Oakland, CA – Jacqueline (Jackie) Secia has been named the new Claims and Medical Director of the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) according to Alex Swedlow, President of the Oakland-based research organization.

Ms. Secia is a graduate of University of California, Irvine where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history.  Her tenure in the California workers’ compensation industry spans more than four decades, a majority of which was spent in claims management and training positions, including stints at State Compensation Insurance Fund, Western Employers, Fremont Insurance, and Zenith Insurance.  Since 2008, she has served as Director of Quality Assurance at York Insurance Services/Sedgwick, with responsibility for the oversight and technical accountability of claims handling, development and instruction of relevant workers’ comp training programs, and the defense and mitigation of DWC and Department of Insurance audits.  Previously she also owned her own consulting business, working with employers, TPAs, and insurers on all aspects of California workers’ compensation, including educational programs on legislative reforms, PD rating, and medical control; providing expertise on claim audits and file reviews; and serving as an expert witness for insurance civil litigation.  Ms. Secia also has taught courses for the Insurance Educational Association (IEA), served as an instructor for the IEA/CWCI Workers’ Compensation Accelerated Claims Examiner Training Course, and been a faculty member for multiple CWCI seminars dealing with statutory and regulatory changes enacted over the past 30 years.

In her new role, she will oversee CWCI’s activities related to claims administration and medical services; serve as staff liaison to CWCI’s Claims and Medical Care Committees; and work with Institute staff, members, and others in the community on research, regulatory testimony, and education in those key areas.

Ms. Secia began her work at the Institute this week, and can be reached at jsecia@www.cwci.org or by calling CWCI at 510-251-9470.