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS) and was named Risk Professional of the year by the San Diego Chapter in 2007. She has also participated in Legislature Education Days with RIMS in both Washington D.C. and Sacramento, as well as with the California Coalition on Workers’ Compensation.

John Alchemy, MD

AMA Rating Master

  • “Secrets of Getting Correct AMA Ratings from a Master”

Dr. John Alchemy’s experience includes Clinical Training University of California San Diego Family Medicine, Residency Board Certified American Board of Family Medicine, Medical Education University of Minnesota Medical School Doctor of Medicine, and Certifications DEA. He earned his California Medical License in 1995 and currently holds the position of Qualified Medical Examiner State of California. Dr. Alchemy belongs to American Association of Medical Review Officers (MRO), and American Board of Independent Medical Examiners. Dr. Alchemy’s professional Interests include Volunteer Clinical Teaching Instructor, UCSD Medial School from 1997-1998, Complex Medical-Legal Qualified Medical Examiner Evaluations, Urine Toxicology and Drug Screening in the Work Place, Occupational Dermatology, and Acute Clinical Medicine and Sports Medicine. Dr. Alchemy has a B.A. in Biology and graduated from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Medical School.

Mark Askins

Investigator, J.H. Askins

  • “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Claimant… and Then Some”

Mark Askins is the Vice President of J.H. Askins Company, Inc. Mr. Askins and his firm have provided comprehensive investigative services to the insurance defense community throughout California since 1969. Mark Askins has a BS in Political Science and History from the University of Puget Sound In Tacoma Washington. Mark has taken innumerable classes, attended seminars and other venues in Worker’s Compensation, given by IEA, CWCI, DIR, ICA, Northern California Fraud Investigators Association, PARMA and COSIPA. Mark has presented training secessions to TPA’s and insurance carriers entitled “Effective and Efficient Investigations.” Mark was a presenter at the 2008 San Francisco Industrial Claims Association Conference. Mark is the 2009-2010 president of the San Francisco Industrial Claims Association. He has served on the SFICA Board for 5 years.

William C. Barbagallo, Esq.

Principal, Barbagallo & Stuehrk

  • “California’s Volatile Workers’ Comp Market”

As a principal with Barbagallo & Stuehrk, William C. Barbagallo consults to clients’ claims, reinsurance and insolvency issues. He has 30 years experience in Insurance Consulting, Claims, Reinsurance, Claim Systems, and Operational Reviews. William is the former Managing Director of the Insurance Practice for Navigant Consulting, Senior Vice President of Claims for Transit Casualty in Receivership and Alaska National, AVP Claims for Underwriters RE (now Swiss Re and General Reinsurance). William has been involved in the resolution of multiple large class action toxic torts with policyholders and large scale international and domestic commutations with reinsurers. He has testified as a fact and expert witness in both State and Federal Court. He recently collaborated with the RAND Corporation in a large study for the State of California in an effort to examine and improve California’s troubled workers compensation system. WIlliam Barbagallo’s speaking engagements include HB/Mealey’s Reinsurance and Insolvency, Runoff Management, ABA Litigation and American Conference Institute. He co-authored “California’s Volatile Workers’ Compensation Market” with Lloyd Dixon from Rand and Jim MacDonald, as well as “The Balance between Commutation and Costs.” William belongs to the IAIR, AMCOMP, professional organizations and received his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley.

Bob Barth, PhD

America’s Leading Expert on Psychology in Workers’ Compensation

  • KEYNOTE: Non-Work-Related Issues as the Primary Cost Driver in Workers’ Comp Claims: The Most Effective Tools I Can Give You

Dr. Bob Barth has served as faculty, author, editor, and reviewer for the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the European Union of Medicine in Social Security and Assurance, other healthcare academies, and governmental organizations internationally. His work has specifically addressed many issues of direct relevance to workers compensation, including: chronic pain; brain injury; mental illness; complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS); reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD); back pain; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); depression; headache; toxic exposure; back surgery; spinal cord stimulation; and other pain treatments. He has been a contributor and reviewer for the AMA Guides. He has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Neuropsychology for having made significant contributions to science and practice. He is a graduate of a Harvard Medical School-Massachusetts General Hospital postdoctoral fellowship and internship.

Mike Beach

Head, Workers’ Compensation, FirstComp

  • “Making Workers’ Comp Work: What Works For FirstComp”

Michael Beach has served as Director of Claims for FirstComp Insurance since 2007. In this capacity, he is responsible for oversight of all FirstComp California claims. FirstComp had $235 million in earned California workers’ compensation premium in 2009. Mr. Beach has 30 years experience handling California workers’ compensation claims, including 23 years in claims management. Prior to joining FirstComp, Mr. Beach was Director of Workers’ Compensation Claims for Sierra Health Services, Vice President of Claims for Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies and Regional Claims Manager for Fremont Compensation Insurance Company. In addition, Mr. Beach has served as President of the San Francisco Industrial Claims Association and is a past member of the Workers’ Compensation Committee of the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Workers’ Compensation Institute Research Committee and Claims Committee.

Ellen Bronchetti, Esq.

National Expert on Labor Law

  • “What Works in Labor Law and the Future of Employment and Labor”

Ms. Bronchetti represents and counsels management clients in all areas of labor and employment law arising under federal and state law, including discrimination and sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, and preventative employer training and counseling. Ellen is a member of State Bar of California, American Bar Association and Bar Association of San Francisco. Ellen holds a B.A., Psychology and Women’s Studies, Boston College, and J.D., Northeastern University School of Law.

Matt Buzzell, Esq.

Rising Legal Expert in Workers’ Compensation

  • “What Works for the Construction Industry”

Matt Buzzell grew up in a construction world: his father owned Buzzell Electric, the last

union electric shop in San Francisco. Matt has a background in both construction and in workers’ compensation and shares the unique workers’ comp issues that face construction firms and those who work with them. Matt is a national trial counsel for California Workers’ Compensation Defense. He has represented employers and insurance carriers for more than eight years and is the founder of the Law Offices of Matthew J. Buzzell, III, established in 2007. He serves as general counsel for the San Francisco Institute for Hyperbaric Medicine and is a member of their board of directors. His experience includes more than 100 trials before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and depositions of applicants and physicians on behalf of employers, insurance carriers and third party administrators. Matt is a member of the California Bar Association, Bar Association of San Francisco, San Francisco Barristers Club and American Bar Association. He provides training on workers’ compensation and is a frequent speaker and presenter on workers’ compensation related legal issues. Matt graduated from Saint Mary’s College with a B.S. in Business Administration, and earned his J.D. from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific.

