23rd Annual Claims Management & Leadership Conference
GOING THE DISTANCE.... MAKING THE DIFFERENCE
Program Brochure & Conference Agenda
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Enjoy the resort’s signature pools, lazy river, pool-side dining, or take a short boat ride to the Hyatt’s private island to enjoy a day at the beach.
Greetings:
On behalf of the Association of Workers' Compensation Claims Professionals (WCCP) we welcome you to the 23nd Annual Claims Management & Leadership Conference. "Going the Distance, Making the Difference" with three days of interactive Leadership and Technical workshops from the Industries' top executives, medical and legal professionals. WCCP Board of Directors After enjoying a night of catching up with friends and colleagues at our Sunday Evening Chairman’s Reception, Jackie Hilston/Chairperson join us on Monday morning as we announce the recipient of our 2nd Annual WCCP “Rising Star” Award. This The Zenith Insurance Company award recognizes a senior level adjuster or newly appointed supervisor who exemplifies the professionalism to reach that next level in their career to become “Tomorrow’s Leader”. Please also join us on Monday morning as Melanie Stanisic/President we congratulate Christine Pu and Benjamin Wolfe, this year’s Fran Brown Scholarship recipients. Darden After a full day of education, join us on the Cypress Courtyard for a “friendly” game of volleyball at the WCCP’s Bob O’Halloran/Vice President sponsored tournament. Or, join me poolside to cheer for your favorite team while sipping on a frozen concoction Summit Consulting, LLC and listening to our favorite “industry friends” jill’s cashbox.
Lorie Dove/Secretary Each year as we begin our planning for next years conference, we are reminded that only through the generous Commercial Risk Management, Inc. support of our sponsors, the time and talents of our speakers, and the WCCP Board of Director’s that this program is made possible. We also recognize in today’s business climate, the decision that our attendees make to Victor Marrero/Director invest in their own leadership development is not a small sacrifice and for that we appreciate your commitment. Seminole Tribe As you attend the events and workshops this year, we hope you’ll consider the value this conference has for other Tom Chasser/Director managing claims and medical professionals within your organization and with whom you have relationships. Word Travelers Insurance Company of mouth is the strongest advertisement we can hope for, and the successes that we have achieved over the years are due in large measure to the recommendations of our attendees. We hope to continue the kind of programming Denice Ferencak/Director that gains your respect and brings you and your associates back again next year. Walt Disney World Resort
Sincerely,
Jackie Stacy
Jackie Hilston Stacy Hosman Regional Vice President Executive Director Zenith Insurance Company WCCP Association Chairperson of the Board WCCP Association
See our exciting Speaker line-up from Keynote to interactive break-out workshops!
Mark McEwen Journalist and popular television news personality, Mark McEwen, served for many years in a variety of high-profile positions, including anchoring "CBS This Morning" and as the weather and entertainment reporter for Sponsored by: "The Early Show."
Mark McEwen was at the top of his game, enjoying a fulfilling family life and career when tragedy struck. Now, in a candid and moving memoir, “Change in the Weather: After the Stroke” America’s beloved morning-show weatherman recalls his harrowing journey of rehabilitation from a massive stroke.
During this year’s Opening Keynote Session, Mark will inspire each of us on how we can use our own personal adversities to create positive change in our own lives.
Thank you to One Call Transportation & Language for providing roundtrip transportation for Mr. McEwen.
Ed Tate Ed Tate is a successful trainer, author, international Sponsored by: keynote speaker and executive known worldwide as “The Speaker Who Energizes, Educates and Entertains.” In one client’s testimony, Ed’s presentation was described as “The measure of a speech is in its ability to change behavior. Ed’s presentation challenged me to re-think some of my own responses, and made me want to change the way I do things.”
