Sandra Stoddard

Experience

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  Travelers

  Jan 1998 - Sept 2017

  Improved customer experience by executing accident prevention and loss mitigation strategies through comprehensive risk assessments, incident inquiries, and applying expertise in safety training, risk management, and data analysisLeveraged comprehensive account knowledge to scrutinize hazards, controls, and management within Underwriting, thereby influencing the selection, retention, and expansion of a profitable book of business resulting in risk reduction.Analyzed customer needs through loss analysis and readiness assessments to deliver risk control products and services that mitigate losses, utilizing strong communication and problem-solving skills.Delivered education and training on corporate-wide risk management processes, resulting in an improvement in compliance and significantly heightened employee awareness.Implemented advanced injury management processes as Travelers Regional Post Injury Management Specialist, driving increased return-to-work rates and significant reductions in medical costs by providing specialized injury management training and resources. Show less Expertly navigated and resolved intricate workers' compensation insurance claims encompassing statutory entitlement, medical diagnoses, and injury severity, with individual claim reserves reaching or surpassing $8 million.Distinguished as a leader among peers in the Travelers Claim Leadership Program, driving successful project implementations and honing decision-making and strategic planning proficiencies.Effectively managed significant financial exposure and utilized legal consultation and risk assessment to meticulously handle medical care, indemnity payments, and interventions in claims with extenuating circumstances, leading to the successful management of high-stakes claims.Collaborated through cross-functional teamwork within a team to apply quality improvement, data analysis techniques, and collaboration strategies that positively impacted cost containment, patient outcomes, efficiency, team dynamics, while reducing medical and indemnity costs.Assessed the financial and legal exposure of each claim, establishing appropriate reserves based on the complexity of the case, thereby ensuring reserve accuracy through legal frameworks analysis.Diligently examined coverage, policy endorsements, and compensability provisions to determine company liability and minimize potential losses utilizing a claim management system. Show less

  • Risk Control Consultant - Construction

    Oct 2012 - Sept 2017

  • Claim Resolution Case Manager

    Jan 1998 - Sept 2012
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  WILSON-MCSHANE CORPORATION

  Mar 2019 - Dec 2024

  Directs an exclusive alternative workers' compensation program tailored for Minnesota's Union construction industry, under the guidance of a Labor-Management Board of Trustees, leveraging in-depth workers' compensation knowledge and compliance expertise.Optimized the workers' compensation Program by developing and implementing innovative policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness for injured workers, employers, insurers, and other stakeholders.Manages program and administrative fiscal oversight, aligning budget allocation with Program requirements utilizing financial management tools and ensuring financial alignment with program needs.Facilitates improved claim outcomes by promoting collaboration among the injured worker, employer, insurance administrator, and medical provider using effective communication strategies and coordinated efforts to overcome interpersonal conflicts, information sharing barriers, and resource constraints.Remain updated on technical subject matters, compliance requirements, and industry trends through active participation in software tools, training programs, and industry seminars and publications.Manages direct and administrative staff to ensure Program policy adherence and service excellence, driving an increase in program efficiency and elevating service quality.Drove the development of innovative member engagement strategies and elevated overall member satisfaction levels while serving as Member Services Director, leveraging strong communication and interpersonal skills along with experience in implementing member feedback systems. Show less Facilitated informative exchanges with participating employers and Union employees to clarify workers’ compensation benefits and UCWCP procedures via email, phone, and in-person channels, resulting in improved benefits communication efficiency and heightened understanding of UCWCP benefits and processes.Communicated the benefits of the program and identified eligible employers for membership by engaging with insurance brokers/agency staff members (producers, claims consultants, account managers), resulting in an increase in Program participation.Collaborated with insurance provider staff members, including underwriters, claims adjusters, and loss prevention experts, to educate on the program’s loss reduction tools and identify eligible insured employers for membership.Engaged with doctors and clinics to address concerns and ensure compliance with our service expectations, evaluating providers for our exclusive network, and conducting performance surveys of existing providers to enhance network effectiveness and elevate patient satisfaction levels through strategic communication methods and proactive follow-up measures.Management of Program administrative staff responsibilities to ensure procedures are implemented for consistency and efficiency in handling of department processes. Developed and distributed written and digital training modules using webinar software for our diverse participants, leveraging content creation and instructional design skills.Enhanced employee satisfaction by increasing survey ratings and resolving disputed issues within 48 hours, while managing medical and rehabilitation benefits and facilitating early return-to-work. Show less Utilized Minnesota statutes, rules, case law, and UCWCP Rules & Regulations to provide insightful information, reducing disputes and employing legal research tools alongside analytical skills.Provided hands-on support to employer members in resolving claim concerns, significantly reducing claim resolution time, and delivered comprehensive training on optimizing program benefits and accessing resources.Executed facilitations with involved parties, utilizing negotiation techniques and issuing binding Determinations when deemed necessary.Facilitated referrals and scheduling processes for Alternative Dispute Resolution services to enhance efficiency.Resolved issues and conducted training on program procedures through interaction with program Qualified Rehabilitation Consultants.Coordinated all Dispute Resolution Exams (DRE), collaborating with vendors and parties for precise physician selection and scheduling, and efficiently communicated examiners' findings to all involved.Conducted interactive workshops and online modules to train Work Comp insurance provider staff members (claims adjusters) on Program compliance and the claims process.Maintained compliance with ADR record-keeping policies involving intervention, facilitation, mediation, and arbitration, ensured accurate case file completion & closing, safeguarded data privacy, and managed records retention using a Document Management System to enhance data accuracy.Obtained Minnesota Rule 114 Certification for Civil Facilitative/Hybrid Neutrals, showcasing mastery in conflict resolution techniques, legal aspects of mediation, and ethical standards adherence to enhance mediation skills and credibility as a neutral. 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  • Program Director, Union Construction Workers'​ Compensation Program

    Jul 2022 - Dec 2024

  • Member Services Director, Union Construction Workers' Compensation Program

    Sept 2017 - Dec 2024

  • Dispute Resolution Facilitator, Union Construction Workers’ Compensation Program

    Mar 2019 - Jul 2022
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  Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

  Jan 2025 - now

  Director, Compliance, Records & Training