About Us

Our History

The OSIA was originally formed by some of Oklahoma's largest self-insured employers to facilitate networking and legislative representation. Over the years, the OSIA focused on high deductible and mid-sized employers and served as an organization that provided education and allowed for networking between its members and vendors that it's members used.

Today the organization is inclusive of all sizes of businesses and looks to serve small to large organizations throughout the state. Whether self-insured or fully insured, OWCEA provides education and resources to assist in managing the Worker's COmpensation needs of its members.

In the early 1980s Oklahoma Self Insurance Association (OSIA) was originally formed by some of Oklahoma's largest self-insured employers to facilitate networking and legislative representation. Over the years, the OSIA focused on high deductible and mid-sized employers and served as an organization that provided education and allowed for networking between its 400 members and vendors.

Leadership helping to strengthen our mission has included Julius Kubier, Gaylon Stacey, Justin Hill, Patrick Gaines and Wendy Gerdes. The founding and past association leadership has been profoundly impactful for paving the path to where we are at today.

Due to the increased demand for development and mentorship of Work Compensation program management the OSIA began the journey of changing our platform on how we can be of service to employers in Oklahoma.

In 2022, the OSIA changed its name to the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Education Association, adding Workers’ Compensation education to its mission in addition to its self-insurance advocacy role.

Today the organization is inclusive of all sizes of businesses and looks to serve small to large organizations throughout the state. Whether self-insured or fully insured, OWCEA provides education and resources to assist in managing the Worker's Compensation needs of its members.

Who We Are

Advocacy Program

We are an advocacy resources for self-insured entities and their providers at the state level on issues affecting workers’ compensation.

Any regulation proposed by the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (the agency that regulates self-insurers in Oklahoma), will be thoroughly examined and vetted by the OWCEA board. The Board contains past regulatory leaders and current self-insurance experts, including several large, self-insured employers.

Education Resource

We provide In-Person training opportunities on all aspects of basic workers’ compensation education, no matter your experience levels in the industry (beginners are welcome!).

Topics includes basic safety & loss prevention, claims handling, return to work strategies, litigation strategies, best practices for initial medical care, and many other topics.

OWCEA Certification Program

We are developing a program for active workers’ compensation professionals, or those seeking to join the industry, which will serve as acknowledgement of a well-rounded workers’ compensation education. This will be invaluable to those just joining the industry, or those looking to sharpen their skills.

Our Team

Jennifer Milligan

President

Jennifer has over 25 years in Workers Compensation cost containment. Jennifer's passion is educating companies on how to approach program implementation and management using data and employee injury prevention awareness, engagement, and recognition. Teddy Roosevelt award winner (2006 & 2023) by Risk and Insurance.

Jamie Caves

Secretary/Treasurer

General Counsel Accentra Home Health & Hospice and native Oklahoman practicing law in insurance defense and corporate litigation. Prior to joining the State as Assistant General Counsel specializing in insurance regulation and administrative litigation, she served as a Corporate Supervisor at a Fortune 100 energy company until joining Accentra as Vice President and General Counsel.

Richard M. Fisher

Officer

Richard has been the President of Consolidated Benefits Resources (CBR), a large Oklahoma domiciled Third Party Administrator, since January 2014, after a 22-year career as the Director of Insurance at the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court.

Patrick Parr

Officer

McAnany, Van Cleave & Phillips, P.A., Patrick represents employers and insurance carriers in the defense of workers’ compensation claims. He has spent his entire legal career in the area of Workers’ Compensation and has represented all range of employers in defending their claims, including the Multiple Injury Trust Fund, school districts, self-insured employers and Fortune 500 Companies.

Carl Carlson III

Officer

Becco Contractors, Inc. Tulsa Becco Contractors Inc’s safety director/ risk manager for 12 years. 32 years’ experience in construction industry (heavy highway road and bridge, environmental remediation), starting as a labor, equipment operator, supervisor, and project manager.

Lisa Dailey

Officer

Energize Credit Union Lisa is currently serving as the Fund Manager for the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives self-insured workers compensation fund. She is also CEO of Energize Credit Union which caters to the financial needs of electric and telephone cooperative employees in Oklahoma.

Emanuel W. Smith

Officer

Director of Safety for Cummins Construction Company in Enid. Emanuel has spent over 20 years developing, and training OSHA, MSHA, DOT and DEQ based programs focusing in safety conscious workplace. During his time with Cummins, he has developed & implemented programs that focus culture on prevention and compliance leading teams to achieving safety excellence.

Charles Folkner

Officer

Mathis Brothers Oklahoma City Charles Folkner is the Director of Risk Management at Mathis Home with over 25 years of Risk Management experience. Charles has experience in setting up and running self-insured workers’ compensation programs in multiple states.

Jene Huckabay

Officer

Smart Casualty Claims Oklahoma City Ms. Huckabay has 40+ years of experience in all areas of workers’ compensation. After starting her career with Travelers Insurance, she made the move to Third Party Administration and is currently Claims Office Manager for Smart Casualty Claims in Oklahoma City. She has worked with all levels and types of employers.

Trent Richey

Officer

With 32 years in the Oil & Gas industry in Finance working at Kerr-McGee Corporation as Manager of Corporate Finance, SandRidge Energy as VP & Treasurer, and Bravo Natural Resources, as CFO. Trent, transitioned to the Work Comp Industry in 2020 and owns AUI-OK LLC. Trent manages self-funded groups & provide excess insurance in the same industry.

Laveta Breath

Officer

Ms. Breath is a native to Oklahoma City. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. She also received her Master of Public Administration from UCO. She has been in insurance for 23+ years. Her career began in workers’ compensation claims and has expanded to include property/liability and safety management.

About OWCEA

Our History

Who We Are

Our Team

Membership Benefits