Governor Abbott Appoints Nelson as Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jeff Nelson as the Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance for a term set to expire on February 1, 2023.

Jeff replaces Cassie Brown as the Commissioner. Last year, Cassie was appointed Commissioner for the Texas Department of Insurance after serving several years at the helm of the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

The appointment of Jeff Nelson may come as a surprise to most people who have followed previous appointments, all of which were of persons appointed from outside the Division of Workers’ Compensation. Jeff brings experience that the other Commissioners did not have in that he has been an insider at the Division of Workers’ Compensation for several years. He previously served as Director of External Relations. In that capacity, he was the DWC liaison with the Legislature during the last few sessions.

We expect Jeff to hit the ground running. His past experience within the Division should increase his confidence as the new Commissioner of Workers’ Compensation.