Join us as Ed jumpstarts our Tuesday schedule with a lot of laughter in this interactive presentation as he shares memorable stories of “leadership lessons learned the hard way.” Keynote & General Session Presentations
MONDAY, JUNE 9th
Opening Keynote: Change in the Weather” 9:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m. Mark McEwen, Inspirational Keynote Speaker
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. “Servant Leadership: Empowering Those Around You” Michael Laperche, Risk Manager, City of Tampa
TUESDAY, JUNE 10th
8:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. “Leadership Lessons Learned the Hard Way!” Ed Tate, Trainer and Author
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. “Accidents Waiting to Happen” Rick Dalrymple, Senior Vice President of IOA Risk Services
Susan Constantine WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11th Body Language Expert Closing Keynote: 8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. “Lie to Me” Body Language Expert, Susan Constantine
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Sunday, June 8th, 2014
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Golf Tournament Raptor Bay Golf Club—Hyatt Regency
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Conference Registration And... 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Chairman’s Welcome Reception Enjoy a relaxing evening of great food, drink and music as you Sponsored by: reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
Monday, June 9th, 2014
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Sponsored Breakfast & Conference Registration
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks/Fran Brown Scholarship Award & “Rising Star” Recognition Award Jackie Hilston, Chairperson, WCCP Stacy Hosman, Executive Director, WCCP
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (General Session) Keynote: “Change in the Weather” Mark McEwen, Inspirational Keynote Speaker As one of Mark’s friends, comedian Bill Cosby, wrote “Stroke can knock you down, but can’t change who you are”. Mark is a true testament to this and during this inspirational session, will share with us how he used his own personal challenge to make a difference in not only his own life, but in others.
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Sponsored Break
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (General Session) “Servant Leadership”: Empowering Those Around You Michael Laperche, Risk Manager, City of Tampa Servant leadership is both a leadership philosophy and set of leadership practices. Traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid.” By comparison, the servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. In this empowering session, learn how you can put these principles into action.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sponsored Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Workshops/Breakout Sessions (See workshop agenda next page)
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pick up your “official” WCCP Scavenger Private Cocktail Reception for Sponsors/Exhibitors Piece at the Private Sponsor Reception Banyan Courtyard for a chance to win a 50” LED (Come dressed casual to “get your game on” poolside at the sponsored 1080p, 240hz Smart TV volleyball tournament and Concert, immediately following the Reception)
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Volleyball Tournament & Outdoor Concert...featuring “jill’s cashbox” Enter the drawing to win a Hero3 GoPro that will be given away at Enjoy some R&R poolside as you cheer on your favorite team, rock out to the the end of the evening. “industries” most beloved band and consume a refreshing Island Cocktail. Throw in a few chicken wings and munchies and we have a party!
Sponsored by:
And…
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Sponsored Breakfast
8:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (General Session) “Manage Things, Lead People: “Leadership Lessons Learned the Hard Way!” Ed Tate, Trainer and Author Join us in this morning’s session as Ed mixes a lot of humor, and truth, as he shares his own experiences of “hard-knocks”. Ed will share valuable lessons learned about leadership during turbulent times, the actions which leaders must take when implementing or responding to change, and show you how to cope with the everyday turbulence in your own lives.
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Sponsored Break
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (General Session) “Accidents Waiting to Happen” Rick Dalrymple, Senior Vice President and Owner of IOA Risk Services In this information packed seminar, participants will learn about business risks, cost containment strategies and tools used by companies to become more profitable in this new economy. Breakout your notebooks as Rick outlines proven strategies from training and education, to Claims Management Procedures and Best Practices.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Scavenger Hunt Bingo Sponsored Lunch . 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Afternoon Workshops/Breakout Sessions Win... (See workshop agenda next page) 50” LED 1080p 240Hz Enjoy the Resort and an evening on your own to network Smart TV with clients’ and catch up with industry friends!
Wednesday, June 11th, 2014
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Sponsored Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. (General Session) “Lie to Me” Body Language Expert, Susan Constantine Who remembers the show Lie to Me starring Tim Roth as Dr. Cal Lightman? I know I was personally intrigued at how he could solve countless investigations by reading a raised eyebrow or bit lower lip. Join us in this exciting and interactive closing session with our very own Body Language Expert and trainer in Analytic Interviewing, Susan Constantine. Whether you are in management, sales, or the legal profession, in this workshop, you are sure to learn skills to give you a marked advantage in searching for the truth by exploring speech, voice, body and face patterns to establish rapport and gain control during mediation, the sales process, or with interviewing that next employee.
