Waltham, MA, January 14, 2025 — The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is excited to announce that Dr. Lanhee J. Chen, a leading U.S. public policy expert and political commentator, will deliver the keynote on the first day of the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, scheduled for March 6-7, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Chen’s address will explore the potential impact of the incoming Trump administration and the newly seated Congress on healthcare policy—an issue critical to workers' compensation and healthcare stakeholders in this rapidly evolving political landscape. 

"Dr. Chen’s expertise in navigating complex policy issues will provide valuable perspectives for our conference attendees," said Ramona Tanabe, WCRI President and CEO. "His ability to distill intricate topics into actionable guidance will set the stage for a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion."

Dr. Chen serves as the David and Diane Steffy Fellow in American Public Policy Studies at the Hoover Institution and as Director of Domestic Policy Studies and Lecturer at Stanford University. His analysis has been featured in top publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and he is a regular CNN Opinion contributor, offering expert commentary on major U.S. television networks.

Beyond his academic roles, Dr. Chen has advised U.S. government leaders on domestic policy matters, including his service on the Social Security Advisory Board, where he was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He also held a senior position at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush.

The 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference is a leading public policy forum for workers' compensation professionals, featuring original research, compelling keynotes, and expert-led panel discussions. Attendees will also have opportunities to network with senior decision-makers and engage with emerging industry trends. Early registrants can save $100 by signing up before February 6. Click here to learn more about the conference agenda or to register.

About WCRI:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, non-profit research organization based in Waltham, MA. Established in 1983, WCRI remains neutral on the issues it investigates; instead, it provides objective information drawn from studies and data collection efforts that adhere to recognized scientific methods. Rigorous, impartial peer review procedures further ensure objectivity. WCRI’s diverse membership includes employers, insurers, government entities, managed care organizations, healthcare providers, insurance regulators, state labor groups, and state administrative agencies across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

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