Robert Canning

California Expert on Settlements with Medicare Set-Asides in Workers’ Compensation Cases

  • “Settlement Strategies with Medicare Set-Asides”

Robert Canning has 32 years of experience in managing workers’ compensation, general liability claims and safety management programs, as well as directing the AT&T West region workers compensation program which won Risk and Insurance organization Roosevelt Award for best workers’ compensation and Safety program in nation. Robert is a member of the California Manufactures and Technology Association legislative action committee, and Advisor to Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi’s Workers’ Compensation Reform Task force. Robert was Instructor for the Insurance Education Association workers’ compensation claims programs for 22 years. His education includes University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science and Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health at University of California at Davis.


Professor David J. Chetcuti

Nationally-Recognized Workers Comp Expert and Author

  • “Workers’ Compensation VCP Liens”

Professor David Chetcuti has thirty-three years experience in the field of workers’ compensation claims and an expert witness testifying in civil matters involving workers’ compensation claims handling and administrative procedures. Prof. Chetcuti is the former Director of Education and Development for a major national insurance company.  He is also a former corporate vice-president for the world’s largest insurance brokerage firm in charge of claims auditing and consulting services.  he is a former director of workers’ compensation for a Fortune 500 corporation.  Prof. Chetcuti’s professional accomplishments include introducing and authoring the current workers’ compensation structured settlement law in the state of Arizona.  He is also a former select member of the California Chamber of Commerce – Workers’ Compensation Reform Committee.  In addition, he is a past president of the Diablo Valley Industrial Claims Association (DVICA).   He also co-authored the WCCP professional designation for workers’ compensation claims adjusters.  Lastly, for the past 24-years he has presented seminars on workers’ compensation claims to over 12,000 claims representatives, attorneys and risk managers throughout the country.

Peter Coffee

Director of Platform Research, Salesforce.com

  • KEYNOTE: “Our Newest Tools For You: Salesforce.com”

Peter Coffee is Director of Platform Research at salesforce.com, where he serves as a liaison with the developer community to define the opportunity and clarify developers’ technical requirements on the company’s evolving Apex Platform. Peter previously spent 18 years with eWEEK (formerly PC Week), the national news magazine of enterprise technology practice, where he reviewed software development tools and methods and wrote regular columns on emerging technologies and professional community issues. Before he began writing full-time in 1989, Peter spent eleven years in technical and management positions at Exxon and The Aerospace Corporation, including management of the latter company’s first desktop computing planning team and applied research in applications of artificial intelligence techniques. He holds an engineering degree from MIT and an MBA from Pepperdine University; he has held teaching appointments in computer science, business analytics and information systems management at Pepperdine, UCLA, and Chapman College.

David Cohen, Esq.

California Expert on Employment Law

  • “Let’s Play Employment: Hiring, Discipline and Discharge…And Avoiding Employee Lawsuits”

David Cohen is Partner in the law firm of COHEN DURRETT, LLP. Mr. Cohen specializes in pro-management employment & labor law, with expertise in personnel laws, wrongful termination, wage and hour issues pertaining to employers and employees, sexual harassment issues, drug testing, strikes and labor negotiations. As part of his practice, Mr. Cohen often provides on-site training for employers. He has conducted management training courses and lectured for the Sacramento Craftsman’s Guild, The Sacramento Trades Guild, Builders’ Exchanges in Stockton and Redding, U.C. Davis, Blue Diamond Growers, United Way, SAFE Federal Credit Union, California Grocers’ Association, Raley’s-Bel Air, and numerous trade associations and organizations. Mr. Cohen was admitted to the Bar in 1983 after attending law school at U. C. Davis. After graduation, Mr. Cohen worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the County of Ventura for one year before returning to the Sacramento area to enter private practice. He is a member of the State Bar of California, President of The Employers’ Council, Past President of the Fairytale Town Board of Directors, a member of the Sierra Adoption Services Board of Directors, a member of the Greater Sacramento YMCA Foundation Board of Trustees, the founder of People to People, and a member of the Downtown Rotary.

Diann Cohen and Debra Hinz

MacroPro

  • “Building Community and Your Network”

Diann Cohen, Director of Training and Marketing and her twin sister, Debra Hinz, Southern California Sales Manager both work for Macro-Pro, Inc. the leader in legal copy services. Diann and Debra are unmatched in building insurance educational associations with an impressive six organizations/chapters throughout the state of California. With over twenty years of building communities and networks they will share ideas to help you build and tap into your professional network.

Alan Colledge, MD

Medical Director, Labor Commission of Utah

  • “Utah’s Proactive Approach in Workers’ Compensation”
  • “Forward Treatment: Prevention of System-Induced Disability Within Workers Compensation Claims”

Dr. Alan Colledge specializes in the prevention and non-surgical treatment of occupational and musculoskeletal injuries. He is currently Medical Director for the Labor Commission of Utah that oversees the proper medical and administrative needs of over 60,000 injured workers annually. Dr. Colledge presents both internationally and nationally, and has been asked to consult for the Korean and Canadian governments, and NASA. He has published over 35 scientific articles and book chapters which can be found at drcolledge.com. Dr. Colledge practices in the Orthopedic Department at Central Utah Clinic in Provo, Utah. Dr. Colledge is a graduate of the University of Utah School of Physical Therapy and the Medical University of South Carolina.

David Cush

CEO, Virgin America

  • INTEGRITY AWARDS KEYNOTE: “Thinking Out of the Box: The Virgin America Way”

With over 22 years of management experience at some of the world’s biggest airlines, David Cush was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin America on December 10, 2007. David came to Virgin America from his position as Senior Vice President of Global Sales at American, where he was responsible for all sales activity worldwide, including Latin America, Europe and Asia. David also has significant operating experience, having held the position as Vice President of American’s St. Louis hub, where he was responsible for airport operations for more than more than 200 daily departures and more than 7,000 employees,. Prior to that, he was Vice President of International Planning and Global Alliances at American. In addition to 20 years with American, David served as Chief Operating Officer of Aerolineas Argentinas, the national carrier of Argentina. David received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Broadcast/Film and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, in 1982. A year later, he received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from SMU.

