Oakland – Denise Niber has been named Claims and Medical Director of the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) according to Alex Swedlow, President of the Oakland-based research organization. Ms. Niber will take over the position from Brenda Ramirez who is planning to retire in June after having served in the role since 2004.

A Bay Area native, Ms. Niber is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  Her tenure in the California workers’ compensation industry spans more than 25 years, with the majority of that time spent in senior-level claims positions, including stints at Associated Claims Management, Zenith Insurance, Innovative Care Systems, TIG Insurance, and most recently at Contra Costa County, where she has been the senior claims adjuster since 2005.  During that time her duties included handling complex and high-dollar claims, monitoring and implementing legislative and regulatory reforms, and serving as a mentor and trainer to the County’s claims staff.  She also has worked extensively with other stakeholders in the community, serving as an advanced workers’ compensation instructor for the Insurance Educational Association; providing testimony to the State Legislature on workers’ comp pharmaceutical abuses; serving as a subject matter expert for the Commission on Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation on compound drug legislation; and providing technical input on CWCI research.

In her new role, Ms. Niber 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. Niber will join CWCI this week to allow for a seamless transition as Ms. Ramirez moves toward retirement. Ms. Niber can be reached at dniber@www.cwci.org or by calling CWCI at 510-251-9470.