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Conference Door Prizes & Adjournment Stay seated a little while longer for a chance to win some fun sponsor give-a-ways and see who will be taking home the 50” LED 1080p 240Hz Smart TV, Bose SoundLink Mini, and 16GB Kindle Fire. (You Must be Present to Win)
11:00 a.m. - “5 Hour Law & Ethics Update” continuation Join us in Blue Heron as Barbi Feldman and Paul Westcott wrap up this years program with the completion of the 5 Hour Law & Ethics Update.
The WCCP Board of
Directors extends a special thank you to our Gold Conference Sponsors: WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE
Monday Workshops 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday Workshops 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
To Pay or Not to Pay, That is the (Appellate) Question! Wading through the SMART Act with the MARC Coalition For those of you who know George Kagan, you know that he is one of few On January 10, 2013 President Obama signed into law the Saving Medicare individuals who can make you laugh, while exploring the (arguably) erroneous and Repaying Taxpayers Act (SMART Act). Since then, what has really Order that just hit the wires. In this interactive workshop, George will take us changed for Claims Managers? And probably more important, what is yet to through the steps in evaluating whether your case is strong enough to weather come? In this session, Michele will take a close look at the Secondary Payer the ever changing wind directions from the 1st DCA. landscape and provide an overview of the policy implementation process and a Speaker: H. George Kagan, Esq, MKRS Law preview of emerging secondary payer issues that are sure to affect you! Speaker: Michele Adams, Director of Claims Management and Business What’s Causing Your “Pain in the Neck?” (1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m.) Strategies for Walt Disney World and Chair of the MARC Coalition The shoulder bone is connected to the neck bone. Ask any orthopedic upper extremity specialist and they will tell you, shoulder pain can be a real “pain in the Return-to-Work Programs and What They Mean To neck”. Or vice versa. Shoulder and neck (“Shneck”) injuries can be hard to You….and Your Injured Employee! differentiate and often produce similar symptoms, causing problems for the Join us as this team of experts establishes a shared perspective from claimant, adjuster, and physician alike. Join Brad and the respected physicians all stakeholders on the merits of a Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work of Orlando Orthopedic Center, Dr. Lawrence Halperin and Dr. Steven Weber, Program. This session is sure to be quite interactive as our panel and learn the interplay between upper extremity and cervical injuries in workers’ addresses how the perceived benefits of a RTW program vary compensation claims. depending on one’s role in the SAW/RTW process. So, bring your wish Speakers: Brad Hall, Esq., Morgan Indek, Esq.,Partners, Eraclides, Gelman, list for what would make the system better as our diverse panel Hall, Indek, Goodman & Waters; Lawrence Halperin, MD and Steven Weber, addresses the challenges inherent in keeping employees productive MD., Orlando Orthopedic Center throughout their recovery process. Speakers: Moderator: Sherrie S. Goldsmith, Risk and Marketing Strategist, Sunshine Approach; Gary Richman, MD; Pam Webb, Risk Administrator, City of Monday Workshops 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Boynton Beach; Melanie Stanisic, Workers’ Compensation Manager, Darden Restaurants; Robert Bennett, Esq., Sponsler, Bennett, Jacobs & Adams, PA “So, This Isn’t a Workers’ Compensation Claim?” The Ins and Outs of Longshore, Jones Act, and Employer’s Liability Claims Join Rob as he discusses the jurisdictional thresholds and interplay between the Drop your name in the fish bowl at the WCCP Longshore Act and Jones Act, and the benefits available to the injured Registration Desk at the end of Monday and worker. This workshop will also provide an overview of other Employer Liability Tuesday’s afternoon workshops for a chance to related matters impacting Florida employers, including exceptions to win a… Workers’ Compensation immunity and claims arising under Section 905(b) of the Longshore Act. 16GB Kindle Fire Speaker: Robert L. Bamdas, Esq, Partner, Kelley Kronenberg; Eric J. Stockel, Esq., Kelley Kronenberg
And.... Tuesday Workshops 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Bose SoundLink Mini “HR - In Jeopardy” Question: Caspers Company is the Owner/Operator of what restaurant franchise? Answer: Who is McDonald’s. Be honest, we all know there is a small part of all of us who are “closet” Jeopardy Champions. Join Ed in this lively workshop where he will provide an update on Human Resource news and changes including the Affordable Health Care Act. This workshop gives you a chance to test your HR knowledge and earn fun prizes in the process. It is all “WCCP Rising Star done in fun with "a wink and a nod" toward learning the latest knowledge in a difficult and challenging area. What can you do and say to your staff and still be Recognition Award” Join "legal?" How will the 2015 Employer Mandate affect your company? You mean us Monday morning to there is more than just Family and Medical Leave I have to deal with? The answer to these and many more questions will be all part of "HR - In Jeopardy." congratulate this year’s Speaker: Ed Shaw, Executive VP, HR, Caspers Company winner!