Leah Davis, Esq.

Counsel, Los Angeles County

  • “What Works for LA County”

Leah Davis is an Assistant County Counsel for the Office of the County Counsel of the County of Los Angeles.  Leah has represented the County of Los Angeles in all aspects of workers’ compensation matters since 1993 and has been the Chief of the Workers’ Compensation Division of County Counsel since 2007.  Leah is a member of the California State Bar and the Los Angeles County Bar Association.  She graduated from University of San Diego School of Law.

David DePaolo

President and CEO, WorkCompCentral.com

  • “The Future of Workers’ Compensation In California and Across the Nation”

David DePaolo is the president and CEO of WorkCompCentral, workers’ compensation industry news, education and information service he founded in 1999. Prior to founding WorkCompCentral, Mr. DePaolo practiced workers’ compensation law representing insurance carriers, TPAs and self-insured employers in Central and Southern California. DePaolo is widely published and/or quoted in such publications as The Journal of the International Association of Industrial Accidents Boards & Commissions, CWCE Magazine, Fortune Magazine, Dow Jones News Service, the Los Angeles Times, Fox News and the California Association of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Professionals. DePaolo is also a sought after speaker with engagements for the California Applicant’s Attorneys Association, Texas Insurance Council, State of Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, California Association Of Healthcare Admissions Management, Association of Insurance Professionals, Workers’ Compensation Claims Association, California Division of Workers’ Compensation Annual Judge’s Training, among others. He is a faculty member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and WorkCompSchool. Mr. DePaolo is a graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law, holds a Masters of Business Administration from Cal Lutheran University, and a Bachelors of Art in English from San Diego State University.

Ishmael Elahi

Head, Workers’ Compensation, CCMSI

  • “Secrets to Closing Litigated Claims: A 12-Month Checklist”

Ishmail Elahi is a claims manager at CCMSI in Irvine, California. Known for his innovative claims philosophy, he has also been VP of Claims at Golden Eagle Insurance Corporation, a former instructor at Insurance Educational Institute (IEA) and a claims consultant auditing public entity claims for ARMTECH. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.


Jerry Fogel, MS, PT, CHCQM

Mastermind Behind Florida Reforms

  • “Reinventing Workers’ Comp: The Power of Criteria”

Mr. Fogel is a widely respected clinician, educator, and consultant, and is founder and principle of Imagine Clinical, a healthcare consulting firm, with a special emphasis in Workers’ Compensation, serving all industry stakeholders including employers, insurers, the medical community, judges, the legal community, as well as government officials and agencies.  A veteran of the healthcare industry for well over three decades, Mr. Fogel has had a broad range of experiences and accomplishments, and is most noted for his innovative approach.  A long time consultant to the State of Florida, Jerry was one of the key architects of the 2003 WC reforms, including key statutory medical provisions and the creation of the precedent-setting universal DWC-25 form. Previously Mr. Fogel was the Director of the Orthopedic PT Graduate Program at Northwestern University Medical School, and has been visiting professor at Medical, Chiropractic, Podiatry and PT schools. He also served as the Director of a prominent workers’ compensation insurance company, with a special emphasis in collectively-bargained/alternative dispute programs.  Mr. Fogel started his career as a practicing clinician, having received his BS in Physical Therapy from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, an Advanced MS in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Northwestern University, and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP).

David B. Freeman, PhD

California Expert on Psychology in Workers’ Compensation

  • “Deposing the Psych Expert: What Works”
  • “Sex, Sleep, Psych, and Deconditioning” (with Dr. Mark Hyman)

Dr. David Freeman serves as the Clinical Director of Cal Psych DMT and is known for performing comprehensive, thorough medico-legal psychological and neurological assessments. His expertise includes brain injury, PTSD, psychological consequences of orthopedic injury, pain related syndromes, financial capacity and wrongful termination. Dr.  Freeman previously served as the Staff Neuropsychologist in the Acute Rehabilitation Department at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, and was the Co-Director of the Outpatient Brain Injury Program.  He has published several articles on topics including the GAF, the Assessment of Malingering and Embellishment and the MMPI-2.  Dr. Freeman is a frequent speaker at medical and legal venues, including the Insurance Education Association, the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney Association, CAAA, and the Workers’ Compensation Forum. Dr.  Freeman belongs to the American Psychological Association (APA), International Neuropsychological Society (INS), and National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). Dr.  David B.  Freeman received his Fellowship from the Department of Neuropsychology, NPI, at UCLA, his Doctoral Program from the Clinical/School of Psychology at Hofstra University and Undergraduate from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Don Freeman, AIS

National Expert on Pre-Existing Impairment

  • “How to Measure and Apportion to Pre-Existing Impairment”

Dr. Freeman is a chiropractor serving the Rocklin community and a co-founder of Accelerated Industrial Solutions, Inc. AIS is a risk management company aimed at reducing employers frequency and severity of work injuries by implementing pre and post job offer screenings. His experience as an independent medical evaluator, qualified medical evaluator and physician advisor for Blue Shield of California provides a unique perspective regarding causation, medical necessity and apportionment. AIS partnered with Risk Management Solutions and recently completed a pilot study involving over 120 employee assessments for the California Sanitation Risk Management Authority.

Jane Gardner and Joe Rodriguez

Principals, Harbour Strategic Consulting

  • “The Secret to Success: Finding Your DNA”

Jane Gardner played a key role in the successful advertising launch of Amazon.com, as well as contributing extensively to the marketing in companies such as Macromedia, Nintendo, Janus Mutual Funds, Pacific Bell and Clorox. Jane serves as Chairman of the Board of Children Now, a California-based children’s advocacy group. She is currently a trustee of University High School in San Francisco and was on the Williams College Board from 1983-1987. Jane graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in English and earned her M.B.A. from Stanford University.

Joe Rodriguez has a twenty year career in integrated marketing for blue chip companies, where he has been a part of the founding executive teams. He is a gifted team-member whose energy, integrity and concern for others have brought out the best in many an organization. Joe’s undergraduate education was in economics and art history, at University of Maryland. Joe earned a Master’s degree in Marketing at University of Wisconsin.

