Awards Programs
Every year, the IAIABC confers awards upon committed, dedicated, and unique individuals and organizations who are making positive contributions to workers' compensation and working to fulfill the mission of the IAIABC.
NextGen Awards
IAIABC NextGen launched in 2017 as a way to recognize talented young professionals who are having a positive impact on workers' compensation, making significant difference withins their organizations, and leading the industry into the future. As the workers' compensation industry ages and workplaces change through technology and globalization, there is no better time to support the development of the leaders of today and tomorrow.
In its 4 year history, 32 individuals have received IAIABC NextGen Awards.
2020 Recipients
Congratulations to recipients of the 2020 IAIABC NextGen Awards! During what has been an undeniably challenging year, these professionals rose above and had meaningful impact on their organizations and the workers' compensation industry.
Erin Bishop
Alternative Dispute Resolution Supervisor, Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
James “Jay” Hicks
Ombudsman Attorney, Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Amy Kingston
Manager of Claims and Insurance Programs, Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation
Jed Magid
Compliance Manager, Gallagher Bassett
Megan Nelson
Senior Associate, Analytics, Gallagher Bassett
Grace Ray
Director of Risk Management, Bardavon
Previous Recipients (2019, 2018, 2017)
President's Awards
The annual President’s Awards honor those who demonstrate commitment and achievement in reducing harm and aiding recovery from occupational injuries and illnesses.
2020 Recipients
President's Award
Rafael Gonzalez, Partner, Cattie & Gonzalez
In recognition of your dedicated scholarship of workers’ compensation law. Through your work, professionals around the world deepen their knowledge and understanding of workers’ compensation systems.
Frances Perkins Award
Dato' Sri Dr. Mohammad Azman Aziz Mohammed, Chief Executive, Social Security Organization of Malaysia
For following in the footsteps of Frances Perkins, U.S. Secretary of Labor and IAIABC President, who was a role model for innovation and progressive leadership in workers' compensation and social security.
International Collaboration Award
Phil Germain, CEO, Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board
In recognition of your outstanding efforts “In improving the working conditions of the masses.” ~ Samuel Gompers, 1916
Samuel Gompers Award
John Howard, Director, NIOSH
In recognition of your outstanding efforts “In improving the working conditions of the masses.” ~ Samuel Gompers, 1916
Award of Merit
Raji Chadarevian, Director of Medical Regulation and Informatics, NCCI
For outstanding contribution of leadership, commitment, and professional talent in furthering the goals of the IAIABC.
Associate Member Award of Merit
Lisa Anne Bickford, Government Relations Director, Coventry
For outstanding contribution of leadership, commitment, and professional talent in furthering the goals of the IAIABC.
Outstanding Achievement in EDI
Monica Blackwell, Senior Professional Services Consultant, Mitchell International
For outstanding contribution and commitment to the development of IAIABC Electronic Data Interchange standards for workers’ compensation reporting.
Excellence Award
The IAIABC Excellence Award recognizes jurisdictions for the development of successful solutions to reduce harm and aid recovery from occupational injuries and illnesses. These solutions address policy and program challenges jurisdictions face while regulating and administering workers' compensation. Solutions could include specific programs, policies, initiatives, or projects that seek to improve worker and employer outcomes or ease administrative burdens.
Applications for the 2020 IAIABC Excellence Award will open in April 2020. The IAIABC thanks WorkComp Strategies for sponsoring the Excellence Award.
2019 Recipient
The IAIABC recognized the New York State Workers' Compensation Board with the 2019 IAIABC Excellence Award for their virtual hearings center.
New York's Virtual Hearing Center eases the burden of travel for injured workers, and gives workers, employers, and attorneys the option of appearing at hearings remotely in a secure, reliable, and convenient manner. Each year, the New York State Workers' Compensation Board conducts approximately 275,000 workers' compensation hearings statewide, with many hearings lasting less than 10 minutes long. Through extensive stakeholder training and buy-in as well as significant investments in administrative changes and technology, the Board has conducted over 209,000 virtual hearings since 2017, at a 45% virtual participation rate.