“Strategy Session - Don’t Lose the Intoxication Defense before the Accident Happens” The intoxication defense can be a powerful tool … but not without pitfalls. Evidence-based, pre-emptive planning can be critical to making it work. Join this session for an evidence-based approach to developing a strategy for the early stages of intoxication cases. You will hear from a defense practitioner and medical expert to assist in training your team and clients to be prepared in building and preserving this defense. Speakers: Paul L. Westcott, Esq., Partner, Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott, P.A; Mark R. Montgomery, Forensic Toxicologist, University of South Florida
CONFERENCE EVENTS
Chairman’s Welcome Reception **Entertainment** in the Calusa Ballroom and Terrace for the Chairman’s Reception Sunday Evening, 6:30 - 9:30 pm provided by: Bay Breeze brought to you by:
And Sponsored by:
And..
Enjoy the Sounds of soft Jazz and R&B while you connect with old friends and new acquaintances!
Don’t Miss Out...Meet us on the Cypress Courtyard A PArty’s Not A PArty...
Without your favorite cocktails and “football” food Monday Afternoon 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thanks to Volleyball Tournament And
& Concert featuring jill’s cashbox For Making this Party Complete Brought to you by... Stick around for your chance to win a Hero3 GoPro
And
Fran Brown Scholarship Award & Sponsors
This year we are once again proud to announce two winners of the The Fran Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund awards Fran Brown Memorial Scholarship Award. academic scholarships to graduating high school seniors of WCCP members who have solid records of academic Christine Pu Benjamin Wolfe and civic achievement and have been enrolled in a two or four year college or university. Scholarships are made possible through the generous support and financial contributions of WCCP members and sponsors. Special recognition is given this year to the following firms and companies for their generous contributions in support of the Fran Brown Scholarship Fund:
Christine is the daughter of WCCP member, Rebecca Hamilton of Gainesville, FL, and Benjamin is the son of WCCP member, John Wolfe of Ocoee, FL. and...
Congratulations, Christine and Ben! We wish you all the best! SPEAKER BIO’S
MICHELE ADAMS is the Director of Claims Management and Business Strategies at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. With over twenty years of industry experience, she has spent the last eighteen at Walt Disney World where she blends claim management, data analytics, and technology expertise. Michele leads a team of over eighty Cast Members who manage all aspects of the Company’s claim management program, including Workers’ Compensation and General Liability claims, as well as Compliance and Auditing, and Business Insight and Support. She considers her work both challenging and very rewarding. Michele serves as the Chair of the Medicare Advocacy and Recovery Coalition; is the Director of Membership for the Central Florida Chapter of RIMS; serves on committees for the Florida Advisory and National Advisory boards for the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute; and serves as Secretary of the Board of the Florida Self Insured Guaranty Association. She is a member of the Florida Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Coalition and the Florida Association of Self-Insured/Self-Administered Employers. Michele is a graduate of Rollins College and received her Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in International Studies from Rollins College, Crummer School of Business in Winter Park. Michele is a native Floridian and when she is not working, enjoys spending time with her family.
ROBERT BAMDAS is a Partner in West Palm Beach office of Kelley Kronenberg, focusing his practice on the defense of claims arising under the Defense Base Act (DBA), the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Section 905(b) and the Jones Act. Additionally, Robert handles matters involving General Maritime Law, Maritime Subrogation, War Hazards and Special Fund Reimbursement, Foreign Voluntary Insurance issues, catastrophic injury claims, occupational exposure/disease cases, and complex marine and international coverage issues. Robert is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, which indicates a demonstration of the highest professional and ethical standards and is the highest rating a lawyer can receive.