Ron Garrity, Esq.

California Expert on Employment Law

  • “What Works with the Alphabet: ADA, FEHA, FMLA, CFRA, ETC.”

Ronald Garrity is a shareholder in the law firm of Simpson, Garrity, Innes & Jacuzzi specializing in labor and employment law in California. Mr. Garrity represents employers in all facets of labor and employment law, including proprietary information issues, wrongful discharge prevention and litigation, equal employment opportunity matters, harassment prevention, uninsured workers’ compensation defense, National Labor Relations Board cases, and wage and hour issues. Mr. Garrity has lectured extensively and published numerous articles on labor and employment law matters. He sits on several Boards in the Bay Area including being current chair of the Labor and Employment Section of the San Mateo County Bar Association and has been voted by his attorney peers as a Northern California “Super Lawyer” for several years running.


Howard Goldfarb

  • “What Works in Almaraz II, Ogilvie II, and Rehab in Southern California”

Howard Goldfarb is the founder of Goldfarb & Associates, a vocational rehabilitation counseling and consulting firm. Mr. Goldfarb is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with a graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from New York University. Mr. Goldfarb was National Director of Vocational Services for CRS Care Corp., a nationwide vocational rehabilitation company, prior to commencing his own full-service vocational rehabilitation firm. He has been testifying as a forensic expert since 1984 on matters pertaining to workers’ compensation. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program at the university and has lectured to various groups and agencies involving vocational rehabilitation matters. With over 25 years of experience, as both a counselor and forensic expert, Mr. Goldfarb is well-versed on all aspects of workers’ compensation as it relates to vocational rehabilitation, in terms of an injured worker’s capacity to return to suitable gainful employment. His publications include Brodwin, M.G., Saver, L.J., Hallberg, E., & Goldfarb, H.J. (1996). “Stress Within the Injured Worker.” Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 27, 13-16; and he has authored “An Insider’s Guide to Choosing A Rehabilitation Provider,” Risk Management Journal, February, 1989. He is a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, the National Rehabilitation Association, Rehabilitation Counseling Association, Forensic Expert Witness Association and the Forensic Section of California Association of Rehabilitation and Re-employment Professionals.

Nortin Hadler, MD

America’s Leading Expert on Workers’ Compensation Science, Causation and Treatment; Author, “Stabbed in the Back”

  • “The Compensable Backache”

Nortin M. Hadler serves as Attending Rheumatologist at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. He has analyzed the approach taken by many nations to the challenges of applying disability and compensation insurance schemes to such predicaments as back pain and arm pain in the workplace, as well as to a more global illness narrative such as is labeled fibromyalgia. He is widely regarded for his critical assessment of the limitations of certainty regarding medical and surgical management of the regional musculoskeletal disorders. The third edition of his monograph, Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders, was published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins in 2005 and provides a ready resource on the regional musculoskeletal disorders. The Last Well Person: How to Stay Well Despite the Health-Care System was published by McGill-Queens University Press in 2004 and released in paperback in 2007. A treatise on Type II medical malpractice titled Worried Sick: A Prescription for Health in an Overtreated America was published by UNC Press in 2008. Stabbed in the Back: Confronting Back Pain in an Overtreated Society was published in 2009 by UNC Press. Even Methuselah Died: Health after Sixty is in preparation and under contract for publication by UNC Press in 2010. Norton graduated Yale University, M.D. Harvard Medical School, trained at the Massachusetts General Hospital, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, and the Clinical Research Centre in London.

Martha Hanlon

Principal, Authentic Marketing

  • “What Works for Lawyers and Doctors in Becoming Entrepreneurs”

Martha cut her marketing teeth in some pretty big places. An MBA from Wharton and years of directing product management and marketing groups for some of the biggest companies in America like AT&T, BT and MCI taught her how Big Guys do marketing. After creating the marketing services group to serve Blanc and Otus Public Relations venture-backed clients, Martha went on to found three businesses of her own. Sought-after to develop new marketing techniques to rapidly build brands, products and leads, leads, leads, she spots trends and breaks a lot of marketing “rules” to deliver new results. Fun, engaging and a bit irreverent, Martha is passionate about the need for businesses to start talking to people the way they talk to each other—in lively, authentic conversations—and to tell stories that help the world understand why they are cool

Janice Skiljo Haris, RN

California Expert on Medicares Set-Asides in Workers’ Compensation Cases

  • “Settlement Strategies with Medicare Set-Asides”

Janice Skiljo Haris RN MS MSCC CNLCP has over 25 years experience working in various areas of the occupational health and workers’ compensation medical-legal community. She began as a cardiovascular intensive care unit nurse at Stanford, after which she became an occupational heath nurse administrator for a semiconductor company, then a paralegal in a workers’ compensation firm, and later an operations vice president and physician trainer in a medical-legal disability reporting service. Combining her industry experience with her Masters of Science in Occupational Health Administration from the University of California at San Francisco, Ms. Haris founded MEDLink in 1992 to be a comprehensive scheduling, management, and training service for forensic physicians and their clients. In 2004, MEDLink expanded its specialty services to facilitate settlements that include Medicare-Set- Asides, Life Care Plans, Bill Review with testimony, Future Medical Cost Projections. Ms. Haris has been active in several industry associations educating the workers’ compensation insurance.

Dan Hunt, Esq.

Rising Star in California Defense

  • “Winning in Psych Claims: What I Learned From My Wife”

Dan Hunt is a Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law, has been a member of the bar since 2001 and has argued SB899 issues in front of the sixth district court of appeals.  Dan is a partner at Matovich, McLean & Hunt, LLP, a boutique defense firm based in San Jose with offices in San Francisco, Salinas and Glendale.  Dan is a registered Arbitrator with the DWC.  Outside of the Comp Arena, Dan is an instrument rated pilot, Red Cross volunteer, Appellate Advocacy volunteer judge at Golden Gate University, Board Member for the local University of Florida Alumni Group, regular blood donor and leads a team that runs every year in Pat’s Run for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Dan graduated with honors from the University of Florida with degrees in Finance and Management as well as an MBA and Law Degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

Peggy Huntsinger

Stanislaus County

  • “What Works for Stanislaus County”

Peggy has 30 years of experience working in the insurance industry; 15 of which have been in the area of Risk Management. Stanislaus County has 30 very different departments spanning Health Services, Social Services, Public Works, Financial, Law Enforcement, etc. The Disability Management Unit is responsible for the coordination of workers compensation claims including temporary modified duty accommodations and the administration of Family and Medical Leave. Peggy is a current member of the CSAC EIA Legislative Committee, a past recipient of the Chester Miller Leadership Award and was the first president of the Modesto Chapter of DMEC.

