San Francisco – State Compensation Insurance Fund today announced that Lisa Middleton, Senior Vice President of Internal Affairs, was elected chair of the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Assessment Commission by unanimous vote. Middleton brings 35 years of experience in the workers’ compensation insurance industry and offers firsthand knowledge of best practices in identifying, preventing and fighting fraud.
In her new role, Middleton aims to increase the prosecution of fraud by improving fraud awareness and education, and enhancing collaboration with the Department of Insurance.
“Insurance fraud has a significant effect on the California economy, drives up costs for all employers across all industries, and drains millions of dollars from the system every year,” Middleton said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to use the extensive knowledge I have gained at State Fund for the benefit of all California businesses by helping to bring perpetrators of fraud to justice.”
Middleton has served as a member of the Fraud Assessment Commission since 2009. As head of State Fund’s internal affairs, she is responsible for the Special Investigation Unit, Public Records Office, and Internal Audit department. During her tenure at State Fund, Middleton has assisted in the prosecution of more than 75 workers’ compensation fraud cases and has held various management roles in the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco and Ventura offices.
“Lisa Middleton is an outstanding choice to head up the Fraud Assessment Commission. She is an expert in the workers' comp system and a knowledgeable and skilled fraud fighter,” said Dominic Dugo, Deputy District Attorney and Director of Fraud Grants at San Diego County’s District Attorney’s Office.
Dugo added “After years of working together battling fraud in San Diego, Ms. Middleton has shown unwavering support for law enforcement. California is fortunate to have Ms. Middleton leading our statewide anti-fraud effort.”
State Fund has earned a reputation as an industry leader in fighting fraud by identifying trends and collaborating with law enforcement officials at the local, state, and federal levels to prosecute fraud cases. Working closely with the Special Litigation Unit, State Fund’s 32-member Special Investigation Unit, made up of fraud investigators and investigative liaisons in each regional office, coordinates anti-fraud programs, training, and educational materials for policyholders to help combat fraud.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Established in 1914 by the state legislature, State Fund is California’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance and a vital asset to California businesses. Completely self supporting, State Fund plays a stabilizing role in California’s economy by maintaining an open door policy that ensures that all employers have a strong and stable option for their workers’ compensation needs.
