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2010 Speakers Joseph W. Bergeron, M.D., Pain Management Expert Laurie Burger, BA, Worker’s Compensation Claim Consultant, Worker’s Compensation Department Kevin Cliburn, Investigator Sonia C. Das, Partner Darren Dye, Policy Analyst/Paralegal Judge Daniel Foote Sandra C. Fralich, Senior Account Executive Matthew M. Golitko, Attorney Luke A. Huls, EHS Group Leader Arthur G. Jacobs, Principal Thomas J. Mango, M.D., Orthopedic Spine Specialist Shawna L. Neilson, AIC, AIM, AIS, Manager-Risk Management Services Cara Ottenweller, Attorney Jeffrey Reinke, Manager, Environmental Health & Safety Karen Salwowski, Senior Work Comp Specialist Kathleen K. Shortridge, Of Counsel Ann H. Stewart, Of Counsel J. Lynn Storm, CWCC, Risk Manager Linda Stowell, Vice President Diana L. Wann, Attorney Joseph W. Bergeron, M.D. Joseph W. Bergeron is a board certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, plus has sub-specialty certification in Pain Medicine. He completed his specialty training at Indiana University School of Medicine, and has practiced in Indiana since then. Dr. Bergeron specializes in evaluation and non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal and spine injuries or disorders, including lumbar spinal injections, joint and soft tissue injections, and electrodiagnostic testing (EMG). Dr. Bergeron’s practice is dedicated largely to the treating of injured workers, with clinic locations in Indianapolis and Terre Haute. He has a special interest in impairment ratings. He is a member of the Indianapolis Medical Society, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Christian Medical and Dental Association, and he is a Certified Independent Medical Examiner. Dr. Bergeron resides in the Indianapolis area with his wife and two sons. Laurie Burger, BA Laurie Burger has been employed with Clarian Health since October 2006. In the self-insured setting, she handles worker’s comp claims for Clarian employees, including cases under investigation, litigated files and lost time claims. Ms. Burger has over nine years of insurance industry experience and holds an Indiana Property and Casualty Producer License. Prior to employment with Clarian, Ms. Burger was employed by the commercial insurance brokerage firm, Marsh USA, Inc., providing client claim services in a multi-line setting, including mass tort cases, as a consultant assistant for three years from 2003 – 2006. Ms. Burger worked for Pennsylvania Manufacturer’s Insurance (PMA) worker’s compensation department handling permanent-total, specialized medical, medical only and disability claims from 2002-2003, prior to relocating to the Indianapolis area. She began her insurance industry experience while working for a third-party administrator (TPA) service provider, Gallagher Bassett Services, as a technical assistant, supporting clients and adjustors with claim handling processes and billing, claim reporting, initial claim contact, and claims communication processes. Ms. Burger earned her BA degree from Rider University in 1994, and is continuing her education by pursing an AIC (Associate in Claims) designation. Sonia C. Das, Esq. Sonia has a diverse defense litigation practice which includes managing dockets and representing defendants in the Marion County Mass Tort dockets for asbestos, silica and coal tar pitch claims. She also represents employers throughout the state before the Worker’s Compensation Board, and maintains practices in insurance coverage litigation, general liability insurance defense litigation, and appellate law. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana Worker’s Compensation Section, and is also a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Association and Defense Research Institute. Sonia has given presentations to insurance adjusters and clients on bad faith in worker’s compensation and Indiana Appellate law. In 2009, Sonia was selected by publisher, Law & Politics, for inclusion as a Rising Star in Indiana Super Lawyers Magazine for her legal experience and peer respect in the class action/mass torts practice area. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are named as Rising Stars by Super Lawyers. Darren Dye Darren Dye is a native of Connersville, Indiana. He attended Indiana University at Bloomington, where he graduated with a B.S. in Public Affairs Management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He has been employed by the State of Indiana for eighteen years, serving as an Ombudsman with the Worker’s Compensation Board since the inception of that Division in July 1, 1991. His current position is as paralegal/policy analyst and his duties include reviewing stipulated settlements, administering the Second Injury Fund for Prosthetics, serving as Governor’s agency and legislature liaison, addressing legislative inquires, administering Full Board Hearings, educating the public and supplying Board Members with legal research including case and Court of Appeals summaries. He was successfully completed the ICLEF Mediation