Two Commission Deputy Commissioners Are Now Also Certified Mediators

Press Release Date

 

Deputy Commissioner John T. Cornett

Deputy Commissioner Josh Wulf

[Richmond, VA]- The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is pleased to announce two Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission Deputy Commissioners, have been certified by the Supreme Court as certified mediators.

Deputy Commissioner John T. Cornett (top left) and Deputy Commissioner Josh Wulf (bottom left), will serve in mediator roles within the Commission's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program.

The goal of ADR is to provide the workers' compensation system with an expeditious and efficient alternative to litigation for the resolution of disputes. By facilitating better communication between the parties, ADR aims to provide a better understanding of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act and Commission processes.

About The Commission

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC), established in 1918, is an independent judicial and administrative state agency that oversees the workers’ compensation system for employees, employers, and insurers. VWC interprets and applies the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act and resolves claims through hearings and mediation.

The Commission is led by a Senior Leadership team consisting of three Commissioners, an Executive Director and a Chief Deputy Commissioner. Commissioners are selected by the General Assembly and serve six-year terms. Honorable R. Ferrell Newman, Honorable Wesley G. Marshall and Honorable Robert A. Rapaport currently serve as Commissioners. The Commissioners elect a Chairman to serve a three-year term. Commissioner Rapaport currently serves as Chairman. Ms. Evelyn V. McGill is the Commission’s Executive Director and the Honorable James J. Szablewicz is the Commission’s Chief Deputy Commissioner.

Leading the way in electronic data and claims filing systems, in 2021 VWC processed over 34,000 claims and issued over 3,000 judicial opinions. VWC also administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, the Uninsured Employer’s Fund, and adjudicates claims under the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, VWC operates regional offices in Bristol, Virginia Beach, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Manassas and Fairfax.

For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please email Charles Steepleton or call 877-664-2566.