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WCI’s Board of Advisors play a significant role in the educational conference’s success. The Board provides strategic guidance, fundraising support, expertise contributions, and program review and feedback.
WCI is thrilled to announce Irina Simpson has joined the Board of Advisors. Irina is Executive Vice President, Workers’ Compensation for Gallagher Bassett. A seasoned executive, she has led national, multi-line claims and client service operations and most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer. Known for her strategic leadership and operational excellence, Irina is passionate about developing talent, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of engagement, innovation, and continuous improvement.
“It is an honor to be welcomed to this impressive Board of Advisors with such a distinguished group of industry leaders. WCI has long been known as an exceptional forum for collaboration, thought leadership, and bringing together diverse and innovative perspectives for our industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to join, contribute to the progress that has already been made, and to support the important mission of this organization.“
— Irina Simpson
Each year, conference attendees eagerly await the big reveal of our Monday Night Reception entertainment—and the wait is officially over! Get ready for an unforgettable night as music icon Bret Michaels takes the stage to deliver a high-energy performance of all killer smash hits for an event you don’t want to miss.
Whether he’s selling out stadiums or headlining hit TV shows, Bret Michaels has brought his iconic energy and star power to over three generations of loyal fans. As one of music’s most legendary singers and songwriters, Michaels counts Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Go That Far, Nothing But A Good Time and Something To Believe In as part of his robust catalog of mega-hits. On television, Michaels’ shows include the record-breaking enduring hit Rock of Love with Bret Michaels and a recent turn as the audience-favorite Banana in Fox’s hit The Masked Singer. As a well-known creative entrepreneur, Bret took his Celebrity Apprentice-winning Trop-A-Rocka Iced Tea and turned it into a bestselling global product for Snapple. Michaels still finds time to give back through his Life Rocks Foundation which supports a myriad of charities & causes around the globe.
WCI is proud to continue its meaningful philanthropic partnership with Give Kids The World (GKTW), reaffirming a longstanding commitment to giving back to families in need. In 2025 alone, the WCI community raised more than $165,000 for Give Kids The World Village, bringing WCI’s 12-year cumulative total to more than $1.36 million. This remarkable achievement reflects the generosity and compassion of WCI members, sponsors, and conference attendees, whose support continues to grow year after year.
“As we launch the 2026 campaign, we are incredibly proud of the impact our community has made through this partnership. The support shown year after year demonstrates the heart of WCI. Together, we are not only raising funds but also creating moments of joy and hope for families who truly deserve it. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.“
— Andrew Sabolic, Executive Director, WCI
Spirit to Serve
WCI’s commitment to Give Kids The World is led by the Spirit to Serve Committee, which plays a vital role in organizing fundraising initiatives, service opportunities, and special events throughout the year.
“It is a privilege to continue serving as Chair of the Spirit to Serve Committee. Our volunteers and sponsors bring incredible energy and passion to this cause, and their dedication is what makes these efforts so impactful. The 2026 events are shaping up to be truly special, and we’re excited to invite our community to be part of it.“
— Doug Clark, Chair of WCI’s Spirit to Serve Committee
2026 Give Back Gala
One of the highlights of the campaign will be the WCI 2026 Give Back Gala & Silent Auction: Putting On The Ritz, taking place on Saturday, August 22 at Orlando World Center Marriott. Attendees can look forward to an evening of celebration, entertainment, and philanthropy, all in support of Give Kids The World.
Get Involved
As workplaces navigate 2026, workers’ compensation and risk management professionals are confronting an increasingly complex landscape shaped by AI adoption, digital transformation, dispersed worksites, evolving health policy, rising costs, and compounding risks—from cyber threats to natural disasters. Those who successfully adapt to these challenges while protecting workers, strengthening organizations, and advancing a shared business mission exemplify excellence in the field and deserve to be recognized.
Now open for nominations, PropertyCasualty360’s 2026 Workers’ Comp Risk Management Award for Excellence will honor three standout workers’ compensation risk management programs that demonstrate innovation and measurable impact. Presented in partnership with The Workers’ Compensation Institute, and supported by Sedgwick and Safety National, this longstanding award celebrates high-performing programs that elevate prevention, collaboration, and improved outcomes for injured workers.
The application deadline is May 15, 2026.
