Frank Winston Crum Insurance (FWCI) is proud to announce that three of its leaders will be featured speakers at the 2025 Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) Conference, held August 17–20, at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Widely regarded as one of the largest and most influential events in the workers’ compensation industry, the WCI Conference draws thousands of professionals from across the country, including insurance carriers, employers, risk managers, attorneys, TPAs, and regulators. The four-day event offers educational sessions, collaborative panels, and networking opportunities that shape the future of workers’ compensation policy and practice.
This year, FWCI President Matt Crum, Vice President of Workers’ Compensation Claims Hector Cano, and Senior Workers’ Compensation Claims Manager Victor Rivera will contribute their expertise to panel discussions focused on AI, claims exposure, and compliance timelines, which are areas critical to the ongoing evolution of claims handling and risk management.
Matt will speak on the panel "Leveraging AI for Strategic Claims Management in Workers' Compensation" in the Technology and AI track. This forward-looking session will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming workers' compensation claims, from streamlining administrative workflows to applying predictive models for identifying and managing high-risk claims. Attendees will gain insights into how AI can improve adjuster efficiency, strengthen risk management practices, and enhance outcomes for injured workers. Matt will appear alongside Amir Sharifi of Tesla and Kurt Leisure of The Cheesecake Factory, with moderation by Roy Park of Park Guenthart.
Hector will speak in the session titled "Preparing and Defending PTD Claims" in the Claims Handling and Management track. This session emphasizes the importance of identifying and preparing for potential Permanent Total Disability (PTD) exposure from the outset of a claim. Attendees will learn how to adopt a comprehensive, “cradle-to-grave” claims handling approach beginning with post-accident contact and continuing through investigation, litigation, and resolution. The panel will offer practical tools and strategies to improve long-term claim outcomes and reduce financial exposure. Hector will speak alongside Jennifer Mason of Broadspire and Michael Grimaldi of Constitution State Services, with moderation by Scott Silver of MKRS Law.
Victor will serve as a speaker for the panel "Time is Not on Our Side," also in the Claims Handling and Management track. This session will focus on the critical deadlines that can significantly impact the outcome of a workers' compensation claim, from routine authorization requirements to complex calculations involving the Statute of Limitations. Victor and his fellow panelists will provide guidance on how to proactively manage timelines to avoid costly delays or oversights. He will be joined by Marissa Gillock of Publix Supermarkets and Joyce Weimer of CBCS Claims, with moderation by Taysha Carmody of McConnaughhay, Coonrod, Weaver & Stern.
FWCI’s continued involvement in WCI underscores the company’s reputation as a trusted and forward-thinking insurance carrier. By contributing to high-level industry conversations, FWCI strengthens its commitment to innovation, education, and leadership in delivering exceptional claims service and risk management solutions to its partners and policyholders.
The Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) is a nonprofit educational organization that provides resources, networking, and professional development for all stakeholders in the workers’ compensation system. Its annual conference is a cornerstone event for the industry, offering a diverse range of sessions, panels, and workshops covering the latest developments in claims management, compliance, and risk mitigation. For more information and to register for the 2025 conference, visit: https://www.wci360.com/program/.