About us

Mission

We ensure an equitable workers’ compensation system for all. 

Who we are

The Workers’ Compensation Division administers and regulates laws and rules that affect the participants in the Oregon workers’ compensation system, including workers, employers, insurers, claims examiners, attorneys, vocational providers, medical providers, and others.  Workers’ compensation payroll and premium assessments, fees, and investment income fund our services. WCD is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency.

How we serve you

• Enforcing workers’ compensation insurance coverage laws so that employers maintain coverage for their subject workers. 
• Ensuring that injured workers receive timely and accurate benefits and quality medical care. 
  
• Facilitating injured workers’ early return to work through incentive programs to employers. 
• Providing consultation, training, and technical assistance to workers, employers, insurers, claims examiners, attorneys, medical providers, and others.
• Administering and overseeing the Workers’ Benefit Fund programs.

Values

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging: We encourage and value all perspectives.
• Accountability: We serve ethically and responsibly.
  
• Integrity: We tell the truth and honor commitments.
• Service: We build positive relationships and work together to improve outcomes.
  

Strategic plan

We have built our values into every part of our strategic plan, which is in alignment with the DCBS strategic plan. The plan helps fulfill our mission and vision, and we’re excited to share our progress with you over the next three years.

Leadership

Matt West was appointed the Workers' Compensation Division administrator in February 2025. Matt began his career with WCD as a bilingual benefit consultant in 2003. Matt continued to provide valuable assistance to injured workers throughout Oregon as he progressed within the WCD Employment Services Team including serving as the unit manager for several years, the WCD Resolution Section manager, and most recently the division’s deputy administrator. Before joining the Workers’ Compensation Division, Matt spent five years in Mexico teaching English. He has a degree in Social Science from Portland State University.

Katie Bruns was appointed deputy administrator of the Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD) in June 2025. She began her career with WCD in 2012 as a field auditor and has served in a variety of roles across the division.

During her first four years, Katie worked as an auditor, followed by two years as a vocational reviewer. She later joined the policy team before moving into leadership. Katie managed the Employer Compliance Unit for four years before accepting her current role as deputy administrator.

Before joining WCD, Katie worked as a claims examiner for Liberty Northwest Insurance. She is a certified mediator for the State of Oregon and holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Oregon.