Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) recently announced the resignation of Executive Director Kim Bailey. Bailey will be leaving her position to accept a critical role elsewhere in state government, to be announced at a later date. Bailey said,
“I have worked with the WCC in various roles since its inception, and watched it develop as an extraordinarily efficient state agency. I believe I am leaving the WCC in a good place where it can continue to successfully implement the reforms passed by the Legislature. I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring my management skills to my new position.”
The WCC is an administrative agency responsible for handling claims of injured workers. The administrative system took effect Feb. 1, 2014.
Executive Director Bailey started as the General Counsel to the Workers’ Compensation Commission in 2014. By June of 2015 she accepted the role of Executive Director in addition to her duties as General Counsel. During her tenure, Bailey oversaw development of a streamlined management structure, initiated electronic data interchange which will greatly reduce paper forms, and replacement of an antiquated case management system.
Since the legislative reforms implementing the commission, filing of claims has dropped almost 50%, more cases are handled without costly trials, and premiums for state employers have dropped more than 30%.
Shortly after this announcement, the Commissioners selected an interim Executive Director, Administrative Law Judge Patricia Sommer. Judge Sommer will temporarily step aside from her position as an ALJ in order to take on the responsibilities of the interim appointment. As interim Executive Director, Judge Sommer will supervise the various offices and divisions of the Commission, including administrative and support staff. In addition to nearly four years on the bench, Patricia Sommer brings to the position over 20 years of experience in workers’ compensation law and administration. Judge Sommer states,
“I am honored by the Commission’s faith in my ability to undertake this role. Kim is leaving the position in a very good state of affairs, and I am confident in my ability to continue our successes in the role of interim Executive Director.”
Commission Chairman Mark Liotta added, “Kim Bailey has been central to the development of the new Workers’ Compensation Commission and it will be difficult to lose such a talent. She has been presented a significant opportunity for her professional growth and to demonstrate her exceptional skills in another role. I wish her well.” He continued, “Looking forward for the Commission, I have complete confidence in the abilities and experience of Patricia Sommer to accomplish a seamless and efficient transition as interim Executive Director. We are in good hands.”
Source: OK WCC