Kids’ Chance of America (KCOA), in partnership with the Workers Compensation Institute (WCI®), is launching Kids’ Chance WORKS, a new initiative designed to prepare students affected by workplace injury or death for life after high school. Building on KCOA’s legacy of awarding more than 11,000 scholarships since 1988, WORKS expands the organization’s impact beyond financial aid to include career exploration, workforce readiness, and long-term planning.
WORKS will serve students in KCOA’s Planning for the Future pipeline and scholarship recipients by providing tools, guidance, and connections to pursue a wide range of post-secondary pathways—college, apprenticeships, skills training, military service, or direct entry into the workforce. Special emphasis will be placed on careers in, across, and adjacent to the workers’ compensation industry, leveraging students’ lived experiences and interest in shaping its future.
Guided by three core principles—Student First, Community Centered, and Workforce Centered—the program will offer individualized support, create an alumni advisory council, and build a national network of career and mentorship opportunities.
To launch and grow the initiative, KCOA is receiving a minimum $100,000 investment over five years from WCI®. This partnership will enable program development, national collaboration, and long-term innovation, helping ensure that every Kids’ Chance student graduates high school with both a plan and the support needed to succeed.
“Kids’ Chance has always focused on removing financial barriers to education, but students also need direction, exposure and connection as they plan their futures. Through WCI’s partnership, Kids’ Chance WORKS will give our students the tools to discover their passions, explore real career options and graduate high school with confidence and purpose. This investment will shape the next generation of leaders while strengthening the entire Kids’ Chance movement.”
“WCI is proud to partner with Kids’ Chance to launch a program that aligns opportunity with impact. Kids’ Chance WORKS will empower students impacted by a parent’s work-related injury or death to build fulfilling careers while strengthening the pipeline of talent connected to the workers’ compensation community. We believe this initiative will create lasting benefits for students, families and our industry.”
“The Workers’ Compensation Institute has a rich history of making significant contributions to the education and advancement of the Workers’ Compensation industry,” said Mike Hessling. “I am also proud that our conference provides financial support for many incredible nonprofit organizations.”
“Our commitment to Kids’ Chance WORKS brings these two passions together, providing meaningful workplace readiness and mentorship opportunities for students whose families have been impacted by workplace injuries. This is truly a tremendous partnership for WCI, KCOA and our industry.”
The Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) is pleased to announce that Daymond John — Founder & CEO of FUBU, star of ABC’s Shark Tank, CEO of The Shark Group, and best‑selling author — will headline the Opening Session of the 2026 Workers’ Compensation Educational, Safety, and Health Conference on Monday, August 24.
“We are honored to welcome Daymond John as our 2026 Keynote Speaker. His story of resilience, creativity, and determination embodies the spirit of innovation we strive to champion within the workers’ compensation community. Our attendees will benefit tremendously from his perspective on leadership, strategy, and building opportunities in any environment. He is a true reflection of our Bold Ideas and Big Impact conference theme.“
— Andrew Sabolic, Executive Director, WCI
About Daymond John
An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, John’s journey began when he took out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s home to launch his business from their basement. From those humble beginnings, he built FUBU into a global lifestyle brand with more than $6 billion in product sales. Over his career he has earned more than 35 major awards, including Brandweek’s Marketer of the Year, Advertising Age’s Marketing 1000 Award, Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year, and a top‑five placement on LinkedIn’s Top 20 Voices list.
John is also the CEO of The Shark Group, a consulting firm that helps companies shape powerful marketing strategies, connect with celebrity partnerships, and engage consumers in innovative ways. He is the author of multiple best‑selling books including The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). His sixth book, Powershift, explores his proven approach to negotiating, transforming challenges, and achieving breakthrough outcomes.
Celebrating his 11th season on the Emmy‑winning business show Shark Tank, John continues to inspire millions of weekly viewers with his entrepreneurial insight and marketing expertise.
About the WCI Conference
The Workers’ Compensation Educational, Safety, and Health Conference is one of the nation’s largest gatherings dedicated to advancing education, safety, health, and professional excellence within the workers’ compensation industry. Thousands of professionals from across the country attend each year to learn, collaborate, and engage with leading voices in the field.
It is possible that you may receive phone calls, emails or see websites from unaffiliated organizations and individuals who claim to be acting on behalf of WCI and offering assistance with booking a hotel room for the conference. Please be aware that WCI has not authorized any external groups or individuals to contact you for hotel reservations.