Mark Hyman, MD

National and California Expert in Internal Medicine

  • “Sleep, Sex, Psych, and Deconditioning: What Works”
  • “Causation in Back Pain: What Does the Recent Literature Show?”
  • “Comprehensive Cardiovascular Evaluations… Including Stress”

Dr. Hyman is an Associate Professor on the clinical faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hyman has testified before the United States Congress as a national expert on disability issues and also served as the chair for the Internal Medicine section of the Medical Disability Advisor Fifth Edition. WebMD. selected Dr. Hyman for their annual award Heroes of Health. He has lectured extensively for legal groups, the insurance industry and at national disability meetings. Dr. Hyman has published many articles and is a chapter author for the American Medical Association books, A Physician’s Guide to Return to Work, Guides to Disease and Injury Causation, Guides to Functional Capacity Evaluations, Guides Transition Book as well as the Contributing Editor for the AMA Guides 6th Edition. He is on the board for the Guides Newsletter and a reviewer for the Guides Casebook Third edition. Dr. Hyman is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians and is currently on the National Board of Directors for AADEP. Dr. Hyman completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and graduated from UCLA Medical School.

Caterina Iapaolo, MD

National Psychiatric Expert

  • “Psychiatric Treatments That Work”

Caterina Iapaolo, M.D., has been a consulting psychiatrist specializing in adult dual diagnosis psychiatry at Hanley Center since 2004, before being named Chief Psychiatric Officer. She has broad experience as a psychiatrist in clinical and emergency settings, including addiction medicine. In the past, Dr. Iapaolo was a staff psychiatrist in the outpatient medication management clinic and emergency room at Oakwood Center of The Palm Beaches, and was concurrently a Hanley Center psychiatric consultant. Dr. Iapaolo has been honored with two peer awards, the Dr. Henry P. & M. Page Durkee Laughlin Foundation and a Certificate of Commendation from the Association of Women Psychiatrists, M. Butterfield. M.D. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association and the Association of Women Psychiatrists. She has presented co-authored work, “Differences in Agoraphobic Responses in Women with PTSD Related to Non-Sexual Versus Sexual Trauma” at the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, and participated in research in the study of immune response at John Hopkins Hospital, Department of Vascular and Transplant Surgery.

Dr. Iapaolo attended both undergraduate and medical school at the University of Padua, Italy, where she received a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery degree. Dr. Iapaolo received a medical license in New Jersey, Illinois and Florida and certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Barbara Karkula

Head, Workers’ Compensation, US Marine Corps

  • “What Works for the Marines Can Work for You”

Barbara Karkula is the Program Manager for the U. S. Marine Corps Non-Appropriated Fund Workers’ Compensation Program. The program encompasses over 12,000 employees in the Continental United States and Japan. Under her leadership, the program has seen substantial reductions in costs. She is an accomplished trainer and speaker and has briefed at many levels during her career; from front line employees to General Officers in the Marine Corps. She has over 17 years of experience in workers’ compensation. She shared Risk Management and workers’ compensation responsibilities at Heavenly Ski Resort working with claims under the California workers’ compensation system and moved on to the intricacies of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act in 1996 for the Marine Corps program. She was a speaker at the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) in 2007, participating in a panel discussing “Loss Funding – How IBNR Can Make or Break Your Program.” She is a member of RIMS, the Society of Human Resources Professionals (SHRM) and the National Safety Council. Barbara received her associates’ degree from Blue Mountain College and holds a Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP) certification from Michigan State University.

Barbara Krantz, DO

National Expert on Addiction, Hanley Center

  • “Healing Addiction in Work Comp: The Hanley Experience”

Dr. Barbara Krantz, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Research of the noted nonprofit Hanley Center addiction treatment facility, has been practicing medicine in South Florida for over thirty years. Dr. Krantz is American Board of Addiction Medicine certified as well as board certified in Family Practice. Dr. Krantz served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in North Miami Beach from 1994 to 2000. She also taught addiction medicine to 1st and 2nd year students at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine on the FAU Campus. Dr. Krantz is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Medical Women’s Association, the American College of Family Practitioners, the American Osteopathic Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. She has lectured on numerous topics, including the bio-chemistry of the brain as it relates to addiction. Dr. Krantz received a Bachelor of Science degree and was class valedictorian at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. At the University of Miami (Florida) she graduated Phi Kappa Phi with a Master of Science degree. In 2007 Dr. Krantz was certified by the Medical Review Officer Certification Council (MTOCC) as a Medical Review Officer.

Yoo Rah Lee, Esq.

Deputy County Counsel, Santa Clara County

  • “What Works for Santa Clara County: The Unique Challenges of Defending a Public Entity”

Yoo-Rah Lee graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in PEIS, and Golden Gate University Law School.  She was once a student of Judge Gordon Gaines.  She worked for Laughlin Falbo Levy and Moresi and was an associated there for 4 years before becoming a Deputy County Counsel for the County of Santa Clara.  She has worked at the County of Santa Clara for the last 12 years specializing in workers’ compensation.  She has also been an advisor to the Industrial Disability Retirement committee.  She has provided various trainings in general California Workers’ Compensation law and ratings.

Thomas Leonard, MD

Internal Medicine Consultant; Specialist in Cardio and Pulmonary Diseases

  • “Title Lung Diseases in Workers’ Comp”

Thomas Leonard is an internal medical consultant at Eddington Medical Group and is known for his expertise in Cardiology and Pulmonary diseases as well as his 25 years reporting on Med Legals. He has been a member of the New York Medical College since 1967, and certified in Internal Medicine since 1972.