training allowing him to serve as a mediator. Darren's past experience includes retail management and political campaign management. Daniel G. Foote Daniel G. Foote was appointed to the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board for a four-year term beginning in October 2005 and was recently reappointed to serve a second term. Mr. Foote hears worker’s compensation and occupational disease cases in the northeastern district of Indiana and hears administrative appeals with his fellow Board members. He devotes his private practice to civil, criminal and appellate matters. Mr. Foote completed his undergraduate studies in Political Science with the honors division at Indiana University in Bloomington and graduated as a member of the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society. In addition, he earned an Area Studies Certificate in Latin American Studies and Spanish. In 1993, Mr. Foote enrolled in the evening division at the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis. While attending law school, he took a position with the Worker’s Compensation Board. In 1997 Mr. Foote joined Locke Reynolds LLP in Indianapolis where he devoted his practice to litigation and appellate matters. In 2002 he joined Due Doyle Fanning & Metzger LLP, where he practiced law until his appointment to the Worker’s Compensation Board. In addition to his work with the Board, Mr. Foote continues to practice law, mainly in the areas of civil litigation and criminal defense. He also serves in a variety of volunteer capacities in central Indiana. Sandra C. Fralich Sandy is currently consulting with Indiana’s largest employers and municipalities to create efficient, economically sound worker’s compensation and disability programs, providing the essential tools for risk management and loss control. She also provides expert advice on property and casualty claims programs for clients in a variety of industries and public entities as well. Prior to her tenure at JWF Specialty Company, Sandy served for 13 years in government administration for the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board as the Executive Director. She has extensive experience in the Indiana legislative process, the adjudicatory process, dispute resolution and has conducted numerous workers compensation educational presentations for employer groups, attorneys and insurance professionals. Sandy is the President of Kids Chance of Indiana, a scholarship organization for children of deceased or severely injured workers. She is also a Board Member of the Indiana Self Insurance Association; and, Chair of the Coalition for Return to Work and Stay At Work in Indiana (A 60 Summits grassroots group providing a new framework for all disabled employees to be provided consistent care and the ability to continue working). She is a member of the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Institute; Commissioner of the Pepsi Coliseum Youth Hockey League, and, a Licensed Indiana Insurance Agent. Sandy graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN with degrees in Government & Professional Writing. Matthew M. Golitko Matthew Golitko graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, PA in 1997 where he played both Basketball and Baseball in the Patriot League. At Lafayette, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business, and a Minor in Music. He attended Nova Southeastern Law School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he graduated in 2000. He is the owner of Golitko Legal Group, P.C. with locations in both Kokomo and Carmel, Indiana. Matthew focuses his practice in the areas of worker's compensation, employment law (more specifically wrongful and retaliatory discharges, a.k.a. Frampton Actions), personal injury and wrongful death claims. He is currently Chairman of the Worker’s Compensation Section of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and sits on the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association - Board of Directors, with several of Indiana's top-rated Indiana trial attorneys. He is licensed to practice in the State of Indiana and handles cases before the Indiana State and Federal Courts (Northern and Southern Districts), and the Indiana Worker's Compensation Board. He is a sustaining member and of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, Indianapolis Bar Association, Howard County Bar Association, Miami County Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice - Worker's Compensation and Workplace Injury Section. Luke A. Huls Luke Huls currently serves as the EHS Manager for Aisin USA Mfg., Inc. in Seymour, Indiana. Aisin USA is a Tier 1 steel automotive parts supplier. Luke has over 18 years experience working in the EHS field. He has also worked at a Tier 1 aluminum automotive parts supplier. He worked for the Indiana Department of Labor for 5 years as a Safety Consultant and an OSHA Safety Compliance Officer. He is an Indiana University graduate with a Bachelors Degree in SPEA Management. Arthur G. Jacobs Art is a principal at Gibson