2024 Updates at the NC Industrial Commission
By Heather T. Baker, Group Chair, Skidmore Law Group
There have been some changes and updates at the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC) over the past year, which include new leadership appointments, organizational shifts, and the introduction of new technology.
New Appointments at the NCIC
The NCIC welcomed several new Deputy Commissioners in 2024.
ToNola Brown-Bland was appointed Deputy Commissioner effective January 2, 2024. Assigned to the Raleigh office, Deputy Commissioner Brown-Bland previously served as a Commissioner on the NC Utilities Commission and as Associate General Counsel for the Greensboro City Attorney’s Office. She also worked in the private sector at Lucent Technologies, Inc. and at a law firm practicing civil litigation handling appeals to the NC Court of Appeals and NC Supreme Court.
Matthew Buckner was appointed as Deputy Commissioner effective March 4, 2024, and he will also be based in Raleigh. Before his appointment, Buckner worked as an Assistant Attorney General and Special Deputy Attorney General with the NC Department of Justice where he represented the Department of Public Instruction and other state agencies in workers’ compensation cases. Deputy Commissioner Buckner has also previously represented injured workers in private practice.
John Tomei began serving as Deputy Commissioner on June 24, 2024. He is based in the Raleigh office. Deputy Commissioner Tomei practiced for nearly 35 years in private practice defending workers’ compensation claims. He has litigated cases at the NC Industrial Commission, NC Court of Appeals, and NC Supreme Court and is also a certified mediator.
Reappointments and Other Changes
In addition to these new appointments, there have been several other changes at the Commission:
Chief Deputy Commissioner Tammy Nance retired on February 1, 2024. Deputy Commissioner Kevin Hall was designated as the new Chief Deputy Commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner Mary Clare Brown was reappointed for a second term, which began on March 10, 2024.
Commissioner James Gillen was reappointed to the Full Commission for a second six-year term starting July 1, 2024.
Melissa Botiglione served as Full Commission Chief Administrative Officer and Lead Counsel from September 3 to December 9, 2024. The role is now held by J.D. Prather, who currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer and Lead Counsel.
Deputy Commissioner Ashley Moore was reappointed to serve a second term as Deputy Commissioner and to also serve as Director of Claims Administration effective September 3, 2024.
Lauren Halbert took on the role of Director of the Compliance Division, effective October 1, 2024.
Technological Updates
In early 2024, the NCIC launched its new integrated case management system, aimed at streamlining case processing and enhancing operational efficiency. This upgrade represents the Commission's commitment to adopting modern technology to better serve the public and the legal community.
Response to Natural Disaster
In a proactive response to Hurricane Helene in October 2024, which impacted several counties in western North Carolina, the Commission extended statutory and rule deadlines for 13 counties. These extensions aimed to provide relief to those affected by the hurricane, ensuring that timelines would be flexible for those facing challenges due to the natural disaster.
Looking Ahead
Deputy Commissioner Layla Santa Rosa was reappointed to a second term as Deputy Commissioner starting January 3, 2025.
· Gina Cammarano will serve as Industrial Commission General Counsel after serving as Acting General Counsel since June 2023. She previously worked as the Commission’s Rulemaking Coordinator.
· Jessica Holmes was appointed to serve as Deputy Commissioner effective January 1, 2025. She previously served as a Deputy Commissioner before serving as North Carolina State Auditor.
These updates reflect the NCIC’s dedication to improving workers' compensation services and ensuring a fair and efficient process for all stakeholders in the state. Stay tuned for further updates in the coming year.