ROBERT B. BENNETT is a graduate of the University of South Florida, cum laude, and Stetson University College of Law, cum laude. While at Stetson, he was a member of the Law Review. His entire legal career has been dedicated to the defense of insurance carriers and employers in workers’ compensation claims. He is a certified instructor through The Association of Workers’ Compensation Claims Professionals and the Florida Department of Insurance, has authored articles regarding workers’ compensation, and has lectured about workers’ compensation and social security on many occasions. He is a member of The Florida Bar, Hillsborough County Bar Association and is also a member of the Workers’ Compensation Section of each bar association.
SUSAN CONSTANTINE is an independent media analyst sitting in on every big trial (Casey Anthony, Zimmerman, Michael Jackson, etc.), she also is an adviser and teaches judges and trial lawyers on listening skills and reading body and facial language. She does sales training for fortune 500 companies, training sales and marketing executives on how to read their prospects during the sales process and adjust their sales strategy accordingly. She works with HR departments on interviewing and teaches rapport building skills and active listening.
RICK DALRYMPLE is an owner and Senior Vice President of IOA Risk Services, a risk management and insurance brokerage firm whose clients serve a vast array of industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, retail, wholesale and professional sports teams. With over 30 offices coast-to-coast, his company has taught CEOs in over 300 industries how to lower the number and cost of insurance claims. He consults nationally with many CEOs, risk professionals and administrative executives on how to lower their “Total Cost of Risk”. His 40,000+ hours of experience consulting are visible in the results his clients receive. His clients experience double-digit reductions in employee turnover, claim costs and frequency after implementing their “PX4” process in as little as 6 to 12 months. Rick has served as a keynote speaker for numerous associations and is transforming businesses all over the country with his message on how to avoid, minimize, or eliminate business risk that impact profitability. IOA is the official insurance broker for such teams as the Orlando Magic, San Francisco 49ers, & the Jacksonville Jaguars, to name a few. Rick is a published author of an Amazon “Best-Selling” book entitled: Accidents Waiting to Happen: Best Practices in Workers’ Comp Administration and Protecting Corporate Profitability.
BARBI L. FELDMAN is a partner with Vecchio, Carrier, Feldman & Johannessen. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996 from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she majored in Theatre and Business Administration. Ms. Feldman graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington in May 1999, and became licensed to practice law in Florida in October 1999. As a law student, Ms. Feldman obtained a Rule 9 Limited License to Practice Law in Washington State in 1997, which enabled her to work as an attorney in Washington and gain significant experience in civil, criminal and administrative courts. She also clerked for a Superior Court Judge in Spokane County Washington, where she dealt with administrative appeals and all court proceedings. Ms. Feldman’s practice is comprised of insurance defense litigation, representing carriers in first party property claims, automobile negligence actions, products liability actions, workers’ compensation actions, and premises liability claims in the state circuit courts. She also represents clients in complex business and commercial litigation, construction litigation, and workers’ compensation defense. She has appeared in all levels of the state courts and is admitted to the Federal Bar of the Middle District of Florida. Ms. Feldman is a member of the Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar, the Appellate Section of the Florida Bar, and the Labor & Employment Law Section of the Florida Bar. She is a member of the Florida Association for Defense Lawyers and is an active member in the legal and local community. Ms. Feldman is a certified instructor for continuing education credits for adjusters and nurse case managers by the Property & Casualty Claims Professional Association, Workers’ Compensation Claims Professional Association, and the Department of Insurance. She is also a Supreme Court Certified Mediator for Civil, County, Appellate, and Foreclosure actions.
SHERRIE S. GOLDSMITH is the President of the Florida Stay at Work Consortium, a non-profit interdisciplinary, stakeholder group made up of employers, clinicians, and claims/ benefit administrators (TPA’s) etc., who collaboratively support & promote the conclusions and evidence that optimal function & productivity is good for maintaining health and preventing illness &/or disability. She is also the Risk and Marketing Strategist with The SunshineApproach, assisting businesses and organizations with contract negotiations, marketing strategies, business plans, RFP's, and benefit consulting.