Annette Lindley

Risk Manager, CRMA-JPA

  • “What Works for CRMA-JPA”

Annette Lindley is the Risk Manager for California Risk Management Authority (CRMA), which is an insurance JPA (Joint Powers Authority) for member school district’s workers’ compensation, property and liability coverage. Ms. Lindley provides training and loss prevention for the school districts and actively manages the worker’s compensation claims. Annette Lindley has been a speaker at the annual Public Agency Risk Managers’ Association conference on workers’ compensation and currently serves as a board member for Professionals In Workers’ Compensation. She has several professional designations including Certified Safety Professional, Associate Loss Control Management, Risk Management Public Entity, and Certified Playground Safety Inspector. Ms. Lindley takes every available opportunity to share her 28 years of experience in worker’s compensation with others in the industry.

Angela Livingston

Principal, Angela Livingston Collaborations

  • “Unraveling the Mysteries of Managed Care: Making Your Cost Containment Program Work for You”

Angela Livingston, Senior Claims Executive, with 20 years leadership, marketing, business development and operational experience in the workers’ compensation community. Angela is the owner and President of Angela Livingston Collaborations, a consulting firm providing claims and cost containment expertise to all forms of risk bearers. Prior to forming Collaborations, Angela spent twenty years at a regional TPA, with her last role being Vice President of the company. Angela is a certified adjuster, a WCCP designee and holds an IEA, self insured and IIA management certification.

Frank Lucchetti, Ed.D

Psychologist; Psychological Treatment Expert

  • “Returning Humanity to the California Workers’ Comp System”

Dr. Frank Lucchetti is a Clinical & Medical Psychologist and pioneer in the field of Psychology, Chronic Pain Management, and Life Transitions. Dr. Lucchetti is Founder & Director of North Bay Center for Behavioral Medicine in Napa, CA, Allied Health member of Queen of the Valley Hospital, Napa, CA, Manager Partner of Sonoma Medical Plaza, and Teacher in Secondary Education at the University of San Francisco. Dr. Lucchetti has been appointed Q.M.E. for the State of California’s Industrial Medical Council since the program’s inception in 1994. He is the featured psychologist at KGO-810 radio and presenter at A.P.A conference and Napa-Solano Psychological Association. Dr. Lucchetti is a member of the International College of Prescribing Psychologists, American Psychological Association, National Association of Private Practice in Psychology, Academy of Medical Psychology, North Bay Workers’ Compensation Association, and Redwood Psychological Association. He earned his Ed.D. Degree in the field of Psychology/Counseling at University of San Francisco, and Board Certification in the area of Chronic Pain Management; Severe Mental Disorders; Psychopharmacology from International College of Prescribing Psychologists; Medical Psychologist and Fellow from the Academy of Medical Psychology.

Robin Masuda

Phil Neal Walker Law

  • “Claims: What Works”

Robin Masuda has over 20 years of workers’ compensation experience with third party administrators, municipalities, and as a client employer for a Silicon Valley computer company.

Currently, she is a Master Rater and trainer for the Phil Neal Walker Companies. Prior to her work with PNW, she was the Claims Manager for the Workers’ Compensation Division for the City and County of San Francisco. Robin brings diverse skills and experience from her work within the industry as a client employer, and in claims management, as well as her unique experience concurrently managing an in-house claims unit and as the client employer to a third party administrator.

Robin has been a guest speaker for workers’ compensation seminars for the California Nurse’s Association, Human Resources Management Association and for several client requested seminars. Robin is currently writing a useful reference tool on the “Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Fifth Edition” for the Phil Neal Walker Law Corporation. She holds a B.A. from San Jose State University in Mass Communications.

Stuart McFaul

Principal, Spiralgroup Marketing + Public RelationS

  • “Focus! Social Media Marketing Essentials for Lawyers “

Stuart McFaul is the founder and president of Spiralgroup, an award-winning public relations and social marketing firm with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Beijing. He is a guest lecturer in marketing at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and USC’s Marshall School of Business.


Lawrence R. Moore, Esq.

Associate Attorney, Mullen & Filippi

  • “What Works in Subrogation”

Lawrence R. (“Larry”) Moore has over 31 years of civil trial experience in northern California. He began practicing third-party insurance defense litigation first as outside panel counsel and later as in-house trial counsel with INA/CIGNA and Progressive Casualty. While at Progressive, he performed litigation management and supervision of outside counsel and claims handling throughout California. He has extensive civil jury trial experience in cases involving vehicle accidents, premises liability, products liability, construction accidents and defects, and public entity liability. Since 1996, his practice has been exclusively limited to workers’ compensation subrogation on behalf of carriers, TPAs and public entities. He has served since 1985 as a Judicial Arbitrator for Sacramento County Superior Court and for many years as a Judge Pro Tem for Sacramento County Municipal Court, Small Claims Division, and for the past 5 years as a Pro Tem settlement conference judge in Sacramento Superior Court. He has presented numerous in-house training seminars on the subject of workers’ compensation subrogation claims handling and recovery, as well at the May 2002 CWCDAA annual conference in Lake Tahoe. Larry received his B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside in 1973 and his J.D. from McGeorge School of Law in 1978. Larry was admitted to the California Bar in 1978 and is licensed to practice before the United State District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California.

Cheryl Morosini

Claims Examiner/ Investigator

  • “An Auditor Teaches You Great Claims Handling”

Cheryl Morosini combines more than 40 years of experience as a Claims Examiner, Investigator, Hearing Representative, Supervisor and Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator with Insurance Companies and third party administrators. She has served as a consultant on workers’’ compensation programs for self-insured, public agencies and insured employers. Ms. Morosini is a certified instructor for workers’ compensation with the Department of Insurance and received herself insurance certificate in 1982.

Chris Morosoni

  • “ClaimsPower: The One-Step Solution to Claims and the Law in Workers’ Comp”

Chris Morosoni’s experience with Salesforce.com is helping Phil Walker Law to become fully integrated on one platform and operated remotely from anywhere, serving as model for a new era of law firms. Currently living in San Francisco, he graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Socio-Legal Studies.

