Workers' Compensation Commission

Board and Commission Details

Contact Name

Annette Roti

Contact Title

Chief of Staff

Contact E-Mail

annette.roti@illinois.gov

Contact Comments

Secretary of the Commission is Ronald A. Rascia (312-814-4932) FOIA officer - Cole Garrett (312 814 6620) - cole.garrett@illinois.gov Secretary of the Commission is Michele Kowalski (312-814-1545) FOIA Officer – Cecelia Kasmierski (312-814-6621) cecelia.kasmierski@illinois.gov

Function

The Commission administers Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Diseases Acts that provide compensation for accidental injuries or death suffered while employed in the state. Prior to making appointments to the Commission, the Governor shall request that the Advisory Board make recommendations as to candidates to consider for appointment and the Advisory Board may then make such recommendations. The Commission conducts hearings, issues decisions, and approves settlements of cases under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Act and Occupational Diseases Act.

Term

4 years, beginning 3rd Monday in January of staggered odd-numbered years, and until successor is appointed and qualified

Senate Confirmation

Yes

Party Affiliation

No more than 6 from same political party.

Qualifications

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois; or served as an arbitrator at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission for at least 3 years; or has at least 4 years of professional labor relations experience. Commissioners must devote full time to their duties and may not practice law nor hold an office or position of profit under any federal, state or municipal government, or any other political subdivision.

Compensation

Chairperson, $180,882 per year, plus expenses; Members, $172,269 per year, plus expenses.

Composition

10 appointed by Governor - 3 of whom shall be representative citizens of the employing class operating under the Workers' Compensation Act (Business) - 3 of whom shall be from a labor organization recognized under the National Labor Relations Act or an attorney who has represented labor organizations or has represented employees in workers' compensation cases (Labor) - 4 of whom shall be representative citizens not identified with either the employing or employee classes (Public) - 1 of the members not identified with either the employing or employee classes shall be designated by the Governor as Chairman.

Chair

Designated by the Governor; One of the public members not identified with either the employing or employee classes

Authority

820 ILCS 305/13


Member Names

Name Member Expiration Member Since Affiliation Appointed By Position Title County
Harris, Christopher 01/20/2025 03/19/2021 Democrat Governor Member, Public Cook
Brennan, Michael 01/18/2027 03/15/2019 Democrat Governor Chair, Public Cook
Parker, Marc 01/18/2027 03/15/2019 Democrat Governor Member, Labor Madison
Wesley, Raychel A. 01/20/2025 02/13/2024 Democrat Governor Member, Labor Will
Simonovich, Amylee Hogan 01/18/2027 04/21/2023 Independent Governor Member, Labor DuPage
Doherty, Carolyn 01/20/2025 10/04/2021 Independent Governor Member, Public DuPage
Simpson, Deborah 01/20/2025 03/06/2017 Republican Governor Member, Business Kane
Doerries, Kathryn 01/18/2027 09/23/2019 Republican Governor Member, Business DuPage
Mathis, Stephen 01/20/2025 02/10/2017 Republican Governor Member, Business Sangamon
Portela, Maria 01/18/2027 03/15/2019 Independent Governor Member, Public Cook