BRAD HALL is a founding partner of Eraclides, Gelman, Hall, Indek, Goodman & Waters, LLC, and has been a practicing attorney in Sarasota since 1992. Mr. Hall received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky in 1985 and his Juris Doctorate from Mercer Law School in 1992. He has concentrated his practice in the field of workers’ compensation law, representing employers, carrier, and servicing agents throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Hall is a member of the Georgia Bar and Florida Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Mr. Hall is a frequent lecturer on workers’ compensation issues and has written articles for publication in the News and 440 Report. He is also a Fellow of The Florida Bar Foundation.
LAWRENCE S. HALPERIN, M.D. is an orthopedic hand surgeon with Orlando Orthopaedic Center in Orlando, FL. Dr. Halperin was born in Brooklyn, NY and earned his B.S degree, magna cum laude with honors in biological chemistry, at Tulane University in New Orleans. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Epsilon Delta (national honor societies) and was named a Tulane Scholar. After graduation, he returned to Brooklyn and earned his M.D. degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center’s College of Medicine. He completed his internship in general surgery and an orthopaedic residency at the State University Health Sciences Center and Kings County Medical Center in Brooklyn. He also completed a one-year fellowship in hand surgery at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of SUNY’s Health Sciences Center in Syracuse, NY. Dr. Halperin is a member of the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association and the Orange County Medical Society. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgery of the Hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He is a member of the Orlando Regional Orthopaedic Medical Economic and Outcome Committee and served on Congressman Feeney’s Healthcare Advisory Panel.
SPEAKER BIO’S
MORGAN A. INDEK received his Bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College in 1995 and his law degree from Barry University School of Law in 2002 where he was recognized with the Faculty Award at graduation. While in law school, Mr. Indek worked for CNA Insurance as a National Accounts lead underwriter in employee benefits. Mr. Indek has served as a litigation manager handling ERISA claims, including Short and Long Term Disability, AD&D, and Life Insurance litigation. Since 2002, Mr. Indek has been practicing in the area of workers’ compensation defense. He has handled more than 50 Merit Hearings, with trials before all of the judges in Orlando, Daytona, Melbourne, Gainesville, Lakeland, Port St. Lucie, and Jacksonville Districts. Mr. Indek has successfully represented clients in several appeals to the First District Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Florida Bar (Workers’ Compensation Section). Mr. Indek is a certified instructor in Workers' Compensation by the Florida Department of Financial Services.
H. GEORGE KAGAN was named among the "Top 100" Florida Super Lawyers for two years and included among Florida Super Lawyers for the last seven. In 2012 he received Martindale-Hubbell’s 30th Anniversary “AV- Preeminent” rating and has for seventeen years seen continuous inclusion in Best Lawyers in America. He is also immediate past chair of the national Workers’ Compensation Committee of DRI: Voice of the Defense Bar, where he inaugurated the National Workers' Compensation Review, now in its 4th year. In 2010 George was inducted into the American Bar Association's College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers, and his firm, Miller Kagan Rodriguez & Silver was designated as one of the nation’s ‘Best Law Firms’ by US News and World Report from 2010 to 2012. In January 2012, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Hall of Fame. George previously served as the Chair of The Florida Bar’s Workers' Compensation Section, during which term he founded and served as Editor-in-Chief (for 7 years) of the News and 440 Report. He served as Executive Committee member of the section for 12 years and was appointed by the president of the Florida Bar as Workers' Compensation Rules Committee Chair and also as Vice Chair of its inaugural Workers' Compensation Board Certification Committee. He has also served as Steering Committee member of the National Workers’ Compensation Institute (formerly FWCI) for over 20 years. George was appointed by the Chief Judge of Florida's 15th Judicial Circuit, the renowned Jack Cook, as his successor as President of the Craig S. Barnard Chapter of the American Inns Of Court, 1994-1995. He was selected by Florida's First District Court of Appeal as its district-wide "attorney-representative" to the Conference of State District and Supreme Courts, 1999. In 2004 he was invited to speak at the annual meeting of the Florida Bar at a special memorial ceremony honoring the memory and professionalism of the late Miami-Dade Circuit and Florida 3rd District Court of Appeal Judge – but originally Judge of Compensation Claims -- Wilke D. Ferguson. George received his B.A. from the University of South Florida in 197 and his J.D. degree from the University of Miami in 1975.
