Sonja J. Guenther

Ms. Guenther, who is presenting Workshop W7, “Making 'Cents' of Experience Modification,” on Wednesday afternoon, has more than 30 years' experience in the insurance industry, including property/casualty, workers compensation, reinsurance, and excess lines. She has facilitated numerous workshops and seminars on topics from basic insurance to statutory issues. In addition to more than 10 years with Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs as Workers' Compensation Specialist, her experience includes 2 years with the National Council on Compensation Insurance, where she counseled policyholders, carriers, and agents on workers compensation issues and worked closely with the Appellate Board and regulatory agencies on specific cases. She is certified by the Colorado Division of Insurance as a continuing education instructor on workers' compensation topics.

She holds a B.S., cum laude, in Criminal Justice from Regis University in Denver (1992), and the professional designations Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Loss Control Management (ALCM), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), and Certified Risk Manager (CRM).

Her recent industry-related presentations include: Independent Insurance Agents —Grand Junction, “Understanding Experience Modifiers” and “Cost Containment Certification,” September 2007; Associated General Contractors, “Work. Comp. Legislative Update,” August 2007; and American Subcontractors Assn. Safety Awards Presentation Monitor, December 2005. She is author of “New Workers’ Comp Laws for Colorado Employers,” The Constructor’s Voice, January 2008; “Workers’ Comp. Legislative Update,” AGC and ASA article, June 2007; and Offering Modified Duty to Your Injured Workers in Colorado, 2nd ed., Jan. 2003 (a complete guide to offering light-duty within Colorado statutes). Her recent Legislative activities include participation in an emergency meeting on Experience Rating Adjustment Plan, Division of Insurance, December 2007, and testimony before House Business Affairs and Labor Committee, HB1176, in April 2007, before Senate Business Affairs Committee SB225 in April 2005, and before House Bus. Affairs & Labor Committee, HB1018, in January 2005. She is a Professionals in Workers' Compensation member and past president and also served as Workers' Compensation Coalition board member and American Subcontractors Association Government Relations Committee member.