Priscilla Harris Morse, CPCU, ARM

Head, Workers’ Compensation, City and County of San Francisco

  • “What Works for Cities, Counties, and Public Agencies”

Priscilla Morse began work in the insurance industry as a multiple lines outside claims adjuster with Liberty Mutual in 1973 in Boston. After moving to San Francisco in 1975, she worked for workers’ compensation carriers: Hanover/Cal Comp, Fremont Indemnity and Western Employers, and TPA Fred S. James before going to work for San Mateo County as the County’s workers’ compensation coordinator. In 1988, Priscilla became the County’s Risk Manager and held that position until retiring in 2005. Boredom led to her seeking employment and in May 2006, she was hired by the City and County of San Francisco as its Director of Workers’ Compensation. Priscilla is a graduate of Hollins College (now University) in Roanoke, Virginia.

Damon Ott, Esq.

National Expert on Labor Law

  • “What Works in Labor Law and the Future of Employment and Labor”

Mr. Ott has practiced labor and employment law at Littler Mendelson since 2001, where he represents and counsels management clients in connection with all types of matters arising under federal and state law. In particular, Mr. Ott specializes in wage and hour law, including independent contractor issues, living wage ordinances and prevailing wage matters.  Activities include memberships with California State Bar, American Bar Association, State Bar Association of California, and Bar Association of San Francisco. Mr. Ott received his J.D. from University of California, Davis School of Law, B.A. in History and Philosophy from Albertson College of Idaho.

Teresa Pacelli, AIC, CIC

National Trainer in Workers’ Compensation

  • “The Broker: We Are NOT The Enemy”

Teresa Pacelli (pachelly) has over 22 years of experience in the Property and Casualty Insurance Industry and today works primarily as a Senior Client Advocate for Willis North America – Strategic Outcomes Practice. Teresa specializes in Workers’ Compensation for risk profiles of every scope and complexity. Upon receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Teresa immediately reported to work for Aetna Life and Casualty in the Commercial Insurance Division quickly earning her Associates Degree in Claims (AIC), and became a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). Teresa is a member of the Workers’ Compensation Claims Association and the National Association of Insurance Women. In addition to her claims consulting activities, Teresa is an instructor for the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research and is a Certified Continuing Education Provider throughout the nation. Teresa was the keynote speaker for the Oregon Self-Insured Association in 2008 and 2009 and has had the privilege of speaking for the Western Alliance of Professional Insurance Agents in 2008 and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Alaska in October of 2009.

Luis Perez-Cordero

AMA Rating Master

  • “Within the Four Corners of the AMA Guides: Universal Rating Principles Applicable to Impairment Determination”

Luis Perez-Cordero is an AMA Guides Impairment and California Disability Rating Specialist certified by the American College of Disability Medicine and American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.

Luis is a presenter and instructor to physicians, claims and legal professionals on three California Permanent Disability Rating Schedules (88PDRS, 97PDRS, 05PDRS) and the AMA Guides, 5th Edition.

He has served the California’s Workers’ Compensation Community for more than 30 years as a Certified Self-Insured Claims Administrator, State of California Disability Rater, Expert Witness and Independent Disability Rating Consultant since 1995 with pdratings.com. He started his professional career in Workers Compensation with ADT Security Systems as a Self-Insured / Workers Compensation Administrator in the states of California, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Oregon & Washington. Luis graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Masters Degree in Education.

Mel Pohl, MD

National Expert on Addiction and Workers’ Compensation

  • “Pain and Addiction: Challenges and Controversies”

Mel Pohl is a Board Certified Family Practitioner and Vice President of Medical Affairs and the Medical Director of Las Vegas Recovery Center (LVRC). Dr. Pohl was a major force in developing LVRC’s Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program. He is certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine, and a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Dr. Pohl is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He was elected by his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America® from 2009 to 2010. He is a nationally known public speaker and co-author of Pain Recovery: How to Find Balance and Reduce Suffering from Chronic Pain (Central Recovery Press, 2009); Pain Recovery for Families: How to Find Balance When Someone Else’s Chronic Pain Becomes Your Problem Too (Central Recovery Press, 2010); The Caregiver’s Journey: When You Love Someone with AIDS (Hazelden, 1990); Staying Sane: When You Care for Someone with Chronic Illness (Health Communications, 1992). Dr. Pohl is the author of A Day without Pain (Central Recovery Press, 2008), which won a silver medal from Independent Publisher Book Award in May 2009. Dr. Pohl is a member of the American Medical Association, American Society of Addiction Medicine, American Academy of Family Practice. He earned his B.S., at the University of Michigan, his M.D. at State University of New York at Buffalo/School of Medicine, and his Residency, Family Medicine, Deaconess Hospital, Buffalo, New York.

Ben Pugh, Esq.

National Expert on Medicare Set-Asides

  • “Dealing with Medicare: What Works”

Bennett L. Pugh is a founding partner of Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver, & Sisson in Birmingham, Alabama. His emphasis is on Medicare Compliance and workers’ compensation law. He and partner Melisa Zwilling oversee Carr Allison’s Medicare Compliance department and have been assisting parties and ensuring compliance with the Medicare Secondary Payer statute for years. Mr. Pugh has been published in numerous publications nationwide and speaks frequently on Medicare law all across the country. Mr. Pugh holds memberships in the Alabama State Bar Association, Birmingham Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, USLAW Network, and the National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network. He received his B.S. from Samford University in 1982 and earned his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law in 1985.

Rich Ragan

Compex

  • “Our Newest Tool for You”

Rich Ragan is Director of Account Development at Compex Legal Services, Inc., known for its offering of cost containment solutions, and his expertise in Legal Discovery, Claims and Litigation Support. Rich has been in the Claims/Litigation Support Business for 28 years and spent 18 years with a company known as DCS and the past 10 years with Compex. Rich is the past president of the Diablo Valley Industrial Claims Association, and currently serves on their executive committee. He is also the immediate past president of the South Bay Industrial Claims Association. Rich received his B.S. from University of San Francisco.

Zachary Sacks, Esq.

