Get to know… Lisa Jurski

Lisa Jurski has her father-in-law to thank for getting her started in workers’ compensation, but it was her hard work, energy and desire to grow professionally that turned that opening into a long, successful career.

Q. What was your first job in workers’ compensation?

A. It was 1980 and my daughter was three years old. I loved being a Mom, but I was ready to get back to work. My father-in-law was the director of our region for the Ohio Bureau for Workers’ Compensation and told me there was an opening at the Industrial Commission. I applied and landed the job. I was working for the Regional Board of Review preparing files for appeal hearings. During my three years with the Board, I learned a lot about workers’ comp and thought it was very interesting. After that, I worked for two different TPAs and a local self-insured employer before taking my current position with Manor HCR about 20 years ago. Given the nature and size of the program it keeps me hopping and time flies. I cannot believe it’s been 20 years, it feels like I just started yesterday.

Q. Where did you get your training?

A. Working for the Regional Board of Review was tremendously educational. I reviewed each file and prepared a hearing analysis for the Board. My office was outside the hearing room, so I was able to listen to arguments presented on both sides as well the decision rendered and why. I’ve also learned from my more senior colleagues over the years and from attending many great conferences and seminars.

Q. And now you’re the teacher…helping with the Claims College.

A. Yes. I’m on the Executive Council for the School of Workers’ Compensation and I teach some of the classes. It’s rewarding to teach the newer professionals. They really soak up all the information we provide, and we’ve designed the courses so there is great interaction among the students and the teachers, which enhances the learning opportunities.

Q. Do you have children?

A. I have two adult children, a son and a daughter, and four grandchildren, all boys. They all live near me and my husband, so we get to see them often — the children probably too much, but the grandchildren, never enough. I tell the son and daughter, you can go home, the boys can stay! Just kidding, son and daughter turned out great.

Q. How did you meet your husband?

A. My husband Rick and I met when we were in high school and we’ve been married for 42 years. People who know us both were surprised that we ended up together let alone lasted. I was always a quiet girl and my husband was the “bad boy.” How else do you describe a guy who rides his motorcycle in one end of the high school and out the other and never gets caught? Guess it’s true, opposites attract. Rick runs a motorcycle repair shop and builds custom bikes that were featured in Rod and Custom magazine. We also love our Harley and take many motorcycle trips. This summer, its back to Colorado for our third trip.