Commissioner Rapaport Named President of the Southern Association of Workers' Compensation Administrators
[Richmond, VA] - The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (VWC) is pleased to announce that Commissioner Robert A. Rapaport has been named President of the Southern Association of Workers' Compensation Administrators (SAWCA) for the 2024-2025 term. SAWCA, a leading organization that brings together workers' compensation administrators across the southern and other regions of the United States, works to enhance the efficiency and fairness of workers' compensation systems.
"It's a privilege to take on this leadership role," said Rapaport. "I'm excited to continue advancing our workers' compensation systems and fostering collaboration across states to benefit all involved."
Commissioner Rapaport was appointed as a Commissioner in 2017. His dedication to the mission of providing superior services to Virginia's injured workers and employers has earned him respect and recognition both within the Commonwealth and across the region.
As SAWCA President, Rapaport will lead efforts to address the evolving challenges in workers' compensation and promote best practices among its members.
The Commission congratulates Commissioner Rapaport on this achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field of workers' compensation.
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 2023 VWC processed over 32,000 claims and issued 2,600 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.