Insurance Group with responsibility for providing risk management and insurance services to business clients. Art began his professional career in manufacturing where he gained extensive experience in production, quality control, human resources, and risk management. He later joined EBI Companies in South Bend as an accident prevention consultant, working predominately with manufacturing clients in Indiana and Michigan. Art's progression with EBI led to a supervisory role in accident prevention, and then branch manager of the South Bend office where his responsibilities included management of underwriting, sales, marketing, and accident prevention services. When EBI was acquired by Royal & Sun Alliance, he was promoted to vice president of accident prevention for Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Tennessee. Art has been an active volunteer for the Plymouth Fire Department since 1982. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant and has three masters in the fire service: instructor first class, fire prevention/inspection and strategy, and tactics. Shawna L. Neilson, AIC, AIM, AIS Shawna is the manager of Risk Management Services for Gibson Insurance Group. Her responsibilities include overall management of claims, loss prevention, and claims consulting. She graduated with honors from Vincennes University in 1993 with an associates degree in psychology. In 1995, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Indiana University, majoring in management and administration. Shawna joined Gibson Insurance Group in 1991. She holds the Associate in Claims (AIC), the Associate in Management (AIM), and the Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) designations from the Insurance Institute of America. Shawna is currently pursuing her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation through the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters/Insurance Institute of America. She is currently on the board of directors for the South Bend/Mishawaka Leadership program. Her recreational interests include golfing and cross-country skiing. Cara Ottenweller Cara Ottenweller is an attorney at Ice Miller LLP in Indianapolis, Indiana. She works in the firm's Labor and Employment Practice Group and represents employers in a broad range of employment law matters, including compliance with federal and state legislation such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also represents clients in employment litigation matters, proceedings before the EEOC and the NLRB, collective bargaining negotiations, and union organizing campaigns. A significant part of her practice centers on developing employment handbooks, policies, and practices for employers in a variety of industries. Cara grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University in 2002. She received her juris doctorate, magna cum laude, from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 2007 . While in law school, she held the position of Executive Editor of Student Writing for the Valparaiso University Law Review. Cara is admitted to practice in the State of Indiana and the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. Jeffrey Reinke For the past four years, Jeffrey has served as the Manager for Environmental, Health & Safety functions for the Diamond Chain Company headquartered in Indianapolis. This function oversees the risk management for environmental and health & safety for all of the Diamond Chain locations worldwide. Before coming to Diamond Chain, he held the position of safety engineer for the Ford/Automotive Components Holdings facility in Indianapolis. Jeffrey graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1994 with a Bachelors Degree in health education and in 1996 received his Masters Degree from Indiana University in Kinesiology. Karen Salwowski Karen Salwowski is a Senior WC Claims Specialist with JWF Specialty Co. with her primary focus on handling worker’s compensation claims for self insured employers. Mrs. Salwowski has over 16 years’ WC claim handling experience in addition to other claims lines of auto and general liability. In addition to her claim handling responsibilities she has taken an active role in assisting employers with their return-to-work programs and accident investigation. Mrs. Salwowski has a BA from Franklin College, a paralegal certificate from Indiana University/IUPUI Campus and recently obtained her CEAS, certified ergonomics assessment specialist certification, from the Back School of Atlanta. Kathleen K. Shortridge Kathleen Shortridge's primary practice concentrations are worker’s compensation defense and worker’s compensation advisory services. Ms. Shortridge is a frequent speaker at seminars covering all aspects of worker’s compensation defense, insurance, and case management. She is a member of the Indianapolis and Indiana State Bar Associations, and the Indiana Defense Lawyers Association. Born and raised in Southern California, she attended Stanford University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in 1966. She received her Master of Arts in journalism and political science from the University of Michigan in 1968. