Madison, WI – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson recently announced the appointment of BJ Dernbach as the new Administrator of the Division of Worker’s Compensation (WC). Dernbach moves to the role from the position of DWD’s Legislative Liaison, which he has held for close to two years.
“BJ’s background, experience and knowledge will be assets to the Worker’s Compensation Division as it continues to align Division-wide priorities with the agency’s mission, vision and strategic goals,” Secretary Newson said.
Before joining DWD, Dernbach worked in the Legislature for nearly eight years, including for State Rep. Dan Knodl, where he worked closely on a host of workforce development and labor issues such as worker’s compensation. Dernbach also was an aide to former state Rep. J.A. “Doc” Hines from 2006-2010.
Dernbach earned his Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government with a minor in Communication from Ripon College and holds a Masters of Public Affairs degree from the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs. He succeeds former WC Division Administrator Delora Newton, who recently moved to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as Administrator.
The WC Division administers programs designed to ensure that injured workers receive required benefits from insurers or self-insured employers; encourage rehabilitation and reemployment for injured workers; and promote the reduction of work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
Source: WI DWD