Dennis R. Ruth, Chairman Resigned From Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Springfield, IL  (CompNewsNetwork) - Chairman Ruth's  resignation is effective at the close of business on October 2, 2008.

This afternoon, Governor Blagojevich has appointed Arbitrator Gerald Jutila to be Chairman of the Commission, effective October 3, 2008. 

Arbitrator Jutila has been unanimously recommended to be appointed as the next Chairman by the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board.  Under the 2005 workers' compensation reforms, the bipartisan Workers' Compensation Advisory Board now makes recommendations on Commission appointments to the governor. The board is made up of six representatives from the business community and six representatives from the labor community. 

Jerry Jutila began serving as an arbitrator in September 2004.  Before coming to the Commission, he worked for 29 years as an attorney concentrating in workers' compensation.  He holds a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. degree from John Marshall Law School.

Arbitrator Lammie will handle Arbitrator Jutila's docket for the remainder of 2008.