Conrad continues leadership

Administrator/CEO James Conrad will continue leading BWC in a second Taft administration.

"I am glad Governor Taft has asked me to stay to ensure BWC will continue leading the nation in competitive workers' compensation coverage and a high standard of innovative customer care," Conrad said.

Governor Bob Taft, who won re-election on Nov. 5, has asked James Conrad to remain in his administration as BWC administrator.

Conrad has been administrator of BWC since September 1995. During the last four years, BWC has led the nation in serving injured workers and Ohio employers who depend on solid programs to prevent injuries and control costs.

Since 1999, Ohio businesses have realized more than $4.1 billion in savings on workers' compensation costs. These dollars were re-invested into businesses to reduce the need for layoffs, encourage new hiring, provide health insurance to workers or buy new equipment for business improvements. Ohio leads the nation in stable premium costs. On average, Ohio's premiums are 13 percent lower than in 1999. In addition, Ohio's public employers have received more than $750 million in savings since 1999.

BWC met the challenge of getting many customers out of line and online through the OhioBWC.com portal – the award-winning e-business Web site. With more than 32,000 claims filed online to date, the Web site allows unparalleled service on the computer, on the phone or in person. And BWC continues to receive high marks in customer satisfaction from injured workers.

Legislation that halts a third-party from double-dipping into state and private insurance will save Ohioans more than $12 million each year and allow Ohio to compete in controlling workers' compensation costs. Another legislative achievement was passing a bill increasing death benefits for a deceased worker's family.

Conrad's public service career spans more than two decades, including positions in state government, the City of Cleveland and the U.S. Department of Labor.

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Conrad served as a captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and received two Bronze Stars and the Army Commendation for Valor.