Calif. Workers’ Comp Division Mourns Passing of Nevans

California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), a division within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), has sadly announced the passing of acting Administrative Director Carrie Nevans. She was appointed deputy administrative director (AD) and served the division as its acting AD since October of 2005.

“Carrie was the consummate public servant. With everything she accomplished for the workers’ compensation system, one of her most remarkable qualities was her fighting spirit,” said DIR Director John C. Duncan. “She never stopped championing those impacted by the system and never gave up on returning to work personally, despite her medical challenges. Her presence as a leader with a brilliant mind for public policy and as a source of strength and inspiration cannot be overstated. She will be sorely missed.”

Nevans had a live kidney transplant in 2002, and she passed over the weekend due to complications from kidney failure. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, Sunset Christian Center, 6900 Destiny Drive, Rocklin CA 95677.

In lieu of flowers, those who’d like to express their sorrow may make a contribution to Golden State Donor Services, the transplant donor network serving the greater Sacramento area.

Cards for the family may be sent to: In Honor of Carrie Nevans, CA Division of Workers’ Compensation, 1515 Clay Street, 17th floor, Oakland CA 94612.

While working in the DIR director’s office, Nevans translated all three legislative reform bills (749, 228, 899) into comprehensive budget documents. As DWC’s AD, she administered the division’s diverse programs and managed a staff of 1,200, along with a budget of more than $135 million.

During her five-plus year tenure as deputy AD and acting AD, DWC effectively implemented workers’ compensation laws passed by the Legislature, which saved employers at least $70 billion cumulatively. Results of regulatory and other programmatic changes she carried out include a continued decrease in the number of claims filed and quicker resolution of claims, competition returned to the workers’ compensation marketplace, improved employer satisfaction with the workers’ compensation system, more injured workers returning to gainful employment and continued injured worker satisfaction with medical care, which is now evidence-based.

She is survived by her husband James Nevans, daughter Chanel Oldham, mother Sally LaFavers, sisters Cynthia Leatherman and Christy Doerksen, as well as other family members.