Calif. State Fund hires two amid investigation

The California State Compensation Insurance Fund has hired Stephen C. Kolakowski as interim chief financial officer and Marjorie Berte as a management consultant as part of its efforts to improve operations.

Recently, the state’s workers’ compensation insurer suffered setbacks over unethical practices in its group programs, which led to the firings of former president James Tudor and former vice president in charge of group programs Renee Koren.

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner also had ordered an audit of the organization, and issued several directives to SCIF regarding structural and operational changes.

Kolakowski and Berte both have several years of insurance industry experience. Berte was former Gov. Pete Wilson’s insurance advisor and is a trustee of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.

SCIF is continuing with its internal investigation, which is being directed by San Francisco law firm Clarence & Dyer LLP.

Meanwhile, SCIF promoted Brian Watson to program manager for the Sacramento Group Program. Watson will be responsible for the programs for the California Farm Bureau Federation and Golden State Builders Exchanges.

Wilson started his State Fund career when he was hired as a claims adjuster for the organization’s Sacramento District Office in 1986. In 1991, he served as assistant claims manager for the Stockton District Office. His most recent assignment was as Farm Bureau coordinator.