2026 MWCEA Schedule of Events
Plan to Attend the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Educational Association 2026 Conference!
Celebrating 40 Years of Championing the MWCEA Conference, September 27–30, 2026
Ashore Hotel and Resort, Ocean City, MD.
The 40th Annual MWCEA Conference brings Maryland’s workers’ compensation community together for three days of education, collaboration, and industry engagement, September 27–30, 2026, at the Ashore Resort in Ocean City. This milestone year celebrates four decades of strengthening the workers’ compensation “playbook,” uniting employers, attorneys, claims professionals, medical providers, rehabilitation specialists, and industry partners to address the real‑world challenges shaping Maryland’s system today.
The 2026 agenda delivers a robust, practice‑driven educational program built around the issues professionals face most. Attendees will gain clarity on proposed and enacted changes during the Legislative Update, explore coordinated case management in Navigating Brain Injuries, and review the latest decisions in Recent Cases, New Cases, Fresh Plays, highlighting how appellate rulings from Maryland’s Appellate Court and Supreme Court are influencing claims and litigation strategy. Additional sessions dive into return‑to‑work approaches, traumatic limb loss and prosthetics, independent contractor classifications, jury trials and appeals, third‑party recovery and lien reimbursement, settlements and MSAs, and complex “Hail Mary” cases that require creative, strategic problem‑solving.
Throughout the conference, attendees can explore Maryland’s largest workers’ compensation expo, featuring claims management technology, cost‑containment solutions, medical and pharmaceutical advancements, rehabilitation resources, and return‑to‑work services. This extensive exhibitor space provides a hands‑on opportunity to compare tools, discover new solutions, and connect with industry experts who support better outcomes for injured workers.
Networking and community remain central to the MWCEA experience, from the Opening Reception to the Kids’ Chance events and the Monday night Bonfire on the Beach. The conference culminates in the MWCEA XL Celebration, a special 40th‑anniversary evening event featuring music, refreshments, and networking — a fitting finale to this commemorative year.
Sunday, September 27
2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Registration (Atrium Level)
2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Set-Up
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Opening Reception (Atlantic Ballroom)
Join colleagues for the kick-off networking reception for the MWCEA Conference!
Sponsored by: Franklin & Prokopik
Monday, September 28
7:00 a.m – 1:30 p.m. REGISTRATION (Atrium Level)
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (Lower Exhibits)
7:00 a.m. EXHIBITS OPEN
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. OPENING REMARKS (Atlantic Ballroom)
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
Angela Garcia Kozlowski, Esq., Franklin & Prokopik, P.C.
WCC CHAIR’S WELCOME
The Hon. Asha Joseph Jefferson, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
8:45 – 9:15 a.m. Legislative Update
Remarks by legislative members of the Joint Committee on Workers’ Compensation Benefit and Insurance Oversight, and presentation of 2026 proposed and passed legislation impacting workers’ compensation in Maryland.
Moderator: Ashlee K. Smith, Esq., The Law Office of Ashlee K. Smith
Panel: James A. Lanier, Esq., Warnken, LLC
Julie D. Murray, Esq., Semmes
9:15 a.m. KIDS’ CHANCE OF MARYLAND UPDATE
Edgar G. Dodd, III, President, Kids’ Chance of Maryland
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS (Tony Saunders)
10:15 – 10:45 a.m. EXHIBITOR BREAK
10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Head in the Game: Navigating Brain Injuries in Workers’ Comp This session examines the complexities of brain injuries in workers’ compensation claims, including diagnosis, treatment pathways, long‑term impacts, and strategies for coordinated case management.
Moderators: Erin Cornett, Excelsia Injury Care and Monique Lee, Esq., ChasenBoscolo
Panel: Krista DeSmyter, Esq., ChasenBoscolo
Mohammed Alwahaidy, MD, Excelsia Injury Care
Jamie DeSisto, Esq., Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP
Commissioner: The Hon. Tracey Parker Warren
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Getting Back in the Game A discussion on effective return‑to‑work strategies, rehabilitation approaches, and collaborative methods to support injured workers in achieving successful recovery and reintegration.
Moderator: Shelby Dubato, LCSW‑C, CCM, CDMS, CLCP, CRC, MalcolmDubato, LLC
Panel: Karla Alberti, PT, Rehab at Work
Brian Eberle, Director of Risk Management & Safety, Keystone Quality Transport/Lifestar Response
Savas Georgas, Esq., Law Office of Mitchel M. Gordon
Dawn Malone, CCM, CDMS, MCRSP, Opus Medical
Jim Turner, Esq., GodwinTirocchi, LLC
Commissioner: The Hon. Stephane P. Romano
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Full Court Press: Navigating Jury Trials & Appeals (Breakout Room) Step onto the litigation court for a fast-paced, deep dive into the world of workers’ compensation appeals. In this panel, seasoned practitioners will break down what it takes to carry momentum from the Commission through appeal and ultimately secure a win. From appeal strategy and trial practice tips to jury selection and evidentiary calls, this session will equip attendees with practical tools to stay on offense and avoid costly turnovers. Come ready to huddle up, analyze key plays, and elevate your approach to workers’ compensation appeals.