MICHAEL LAPERCHE joined the City of Tampa, the 3rd largest city in Florida and 53rd largest in the United States as Risk Manager. Mike has over 27 years of Safety, Risk, and Benefits & Insurance Program experience in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. In his role with the City, Mike’s team is responsible for the Administration of the City's safety program, planning, procurement, and administration of the City’s benefits and self-insurance programs for general liability, police liability, auto liability and Workers’ Compensation. Mike is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a B.S. in Chemistry and The University of South Florida (USF) with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). His extensive community involvement includes volunteering for numerous boards and committees with the Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida, Boy Scouts of America, Boy Scout Troop 339, Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Christian Social Services of Land O’ Lakes, Cub Scout Pack 339, The Salvation Army National Risk Management Committee, and The Clothes Closet of Tampa.
MARK MCEWEN, Journalist and popular television news personality, served for many years in a variety of high-profile positions, including anchoring "CBS This Morning" and serving as weather and entertainment reporter for "The Early Show." He was also a correspondent on the CBS News show, "48 Hours." From "The Morning Program" to "CBS This Morning," Mark was a mainstay on the CBS early news since first joining the network in 1987. He anchored with a unique flair and snagged a Who's Who of celebrity interviews. In 1995, Mark was named one of this country's "Ten Most Trusted TV News Personalities" in a TV Guide survey. Some of the prominent newsmakers Mark has interviewed are former President Bill Clinton, former President George H.W. Bush, former President Gerald Ford, Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Sidney Poitier, Paul McCartney, Jim Carrey, Garth Brooks, Whoopi Goldberg, Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Joni Mitchell among others. In 2005, Mark suffered a stroke and has written a book, "Change In The Weather," (Foreword by Bill Cosby) about that experience and his recovery. The book was nominated for the prestigious Books For A Better Life Award. Mark has served as ambassador for The American Heart Association's "Power To End Stroke"campaign and is an advocate for the cause. He has spoken at The International Stroke Conference and speaks around the country sharing his personal journey. In 2011, he was the host for the first annual RAISE awards (which recognize excellence in stroke awareness) for The National Stroke Association. They have featured his story, numerous times, as the cover story for the National Stroke Magazine.
MARK R. MONTGOMERY, Ph.D, is a Forensic Toxicologist and an Adjunct Full Professor of Toxicology at the University of South Florida. Dr. Montgomery previously held positions as a Professor of Pharmacology and of Toxicology, and Director of the Pulmonary-Toxicology Research at the V.A. Hospital. Dr. Montgomery testifies on the toxicology/ disease causation relationship; the principles of formulating, conducting and interpreting toxicological studies; and evaluates past cigarette smoke-effect studies. Dr. Montgomery has qualified as an expert in forensic and medical/legal toxicology over 100 times in state and federal courts; he has lectured by invitation throughout the world; he lists nine bibliography chapters and reviews and 53 published research manuscripts.
GARY M. RICHMAN, M.D is Board Certified in both Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology. His area of expertise is treating pain of the neck, back, joints, and extremities using interventional pain management techniques in his practice at Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County. These include Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Epidural steroid injections, Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Facet Injections, Radiofrequency Lesioning (Rhizotomy), Peripheral Nerve Blocks, Trigger Point Injections, Discography, Spinal Cord Stimulator Trials, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, and Major Joint Injections. After graduating from Hobart College and S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo School of Medicine, Dr. Richman completed residencies in both Internal Medicine / Pediatrics at S.U.N.Y at Buffalo Affilliated Hospitals, as well as Anesthesiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. In addition, he completed a Pediatric Anesthesia Fellowship at St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He has practiced Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology in South Florida since 1995. Dr. Richman is an active member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Florida Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, International Spinal Injection Society, Florida Medical Association, and Society for Pediatric Anesthesiology. In addition, he sits on the Board of Directors of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists and is a Florida Delegate to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
ED SHAW has been employed with Caspers Company McDonald’s Restaurants since 1972, Ed served in restaurant operations before moving into the leadership of personnel in 1978. He was promoted to Vice President in 1987, Senior Vice President in 1996 and Executive Vice President in 1999. Ed heads both the Human Resources and the Risk Management departments for Caspers Company. His duties include human resource consulting, compensation and benefit design and representing the company in legal matters. He also oversees the purchase of all insurance coverage lines and manages the self-insured programs for Workers’ Compensation and Group Health. He has been a certified McDonald’s Training Instructor since 1979. Ed has a BA from the University of South Florida in Secondary Education and a Bachelors of “Hamburgerology” from McDonald’s Hamburger University in Oak Brook, IL (the degree that counts the most). Caspers Company, operated by Blake Casper and Allison Casper Adams, has 51 locations in the Tampa Bay area. The company was founded in 1958 by Fritz Casper and is the largest McDonald’s franchise in Florida, and one of the largest independently owned McDonald’s franchises in America. Caspers Company has 3,500 employees
MELANIE STANISIC, AIC, ARM is the current Claims Manager for Darden Restaurants. Melanie is a Risk, Insurance & Claims Management professional with 15 years’ experience directing and managing complex corporate global programs. Proven experience in Vendor Management, Multi-lines Claims/Litigation Management, Budget/Cost Center Management, Loss Reserve Analysis, Project Management and Process Review Improvement. Her prior positions include Director of Claims at North American Risk Services and a Senior Claims Manager with HD Supply, Inc. Melanie also serves on the WCCP Association’s Board of Directors.
