Harris Promoted by BWC to Chief Operating Officer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Patricia “Trish” Harris, a Cincinnati native and longtime veteran of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, this week assumed the role of BWC chief operating officer following her confirmation by the Ohio Senate.

Harris, who joined BWC as an intern in 1991, succeeds Kevin Abrams, who retired after nearly four decades with the agency.

“Trish has served BWC in a variety of roles, demonstrating excellence, commitment, and expertise to our customers and our agency time and again,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud. “I have every confidence in her abilities and welcome her to her new role.”

As COO, Harris will provide oversight of all claims and employer operations statewide, including BWC’s customer contact center and the policy support department.

“I am honored to be appointed and excited to get started,” said Harris.

Harris joined BWC full-time as a claim services specialist in 1991 while still a student at Xavier University. She later worked in BWC’s Training Department, where she created training workshops that targeted newly formed small and minority businesses. She’s also served as manager of the Cincinnati Service Office and most recently as chief of claims services.

Harris received her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Xavier University and completed a master’s degree in adult and higher education from the University of Missouri.

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