John Cheek
Kansas City
Summary
Dynamic VP of Risk Management with extensive experience in workers compensation, auto and general liability claims. Adept at reducing employee injuries and associated cost. Proven track record in claims management, return to work programs, and fraud investigation. Leveraging strong leadership and complex problem-solving skills to drive organizational success and mitigate risks across diverse operations.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
VP of Risk Management
Jack Cooper Investments
Kansas City, Missouri
07.2017 - 02.2025
- Transportation risk executive with a proven track record of reducing workers’ compensation claims.
- Co-authored a comprehensive safety and health policy that was paramount in reducing injuries and associated cost.
- Reduced lost time injuries by 300%.
- Reduced incurred cost by 53%.
- Worked with insurance adjusters to determine appropriate medical treatment for injuries.
- Assisted with litigation by conferring with legal counsel, offering evidence and testifying in court.
- Participated in regular meetings with management team members to discuss updates on open claims and strategies for reducing overall claim costs.
- Developed policies and procedures related to management of workers' compensation claims.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to workers' compensation.
- Assisted injured employees with obtaining appropriate medical treatment and follow-up care.
- Maintained communication with employees, medical providers, and insurance carriers throughout claim process.
- Provided training sessions for supervisors on best practices for managing workplace injuries and avoiding costly litigation.
- Collaborated with legal counsel on litigated cases involving workers' compensation claims.
- Compiled reports summarizing key metrics related to company's performance in managing workers' compensation risks.
VP of Risk Management
Deffenbaugh Industries Inc.
Kansas City, Kansas
10.2000 - 05.2015
- Advanced through positions of increased responsibility to ultimately manage the Safety & Health, AL/GL Liability Claims, Workers Compensation, and Security.
- Supervised 40 employees and led the strategic direction of claims settlements, safety & regulatory compliance, corporate loss prevention initiatives, reduction of employee injuries, business continuity planning, hiring, discipline, performance evaluations, budget management, and relations with multiple business partners.
- Leading and supporting safety programs at 10 locations, with 2,000 employees, 600 DOT drivers, 450 commercial motor vehicles, 2 material processing facilities, 1 landfill, 7 hauling operations, and 4 transfer stations.
- Manage a self-funded retention program with significant stop loss.
- Manage corporate security requirements and training for all locations.
- Identify and mitigate risk and liabilities across all lines of the organization.
- Negotiate A/L, G/L, and B/I claims with outside carriers.
- Manage the return-to-work program for injured employees.
- Frequent communications with work comp TPA, attorneys, and nurse case managers.
- Chair a weekly liability meeting with executives, and managers across all lines of business.
- Review 1,500 claims annually with internal adjusters and determine liability based on evidence provided from field investigation.
- The largest privately held refuse company in the Midwest, operating in six states
Education
Bachelor’s degree - Business Administration
Baker University
01.2012
Skills
- Workers' Compensation
- Claims & Litigation Management
- Accident Investigation
- Health, Safety, & Environment
- OSHA & DOT Compliance
- Security & Workplace Violence
- Field Investigation Management
- Fraud Investigation
- Conflict Management
- Microsoft Applications
- Union Compliance
Accomplishments
- A capital expenditure of 600k for surveillance cameras and access control decreased security headcount by 94%.
Affiliations
- American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
- Claims Litigation Management (CLM)
- National Safety Council
- North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI)