CA DWC Mourns Passing Of Administrative Director Of DWC

“Carrie was the consummate public servant. With everything she accomplished for the workers' compensation system, one of her most remarkable qualities was her fighting spirit,” said DIR Director John C. Duncan. “She never stopped championing those impacted by the system and never gave up on returning to work personally, despite her medical challenges. Her presence as a leader with a brilliant mind for public policy and as a source of strength and inspiration cannot be overstated. She will be sorely missed.”

Ms. Nevans had a live kidney transplant in 2002 and she passed over the weekend due to complications from kidney failure. A memorial service will be held in her honor:

Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011
11 a.m.
Sunset Christian Center
6900 Destiny Drive
Rocklin CA 95677

In lieu of flowers, those who'd like to express their sorrow may make a contribution to Golden State Donor Services, the transplant donor network serving the greater Sacramento area: http://www.gsds.org/.

Cards for the family may be sent to:
In Honor of Carrie Nevans
CA Division of Workers' Compensation
1515 Clay Street, 17th floor
Oakland CA 94612

While working in the DIR director's office Ms. Nevans translated all three legislative reform bills (749, 228, 899) into comprehensive budget documents. As DWC's AD, she administered the division's diverse programs and managed a staff of 1,200, along with a budget of over $135 million.

During her five-plus year tenure as deputy AD and acting AD, DWC effectively implemented workers' compensation laws passed by the Legislature, which saved employers at least $70 billion cumulatively. Results of regulatory and other programmatic changes she carried out include a continued decrease in the number of claims filed and quicker resolution of claims, competition returned to the workers' compensation marketplace, improved employer satisfaction with the workers' compensation system, more injured workers returning to gainful employment and continued injured worker satisfaction with medical care, which is now evidence-based.

Some specific highlights of her tenure include:

• Closing the repackaged drugs loophole, which saved employers millions of dollars
• Increasing reimbursement for doctors evaluating and managing patients, which helped facilitate improved return to work
• Developing a comprehensive research platform to empirically analyze the 2005 permanent disability rating schedule (PDRS) and other factors impacting wage loss
• Implementing a statewide injured worker outreach program, with special emphasis on Spanish-language outreach and high-risk worker communities.

“Carrie had a great sense of humor and a zest for life, and was very proud of DWC and the way it serves the people of California,” said Duncan.

Ms. Nevans started her career as a claims adjuster for the State Compensation Insurance Fund in 1982. She was a certified self-insurance administrator, fully versed in all the specifics of workers' compensation, as well as the ethics of claims administration.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from California State University at Stanislaus in 1979 and, prior to her work at the DWC, gained administrative and fiscal expertise working for the Department of Corrections (CDC), the Department of Finance, the California State Senate and DIR.

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