Update from the North Carolina Industrial Commission
Commissioner Myra Griffin Reappointed
Commissioner Myra Griffin was reappointed by Gov. Cooper to serve a second six-year term beginning July 1, 2022. Her reappointment is subject to confirmation by the North Carolina Gen. Assembly and had been approved by the House of Representatives as of June 29, but was still pending in the Senate. However, it is not anticipated that there will not be any problem with her reappointment.
The Commission has hired three new Deputy Commissioners and a new General Counsel.
Anne Harris Appointed to Serve as a Deputy Commissioner
Anne Harris was appointed as a Deputy Commissioner or the Triad region of North Carolina. Attorney Harris has represented injured workers for over 29 years and has over six years of legal experience in the areas of elder law and estate planning.
Michelle Denning Appointed to Serve as a Deputy Commissioner
Michelle Denning was appointed to serve as a Deputy Commissioner hearing noninsured cases throughout the state. Attorney Denning has worked in various capacities at the industrial commission and other state agencies for the past 16 years. From 2006 to 2015, attorney Denning filled multiple roles at the IC including law clerk, legal counsel to the Chairman, and special Deputy Commissioner. Since 2015 she worked as Assistant Attorney General handling noninsured and penalty enforcement matters and later represented North Carolina Department of Public Safety and Worker’s Compensation litigation. Most recently, attorney Denning was General Counsel for the Industrial Commission.
Patrick Wooten Appointed to Serve as a Deputy Commissioner
Patrick Wooten was recently appointed as a Deputy Commissioner in the Raleigh office. Attorney Wooten has served in the Workers Compensation Section of the North Carolina Department of justice as a special deputy attorney since 2003. Over the last 19 years he has litigated hundreds of complex Worker’s Compensation claims on behalf of numerous state agencies, departments, and institutions.
Amber May Hired as General Counsel
Amber May was recently hired as General Counsel to the Industrial Commission. For the last eight years she had served as Counsel for the Rules Review Commission at the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. Attorney May have previously worked in the Full Commission Section as law clerk to former Chair Pamela Young.
IC Mileage Reimbursement Increase Effective July 1, 2022
The Industrial Commission mileage reimbursement rate for medical treatment increased to $0.625 per mile for travel from July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, provided the travel is 20 miles or more round-trip.
Bruce Hamilton is a Partner in Teague Campbell’s Raleigh office. He is the legal advisor for the NCASI and, for the past 30 years, his practice has focused exclusively on workers’ compensation defense.