Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation Announces Staff Changes

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation announced leadership staff changes.

DWC is launching a new program area, AI Innovation and Integration, focused on the responsible, mission-driven use of artificial intelligence to modernize processes and reduce administrative burdens, and evaluate how system participants are using AI services. Allen Craddock, formerly DWC’s chief administrative law judge, will serve as deputy commissioner for this new area. Craddock brings a strong record of operational improvements in Hearings and will apply that same focus to agency modernization. He is board-certified in workers’ compensation law, practiced in the field for 15 years before joining DWC in 2013,

Gerri Thomas will now serve as DWC’s chief administrative law judge over Hearings. This program oversees the workers’ compensation dispute resolution process, including benefit review conferences, contested case hearings, and Appeals Panel review.

Thomas joined DWC in 2012 and has served as regional director for the Northern and Western regions. Her legal, clinical, and operational background gives her deep insight into dispute resolution and system needs.

Under the leadership of General Counsel Kara Mace, DWC has reorganized legal, communications, and external relations services into Legal and Communications Services. This program provides legal services, editorial support, strategic communications, public outreach, and legislative coordination to ensure DWC’s operations, messaging, and stakeholder engagement are accurate, consistent, and effective. Mitchell Koers joins this team as director of government relations, where he will oversee legislative activities and stakeholder outreach.