Leadership Team

President and CEO

James Heer

James is the president and CEO of the WCRA, having formerly served as the Association’s actuarial vice president. He is responsible for the overall management of the Association and its staff, and he reports to the WCRA Board of Directors. Prior to joining the WCRA in 2007, James was an actuary and senior vice president for Guy Carpenter. He has also served in various actuarial roles at E.W. Blanch, USAA, and St. Paul Companies.

Committee Liaisons: Board of Directors

Vice President Actuarial

WCRA Staff Liason

Alison Khan

Alison is responsible for managing the actuarial functions of the WCRA. This includes establishing the premium rates charged to members and estimating the amount of funds the WCRA must hold in reserve to meet future claim payments. She is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

Committee Liaisons: Actuarial

Vice President - Claims

Natalie Haefner

Natalie is responsible for managing the claims department as well as our injury management services.  This includes identification of claims that may involve WCRA exposure, assessing the effectiveness of our members’ claims management practices, verifying claims procedures are adequate to protect the WCRA’s liabilities, processing reimbursements, and advising and educating members on effective methods in managing catastrophic or complex claims.  Prior to joining the WCRA in 2006, Natalie served in various capacities for the field case management division of Kemper National Services (Broadspire) from 1993-2006.  Natalie also has ten years of clinical nursing experience working in ICU/critical care settings from burns to neurotrauma.  She is a registered nurse, has an associate degree in Nursing and a bachelor’s degree in health care administration.  Natalie is also a certified case manager, a certified disability management specialist, and holds an Associate in Risk Management designation.

Committee Liaison: Member Advisory

Vice President Information Technology and Security Officer

WCRA Staff Liason

Daniel Lovhaug

Dan is responsible for managing the information technology functions of the WCRA, including the design, development, implementation, security, and maintenance of organizational information systems, software applications, and infrastructure systems as well as managing successful delivery of IT service desk operations. He also serves as the WCRA’s security officer overseeing information security, cybersecurity, and IT risk management programs, including business continuity and disaster recovery.

Dan joined the organization in 2012 and has served in a variety of roles in data and technology management where he has led the organization’s strategic technology transformations. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Concordia University, St. Paul.

Committee Liaisons: IT Advisory Committee

Vice President and CFO

WCRA Staff Liason

David McKee

Dave is responsible for managing the financial and investment functions of the WCRA including overseeing the financial operations and ensuring the investment program and objectives are adhered to and met.

Prior to joining the WCRA in 2015, Dave served in a variety of financial capacities, including Vice President and business unit controller at a regional bank; managing investment accounting for an $80 billion investment portfolio consisting of hedge funds, derivatives, CDO, and fixed income and equity securities; and leading productivity best practice initiatives for a premier national financial services company.  Dave holds a BA in accounting from the University of St. Thomas and a MBA in finance from the University of Minnesota.

Committee Liaisons: Audit and Financial Compliance; Investment

Vice President Operations and Secretary

WCRA Staff Liason

Cynthia Smith

Cyndi is responsible for managing member premium services including data reporting, auditing, billing, and general membership. The premium staff’s goal is to assure that membership records are up to date, that data submitted by members for calculating premiums is accurate and complete, and that membership billings are appropriate and paid on time. Cyndi is also responsible for the WCRA’s general operations, and in that role she performs the traditional human resources functions from compensation to training, is responsible for the corporate insurance program, and oversees all aspects of the Association’s day-to-day administrative operations.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from North American University and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.

Committee Liaison:  Personnel

Director of Claims and Legal Counsel

WCRA Staff Liason

Evan Cordes

Evan Cordes is the Director of Claims and Legal Counsel at the Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Association (WCRA), where he leads the claims department in collaborating with insurers, self-insured entities, and third-party administrators to reimburse and develop strategic approaches for managing large-loss and catastrophic workers’ compensation claims that have reached—or may reach—the reinsurance threshold. Before joining the WCRA in 2024, Evan practiced employment law and workers’ compensation defense, appearing in both trial and appellate courts.

A frequent speaker on claims strategy and litigation trends, Evan is known for his practical insights into navigating complex workers’ compensation disputes. He holds a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin and serves as a volunteer Conciliation Court Referee in Dakota County. Outside of work, he enjoys travel, outdoor activities, and spending time with his family.