Leading California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney

  • “38-30-35:  Dangerous Curves Ahead”

Zachary Sacks, the managing partner of Sacks & Zolonz, LLP, came to California in 1963, after graduation from Yale University and Columbia Law School, and after a tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps. Since that time, he has been instrumental in legislative activities concerning workers’ compensation law and has testified in the State Capital before legislative sub-committees on workers’ compensation issues on behalf of both clients of the firm, as well as organizations which he has headed in his long career in California.  He holds the distinction of being the only two-time elected President in the 30 plus year history of the Southern California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys Association and he was the first and founding President of the Statewide Attorneys Association called the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys Association in 1982 to 1983.  He is the 4th recipient of the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys Association of the prestigious Warren L. Hanna Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Sacks has been a featured speaker at the California Applicant Attorneys Association, the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys Association, the California Manufacturers’ Association, the California Self-Insurance Association, and a teacher and seminar instructor on various topics in workers’ compensation law for the firm’s acclaimed workers’ compensation training seminars for attorneys and clients, as well as functioning as a guest  teacher of Workers Compensation law at UCLA Law School. He remains a frequent source contact utilized by WorkCompCentral for input on issues of current importance over the last several years, and in 2009 he was nominated for the State Bar Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney of the Year Award.

Dave Schmit, Esq.

California Expert Defense Counsel

  • “The Future for the Defense”

David J. Schmit is the principal of Schmit Law Office, which he organized in 1986. His practice includes representing employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, subrogation, wrongful termination and representing consumers in mortgage workouts. Mr. Schmit is a frequent lecturer with organizations such as the Industrial Claims Association, the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and the Insurance Education Association. Mr. Schmit was the Chairman of the Business Advisory Group of the Oakland Community Organizations and has been a board member and the Luncheon Chairperson for the Industrial Claims Association for the past eight years. He is co-chair of the Member-Led Forum on the Middle East, Commonwealth Club of California. Mr. Schmit graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in History. He earned a Masters degree in History from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree at Georgetown University Law Center.

Margot E. Simington, Esq.

President/CEO, Heggeness, Sweet, Simington & Patrico

  • “10 Great Defenses and What Do Now That the Claim Has Been Filed.”

Margot Simington is the president and CEO of the Southern California defense law firm of Heggeness, Sweet, Simington & Patrico, A P.C. She has been certified as a Workers’ Compensation Law Specialist by the California State Board of Legal Specialization. She served as President for the 2009 term and presently sits on the Board of Directors of the California Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorneys’ Association. She is a member of the San Diego County Bar and its workers’ compensation section. In 1989, she was awarded the degree of Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law.

Randall Smith, PhD

Psychologist/Neuropsychologist, MEDLink; California Expert on Neuropsychological Issues in Workers’ Compensation Cases

  • “Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing in Psychiatric Cases”

Dr. Randall Smith is an expert in neuropsychological and psychological issues in workers’ compensation cases, specializing in psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, chronic pain, and substance abuse, as well as neuropsychological disorders including closed head trauma, concussion, hypoxia, IQ and cognitive deficit, and memory loss.  He is a QME in private practice who has done thousands of medical-legal evaluations in workers compensation and civil settings. He has functioned as an evaluating consultant for the Medical Board of California. In the past, he was the Director of the Division of Clinical Psychology and Director of Outpatient Psychiatry as California Pacific Medical Center. A member of the California Psychological Association, Dr. Smith is a graduate of Stanford University and holds advanced degrees from the College of Notre Dame and United States International University.

Irene Suver

  • “What Works in Washington State”

Peter Swann, MD

Treatment and Workers’ Compensation Expert, Concentra

  • “What Works in Imaging Studies for the Back”

Dr. Peter Swann is the San Francisco Bay Area Medical Director for Concentra Health Services as well as the Medical Director for the Coventry California MPN. His responsibilities include medical leadership for the Coventry MPN as well as clinical supervision and medical program development for Concentra’s medical centers in the San Francisco Bay area. Dr. Swann, a graduate of Dartmouth College and Tufts University School of Medicine, is board certified in Family Medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Swann is Secretary/Newsletter Editor, and former Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee, of the Western Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association (WOEMA). He has represented both WOEMA and the California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) in California regulatory and legislative matters concerning occupational medicine, family medicine and workers compensation.

Joseph Telezinski, Esq.

Leading Southern California Defense Attorney

  • “What Works in Identifying and Prosecuting Workers’ Compensation Claimant Fraud”

Joseph Telezinski is certified as a specialist in workers’ compensation law by the State Bar of California Board of Specialization. Joseph is the author and presenter of the national Wickstrom Insurance & Risk Training Center’s California Workers’ Compensation Series for claims professionals. His legal career has predominantly involved representing public entities and private self-insured organizations in Southern California. Joseph Telezinski is a founding partner of O’Connor * Telezinski, Attorneys at Law, where his practice also includes business law and employment law defense.

Damon Muir Walcott, MD

Psychiatrist, MEDLink; California Expert on Psychiatric Cases

  • “Reel to Real: What the Movies Teach Us About Psychiatric Cases and the GAF Scale”

Dr. Damon Muir Walcott is an expert in forensic psychiatry and psychiatric issues for workers’ compensation cases.  His professional appointments include Attending Psychiatrist, San Francisco General Hospital; Voluntary Faculty, UC San Francisco, San Francisco Medical School, Department of Psychiatry; Chief Psychiatrist, Suffolk County House of Correction; Attending Psychiatrist, Massachusetts General Hospital; and Instructor, Harvard University Medical School, Cambridge Hospital, Department of Psychiatry.  Dr. Walcott is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. He is a graduate of both the University of Illinois-Chicago and the University of Southern California

Phil Walker, Esq.

National Expert on AMA Guides and California Workers’ Compensation

  • “Master Yoda’s Secrets: How to Use the Force!”

Phil Walker is the founder of Phil Neal Walker Law and AskPhilWalker.com and the organizer of the Making Worker’s Comp Work Conference. A professional speaker, instructor and national trial counsel for California workers’ compensation and Longshore defense in San Francisco, Phil has over 25 years experience in representing California’s largest airlines, shipyards, steel companies, retailers, universities and insurers. Phil served as house counsel for U.S. Steel, general counsel for New York City’s largest residential real estate firm, Douglas Elliman, and managing attorney for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. He is the author of The AMA Guides Made Simple, was keynote speaker for the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Annual Meeting in 2009, and was a featured speaker at the SEAK National Workers’ Compensation Law Conference in 2009, and was keynote speaker for the American Association of Disability Evaluating Physicians’ Annual Meeting in January 2010. Phil is a member of the Bar associations of California, New York and the District of Columbia. He was educated at Vanderbilt University and Washington and Lee Law School.

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