You may also be contacted by entities claiming to possess conference attendee lists including email addresses and which are available for purchase. WCI does not provide conference attendee lists containing individual email addresses to external parties.
To Protect Yourself:
- Do not share personal or financial information, including credit card details, with unauthorized solicitors.
- Only follow the official hotel booking instructions provided directly by WCI.
- Be aware that booking through unknown or unofficial providers may result in fraudulent charges or invalid reservations.
If you receive any suspicious or unauthorized solicitation, please report it immediately to info@wci360.com.
Each year, WCI unveils a conference theme that reflects a key element of the workers’ compensation community. The theme connects to our Keynote Speaker, shapes the experience of our Monday Night Reception, and inspires exhibitors as they bring creativity and excitement to the Exhibit Hall.
We are proud to share our 2026 Conference theme: WCI Goes Glam – Bold Ideas & Big Impact
“WCI is thrilled to announce this year’s conference theme: WCI Goes Glam – Bold Ideas & Big Impact. The conference brings together all segments of the workers’ compensation industry. Each year, cutting-edge ideas are born here. New services and products are showcased. The workers’ compensation industry is very competitive and filled with many talented leaders, and the theme is a testament to the people who generate solutions to make the industry grow and thrive.”
— Andrew Sabolic, Executive Director, WCI
The Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI®) continues to serve as a leading educational resource for professionals across the workers’ compensation industry. Through its commitment to education, collaboration, and innovation, WCI fosters growth and strengthens the entire community.
Our flagship event, the Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, remains the largest gathering of its kind in the nation, bringing together thousands of professionals for four days of learning, networking, and charitable giving.
February 27, 2026 · 8:30–4:00 · First District Court of Appeal · Tallahassee, FL
Join us in Tallahassee for a full-day educational program, A Matter of Perspective: Workers’ Compensation Winter Seminar 2026, hosted at the Florida First District Court of Appeal.
Panels will feature Judges of Compensation Claims from Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee.
This seminar is presented free of charge to attorneys, legal staff, and adjusters.
WCI is excited to announce that we are now accepting session and speaker proposals for the WCI 2026 Conference! Each year, we are inspired by the incredible response from our community and the wealth of ideas submitted. Your contributions are what make our event exceptional.
Our attendees consistently tell us that the quality, diversity, and relevance of our educational content are the top reasons they return year after year. For 2026, we are committed to delivering fresh, thought-provoking, and practical topics that reflect the evolving landscape of our industry and provide real value to participants.
If you have a unique perspective, innovative ideas, or expertise that can spark meaningful conversations, we invite you to submit your proposal. Help us create an unforgettable experience that educates, challenges, and inspires.
Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026
WCI is honored to announce two new additions to our Board of Advisors!
“Dr. Rosenthal and Scott are long-time WCI supporters and have been frequent conference speakers. They are great additions to the board, and their contributions will benefit our conference activities and programming.” – Andrew Sabolic, WCI Executive Director
Dr. Jill Rosenthal
“I am honored to join the WCI Advisory Board and contribute to advancing education, collaboration, and innovation within our industry.” – Dr. Jill Rosenthal
Dr. Rosenthal is the Chief Medical Officer for Zenith Insurance Company. She has been with Zenith since 2010. She is Board Certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, has been practicing medicine for over 20 years, and has received numerous awards in both internal medicine and occupational medicine throughout her career. In her current role, she is responsible nationally for Zenith’s Medical Management Department as well as for the clinical oversight and education of physician partners so that injured workers can efficiently achieve the best medical outcomes and a sustained return to work.
Scott Westman
“I’m honored to join the WCI Advisory Board and eager to contribute my experience to help advance the institute’s enduring mission of driving meaningful progress and lasting impact for our industry and its people.” – Scott Westman
Scott Westman is the Senior Vice President & Chief Claims Officer for the PMA Companies. Scott brings 30 years of industry expertise, having previously served as a Managing Director for Sedgwick. Prior to that position, Scott served as Senior VP, Casualty Operations, overseeing operational matters for approximately 1,200 employees in the Southeast Business Unit. Prior to joining Sedgwick, Scott held the position of Regional VP at Specialty Risk Services.
