SAWCA renames Regulator College in Memory of Commissioner Roger Williams

Press Release

Press Release Date

Commissioner Roger Williams

[Richmond, VA]- The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is honored to announce that the Southern Association of Workers’ Compensation Administrators (SAWCA) has renamed its National Workers' Compensation Regulators College to the Roger L. Williams National Regulators College.

The namesake honors the late Commissioner of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, Roger L. Williams. Williams served as Commissioner from 2008 until his passing on October 11, 2016. He also served as the Commission Chairman from 2012-2015.

During his career, Williams was also recognized as a national leader in the industry, previously serving as President of SAWCA. The Regulators College is specifically designed for regulators, legislators, and industry professionals with regulatory responsibilities.

“We are all honored to be a part of this day and see the memory of Roger’s work live on through this organization.,” said Commission Chairman R. Ferrell Newman.

The renaming ceremony took place during the Workers’ Compensation Institute’s 73rd Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference. Several Williams’ family members, Commission employees, including Chairman R. Ferrell Newman, Commissioner Wesley G. Marshall, Commissioner Robert A. Rapport and others were present for the special event.

 

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. A 2016 Oregon study ranked Virginia as the fifth-lowest cost system in the nation. Leading the way in electronic data and claims filing systems, in 2017 VWC processed over 48,000 claims and issued over 4,200 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 call Charles Steepleton at 1-877-664-2566 or email questions@workcomp.virginia.gov.