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville where she graduated cum laude in 1984. While in law school, she won the appellate argument competition and was a member of the Brandeis Honor Society. Ms. Shortridge clerked for the Honorable John Godich, Magistrate of the Federal Courts for the Southern District of Indiana, before joining Ice Miller in 1986. Ann H. Stewart Ann Stewart's primary area of practice is representing employers in worker’s compensation cases and employment-related matters, including ADA, FMLA, sexual harassment and discrimination. Prior to joining Ice Miller, Ms. Stewart was responsible for employment related matters as corporate counsel in manufacturing and public utility environments. She has extensive experience representing clients in administrative proceedings before local, state and federal agencies such as the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Ms. Stewart also assists clients in developing personnel policies, severance agreements and supervisory training programs to comply with state and federal laws. She has organized and led workplace diversity audits as well as workplace safety audits and investigations. Ann Stewart is admitted to practice law in Indiana and Ohio and is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association. She is active in community organizations and is a past president and board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Bartholomew county, Inc. Ms. Stewart also volunteered with Legal Aid of Bartholomew County. Ms. Stewart grew up in Athens, Ohio and graduated, with honors, from Ohio University, in 1985. In 1988, Ms. Stewart earned her J.D., with honors, from Capital University Law School. While in law school, Ms. Stewart served as President of the Women's Law Association. Ms. Stewart joined Ice Miller's Labor and Employment section in May 2006 J. Lynn Storm, CWCC Lynn is the risk manager and worker’s compensation specialist for Warren Township School Corporation on the far eastside of Indianapolis. She has been employed by MSD Warren for the past 14 years where, by putting together a comprehensive safety team, she has successfully reduced on the job injuries and implemented a return to work program to nearly eliminate lost time claims. Much of Lynn’s education has been hands on, in the trenches at potentially hazardous plants such as Rock Island Refinery, Citizens Gas & Coke Plant & Union Carbide. Prior to coming to MSD Warren, Lynn was the division manager and safety specialist for an Ohio based mechanical contractor with offices in Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama and Ohio. During her 18 years with that company she worked to improve the safety conditions for both her employees and the jobsites they worked on. Lynn attended IUPUI and is a Certified Workers Compensation Counselor (CWCC). She speaks at various worker’s compensation events and for the Indiana Association of School Business Officials. She is active with community special needs associations, the Indianapolis Humane Society, and the Susan G. Koman Foundation. Linda Stowell Linda Stowell is CFO and part owner of Aero Metals, Inc., a middle-market investment casting company in LaPorte, Indiana. Linda’s responsibilities include all financial and accounting activities of the organization. She is also responsible for the company’s risk management initiatives and the executive sponsor of the Aero Metals Safety Committee. Prior to joining Aero Metals, Ms. Stowell spent over twenty years as a management, financial and operational consultant. Ms. Stowell received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and her MBA from The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Diana L. Wann Diana Wann is an attorney with McCray Lavallo Frank & Klingler in their Crawfordsville, Indiana, office. She has practiced law for 20 years and now limits her practice solely to the representation of employers in worker’s compensation claims. She is a graduate of Indiana University, both undergraduate and law, and is admitted to the Bar in Indiana and the District of Columbia. She is a member of the American Bar Association, where she served as Co-Chair of the Worker’s Compensation Committee of the Labor Section from 1998 to 2007, is a charter member of the National Worker’s Compensation Defense Network where she serves as vice president of the Board of Directors and is its sole Indiana member. She is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, past chair of the worker’s compensation section, and serves on the LexisNexis National Worker’s Compensation Advisory Board. Ms. Wann was named to Super Lawyers in 2010, Best Lawyers in America in 2008, 2009, and 2010 and Best Lawyers in Indiana. She has received an AV rating, Martindale Hubbell’s highest peer-review rating. She serves on the Board of Directors of Kids Chance of Indiana, which she helped found in 1996.
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