Recently, WCI supporters Jim Anderson, Partner, Cattie & Gonzales and Paul Stone, Deputy Managing Shareholder, Flahive, Ogden & Latson presented a $10,000 donation to Habitat For Humanity, Kerr County Texas.
“The Workers’ Compensation Institute is honored to support the recovery efforts for those affected by the devastating floods in and near Kerr County, Texas. I am so proud to be associated with such a wonderful and caring institution. In times like these, it is essential that we come together as a community to support families in rebuilding and finding hope for the future. Thank you, WCI!”
– Jim Anderson
“WCI’s generous donation is going to help in many ways with Kerr County flood relief here in Texas, and I believe will help to bring some measure of hope to the many people affected by the flooding. I feel very fortunate to be part of an organization that is so compassionate and committed to helping others in times of crisis.”
– Paul Stone
“The July 4 flood changed lives across our Hill Country, but gifts like this remind us how strong we are when we come together. WCI’s support will help Habitat repair and rebuild homes for neighbors who lost everything. Their kindness helps turn heartbreak into hope.”
– Mary Campana, Executive Director, Kerr County Habitat for Humanity
One of the pillars of WCI is its chartable-giving initiatives. Give Kids The World and Kids Chance of Florida remain the focus of our philanthropic efforts, however due to the success of our annual conference WCI is expanding its giving to other charities who help those who are in need.
Helping Rebuild LA After the Wildfires
WCI has donated $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles. WCI’s Executive Director, Andrew Sabolic shared, “The wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and the impact on families and individuals who lost their homes is immeasurable. We are honored to play a small role in Habitat for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts.”
Pictured left to right are:
- Scotty Benton, VP Workers’ Compensation Practice, Sedgwick (representing WCI)
- Erin Rank, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity LA
- Dr. Dinesa Thomas-Whitman, SVP of Programs & Government Relations, Habitat for Humanity LA
- Caryn Siebert, VP Carrier Engagement, Gallagher Bassett (representing WCI)
- Chris Untiet, Director of Community Relations, Habitat for Humanity LA
How Habitat LA is Making an Impact
Homeownership is the core of Habitat LA! They offer a hand-up, not a hand-out, to low-income families looking to buy a home. Homes are sold to qualifying families and financed with affordable homes loans in addition to the owners’ sweat equity of approximately 500 hours. Each year, Habitat LA also partners with low-income homeowners to provide critical health and safety repairs to the interior and exterior of their homes.
“This generous donation from Workers’ Compensation Institute comes at a critical time as we work to rebuild LA. One of our first projects will be to rebuild an Altadena home built by Habitat in 2023 and destroyed in the January 2025 fire. We have several ongoing fire related projects involved in the ReBUILD LA Wildfire Recovery Fund and appreciate the support and building bridges with organizations like WCI, Gallagher Bassett and Sedgwick” said Chris Untiet, Director of Community Relations.
Providing Comfort to Families in Need
In addition to funds from WCI, Gentle Bear (actually a dozen Gentle Bears) were donated by Gallagher Bassett. After explaining the origins of Gentle Bear and the significance of care and compassion and combatting PTSD, Mr. Untiet commented, “We will be passing the Gentle Bears out to children impacted by the fires at our wildfire relief distribution event in March. In a time of much anxiety and sadness we are sure their new snuggly and supportive friend will provide some hope and comfort.”
Coming Together to Support Recovery
VP in GBs Carrier Practice, multi-year speaker at WCI and volunteer with GKTW, Caryn Siebert commented, “seeing the joy on the faces of Chris, Erin and Dinese during today’s presentation reminds me of the importance of the work we are doing directly and through WCI. Caring about our communities and supporting efforts in restoring people’s sense of normalcy is part of why I love #lifeatgallagher.”
Sedgwick’s VP of workers’ compensation practice, Scotty Benton stated, “it was great being able to share in furthering the mission of Chris and his team. The passion they show for the work they do in supporting the community and truly making a difference in their lives is amazing. It was a pleasure to be a small part of such an event. They truly exhibit Sedgwick’s philosophy of Caring Counts.”
Recently, WCI donated $10,000 to the Red Cross to assist those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. WCI’s Board of Advisors stated “With many of our attendees coming from around the nation, especially from Florida and the southeastern states, this donation reflects WCI’s spirit of giving back to those who are in need.” Sharon Carraway, Executive Director, North Florida Region, accepted the donation on behalf of the American Red Cross.