Gov.-Elect Kasich Names Sen. Buehrer to Head Ohio Workers’ Comp Bureau

Ohio Governor-elect John Kasich named Senator Steve Buehrer as administrator of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Buehrer, a Republican from Delta, becomes the fourth agency director of the Kasich Administration.

Buehrer has been in the Senate since 2007. He previously served in the Ohio House from 1999 to 2006. He is chairman of the Senate Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee. Buehrer, an attorney, was with the bureau from 1995 to 1998 when he served as its human resources director for then- Gov. George V. Voinovich.

“Reducing the cost of workers comp is critical to reviving Ohio’s economy and creating jobs,” Kasich said at a press conference announcing his choice. “When the rates in other states are lower and when our system is a mess of red tape and anti-business processes, then the need for reform becomes urgent. I intend to fix it and Steve has the experience and the will to help in that effort.”

Buehrer said he thinks his legislative experience has prepared him for the job. “I firmly believe that a successful workers’ compensation system is crucial to restarting Ohio’s job engine,” he said at the press conference where Kasich announced his nomination. “My experience has prepared me for the challenges of leading the Bureau, and during my time in the General Assembly, I have been involved in nearly all major pieces of legislation impacting the Bureau.”

Marsha Ryan, the current administrator, has resigned, effective Jan. 9, 2011. Ryan was appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland and has served as BWC’s administrator since May 2007.

BWC handles claims for 1.2 million injured workers each year and provides workers’ compensation insurance protection for over 260,000 employers.