October 2009

Former Department Administrative Law Judge Receives National Honor

Ron Harris is Bestowed the IAIABC Committee Member Recognition Award

Every year, the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) recognizes committee leaders and members for outstanding dedication and commitment to furthering the mission and vision of the Association. At its Annual Convention and Medical Institute Annual Banquet on Sept. 24, 2009, four committee members and leaders were conferred awards for their efforts. A former Labor Department Administrative Law Judge was among those honored.

Ron Harris, a recent retiree from the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation in Jefferson City, received the IAIABC Committee Member Recognition Award, which was presented to three dedicated committee members for their achievements in developing a specialized training program in alternative dispute resolution for the organization.

The other honorees were David Cicola of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and Mark McCrea of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. The trio took on the difficult responsibility of developing an agenda, training format, and timeline; creating a curriculum and training materials; and engaging instructors from member jurisdictions. The program they worked so hard to develop is now a model for future training programs of its kind.

The IAIABC appreciates the dedication each member has shown to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of workers’ compensation systems throughout the world.