SPEAKER BIO’S
ERIC J. STOCKEL is an Attorney in the firm of Kelley Kronenberg, focusing his practice on the defense of claims arising under Admiralty and Maritime Law, including General Maritime law, as well as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Eric represents employers and insurance carriers in all aspects of claims arising under the LHWCA and its extensions, the Defense Base Act and the Non-Appropriated Funds Instrumentality Act, as well as related maritime civil cases such as those brought under the Jones Act and Suits in Admiralty Act. He is an experienced civil litigator who handles the defense of a wide array of general liability matters in the areas of premises liability, product liability, property damage, and negligence.
ED TATE is a successful trainer, author, international keynote speaker and executive known worldwide as “the speaker who energizes, educates and entertains.” As a trainer, Ed launched his career with Career Track, formerly one of the largest seminar companies in the world, where he was frequently requested and booked for over 100 dates per year. Later, he became the Training Executive for the Denver Rocky Mountain News where he established a training department with over 27 programs and 1,100 employee-attendees each year. In 2001, Ed led a transition team to merge the 145-year-old “Rocky” with its 125-year-old rival, The Denver Post, in a deal that involved more than 5,000 people. Ed’s success in business has spanned more than two decades. For 14 years, he was a successful national account executive selling over $500 million in products and services to corporations and entrepreneurs throughout the United States. He co-created two business units that produced over $1.25 billion in revenue. Since 1998, Ed has been principal of Ed Tate & Associates, LLC, a professional development firm that provides keynote and endnote presentations and workshops, as well as in-person and do-it-yourself tools and expertise on Leadership, Executive Presentation Skills, The Challenges of Change, Management, and Sales Presentation Skills.
PAM WEBB serves as the Risk Manager for the City of Boynton Beach where she oversees the risk and claims management departments. Her expertise includes workers’ compensation managed care with additional experience in property, auto, and general liability.
STEVEN E. WEBER, D.O. is a native of Michigan, Dr. Weber attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, where he received a BS degree in Biology. He earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing MI. He remained there to complete his internship and Orthopaedic Residency at Michigan State University. Following his residency, Dr. Weber completed a Reconstructive Spinal Surgery Fellowship with the University of Florida, in Gainesville, FL. While at the University of Florida, he also served as an Associate Clinical Instructor in the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation. He has been published within the field of Orthopaedics and has presented his research at several national Orthopaedic meetings, including the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedics. Dr. Weber specializes in Spinal Reconstruction, Minimally Invasive Spinal Techniques, and General Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Weber joined Orlando Orthopaedic Center in 2001.
PAUL WESTCOTT graduated from Florida Southern College in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science. Paul then went onto graduate from Stetson University College of Law in 1988. He served as a member of the Stetson University Law Review. In 1997 Paul opened the Treasure Coast office for Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott. Paul has been practicing in workers’ compensation defense for in excess of twenty years. He has been board certified in workers’ compensation since 1999 and has enjoyed the privilege of speaking on a wide range of workers’ compensation related topics.
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
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CONFERENCE SPONSORS
Thank you to all of our conference sponsors for their continued support!
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
Thank you to all of our conference sponsors for their continued support!