Moderator: Fatima H. Garland, Esq., Office of the Montgomery County Attorney
Panel: Christina Caron-Moroney, Esq., Mike Miller Law
Rachel Gebhart, Esq., Godwin Tirocchi, LLC
Commissioner: The Hon. Kenrick F. Roberts
12:00 – 12:15 p.m. Break
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Learn: Liensanity, How to Raise Your Game for Third Party Claims This session will provide workers’ compensation professionals with practical strategies for identifying and leveraging third party involvement in workplace injury claims. When a non employer party—such as another driver, a product manufacturer, or a property owner—may be responsible for an employee’s injury, additional recovery opportunities may exist beyond traditional workers’ compensation benefits. Participants will be provided an overview of third-party claims generally with a focus on recovery and workers’ compensation lien reimbursement.
Moderators: Nancy Courson Cooke, Esq., The Law Offices of Dirska & Levin, LLC and Luz Neighoff, Aon Risk Solutions
Panel: Gregory J. Eichelman, Esq., Dirska and Levin
Mark C. Miller, Esq., Blondell, Miller, Schuler
Nancy O’Neil, Hogan & Hartson LLP
Commissioner: The Hon. James R. Forrester
2:30 - 4:00 p.m. Kids’ Chance Cornhole Event
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Monday Night Shenanigans!
Join your colleagues for networking and fun!
SPONSORED BY: ChasenBoscolo
Tuesday, September 29
7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. REGISTRATION (Atrium Level)
7:00 – 9:00 a.m. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (Lower Exhibits)
7:00 a.m. EXHIBITS OPEN
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Recent Cases, New Cases, Fresh Plays: What’s Changing the Field This session reviews recent case law developments and emerging legal trends, offering practical insights into how new decisions are shaping workers’ compensation practice.
Moderator: Lyndsey B. Meninger, Esq., MBA, Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company / Injured Workers Insurance Fund
Panel: Matthew Engler, Esq., BSG Law
Lauren Waltrop, Esq., Humphreys, McLaughlin & McAleer, LLC
Commissioner: The Hon. Kathleen A. Evans
9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Not Just Back in the Game – Back to Work and Life: Limb Loss, Prosthetics, and Catastrophic Claims A discussion regarding traumatic limb loss, technological advancements in prosthetics, return to function/employment and the associated catastrophic claims.
Moderators: Eric Buchner, MD, CIME, Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai and Matthew D. Gordon, Esq., Law Offices of Mitch Gordon
Panel: Kimberly Baker, Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company
Scott E. Brown, MD, MA, Rehabilitation Institute at Sinai
Dennis Haun, BS, CPO, Metro Prosthetics
Commissioner: The Hon. Delia Turano Schadt
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. The Alfred Porth Award / Break
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Independent Contractors – Free Agents in the Workplace This session examines the evolving landscape of independent contractor classifications, legal standards, and the implications for workers’ compensation coverage and claims.
Moderator: Michael J. Harrison, Esq., Assistant Attorney General, Uninsured Employers’ Fund
Panel: Theodore M. Ehudin, Esq., Workers’ Comp Law Firm, LLC
Natalie Johnson, JD, Assistant Attorney General, Uninsured Employers’ Fund
Andrew Nichols, J.D., Horman Nichols, LLC
Sarah Parker, MBA, AINS, AU, CBIA, Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company
Commissioner: The Hon. Allan H. Kittleman
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Bottom of the Ninth: Settlements and MSAs
A practical discussion on settlement strategies, Medicare Set Asides, and navigating the intricacies of complex claims.
Moderator: Anthony F. Perrotta, Esq., MD Subsequent Injury Fund
Panel: Jodi Taylor, Esq., Chesapeake Employers' Insurance Company
Steven C. Rohan, Esq., Rohan Law Firm, LLC
Jeremy Papp, Compliance Manager, Allan Koba Medicare Compliance Solutions
Commissioner: The Hon. James K. MacAlister
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Learn – Hail Mary Cases This session explores challenging claims that require creative problem solving, strategic coordination, and innovative approaches to achieve resolution.
Moderators: Matthew Drzik, MS, CWPE, REHAB AT WORK and Merissa Hall, Esq., Erlandson Daney
Panel: Stefanie Dubicki, CRC, MCRSP, Opus Medical
Sherri Warner Halligan, Sedgwick
Katherine Nalley, Heller & Pendergrass
Matt Trollinger, Esq., Trollinger Law
Commissioner: The Hon. Howard L. Metz
2:30 – 4:00 p.m. Kids’ Chance One Mile Fun Run/Walk (Beach side/Hotel)
8:00 – 11:00 p.m. MWCEA XL Celebration Dancing, Refreshments (Atlantic Ballroom) SPONSORED BY: Dr. Jeffrey D. Gaber & Associates, P.A.
Wednesday, September 30
8:15 a.m. Breakfast Buffet Opens
9:00 a.m. Breakfast with the Commissioners
9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission Report The WCC Chair provides updates on
Commission operations, initiatives, and developments impacting the workers’ compensation system.
Speaker: The Hon. Asha Joseph Jefferson, Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission
9:45 – 10:00 a.m. GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
You must be present to win! Limit one prize per attendee!
Presenter: Andrea J. Ball, Executive Director, MWCEA