April 8, 2025 | Oakland, CA — MedLegalNews.com — CWCI Board Election 2025: The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) has announced the election of its 2025 Board of Directors, with Eric M. Hansen, Senior Vice President of Underwriting at Preferred Employers, re-elected as Chair. Hansen has served on CWCI’s Board since 2014 and joined the Executive Committee in 2021. He was first elected Board Chair in March 2024 and now begins a second term leading the Institute.
2025 CWCI Executive Leadership
Joining Hansen on the CWCI Executive Committee for 2025 are:
- Kris Mathis, CopperPoint Insurance Companies – Vice Chair
- Michael Cunningham, Zenith Insurance Company
- Amanda Granger, ICW Group Insurance Companies
- Carmen Sharp, The Hanover Insurance Group
- Vernon L. Steiner, State Compensation Insurance Fund
- Matthew Zender, AmTrust North America
New and Returning Board Members
CWCI also announced the full 2025 Board of Directors, which includes leadership from major insurers and self-insured employers in California:
- David A. McGowan – AF Group/CompWest
- Ricardo Nan – AIG
- Andrew Linkhart – Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies
- Jeff Rush – California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (Associate Member)
- Mary Beth Pittinger – CHUBB
- Christopher M. Thurman – CNA Insurance
- Chris Champlin – EMPLOYERS
- Tim Roberts – Everest Insurance
- Julie Riddle – The Hartford
- Dr. Mary Capelli-Schellpfeffer – Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Justin Smith – North American Casualty Company
- Paul Gladden – Pie Insurance
- Gene Simpson – Republic Indemnity Company of America
- Brooks Rice – Schools Insurance Authority (Associate Member)
- Scott D. Lange – Sentry Insurance
- Joanne Moynihan – Travelers
- Michele Halstenrud – WCF Insurance
- Neil Deblock – Zürich North America
CWCI’s Role in California’s Workers’ Compensation System
Its membership includes 26 insurer groups representing nearly 200 underwriting companies—collectively writing over 76% of statewide workers’ compensation premium—as well as 31 of the state’s largest public and private self-insured employers.
Industry Implications
The reappointment of seasoned leadership at CWCI ensures continued focus on policy integrity, cost containment, and regulatory compliance within California’s complex workers’ compensation landscape. Legal and insurance professionals should monitor CWCI’s forthcoming research and policy stances, particularly as state lawmakers and regulators explore reforms in claims adjudication, medical-legal guidelines, and benefits allocation.
Source: CWCI
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FAQs: CWCI Board Election
What is the CWCI board election about?
The CWCI board election refers to the process by which the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) selects and re-appoints its Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the upcoming year.
Who was re-elected in the CWCI board election 2025?
In the 2025 CWCI board election, Eric M. Hansen was re-elected as Chair, having first taken the role in March 2024.
Why is the CWCI board election significant for California workers’ compensation?
The CWCI board election is significant because CWCI represents insurers writing over 76% of statewide workers’ compensation premiums and sets strategic research and policy directions.
When did the CWCI board election take place?
The CWCI board election results for 2025 were announced on April 8, 2025, coinciding with the Institute’s annual leadership appointment cycle.