Judicial Division Leadership Transition
The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (VWC) announced a leadership transition in its Judicial Division. Deputy Commissioner Brooke Anne C. Hunter will become Chief Deputy Commissioner effective April 10, 2027.
Deputy Commissioner Hunter will succeed Chief Deputy Commissioner James "Jim" Szablewicz in this role. Szablewicz will continue to serve the Commission by transitioning to a Deputy Commissioner position after nearly 24 years in the Chief Deputy Commissioner role.
Deputy Commissioner Hunter has served as a Deputy Commissioner since 2008 and brings extensive experience in workers’ compensation law and adjudication to her new leadership role. Prior to joining the Commission’s judiciary, she practiced law with a focus on workers’ compensation matters, gaining broad legal experience that has informed her work at the VWC. In 2026 she was elected as a fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers and she has served in various leadership roles in bar and judicial organizations.
Throughout her tenure with the Commission, Deputy Commissioner Hunter has contributed not only through her judicial responsibilities but also to the planning, development and implementation of numerous successful VWC projects and initiatives. Her combination of judicial experience, legal knowledge and familiarity with the Commission’s operations will provide a strong foundation for her new role.
In preparation for the transition, Hunter will continue serving as a Deputy Commissioner while working closely with Szablewicz and assisting him in his role as Chief Deputy Commissioner.
"Brooke Anne Hunter brings a tremendous depth of experience, knowledge and commitment to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission,” said Chairman Wesley G. Marshall. “Her years of service as a Deputy Commissioner, combined with her extensive experience in workers’ compensation law and her contributions to Commission-wide initiatives, have prepared her exceptionally well for this leadership role. I am confident that Brooke Anne will provide thoughtful and steady leadership to the Judicial Division and build on the strong foundation established by Chief Deputy Commissioner Jim Szablewicz.”
Chief Deputy Commissioner Szablewicz joined the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission in February 2002 as a Deputy Commissioner. He became Chief Deputy Commissioner in May 2004, beginning a tenure in the position that will span nearly 24 years when he leaves that role in April 2027.
During his years as Chief Deputy Commissioner, Szablewicz has provided leadership within the Judicial Division while helping guide the Commission through significant changes in Virginia’s workers’ compensation system and the evolving needs of its stakeholders.
“Serving as Chief Deputy Commissioner for nearly 24 years has been one of the great privileges of my professional career. I am deeply grateful for the many colleagues, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and staff members who have made these years so meaningful. I am pleased to continue serving the Commission and the Commonwealth as a Deputy Commissioner and look forward to this next chapter,” said Chief Deputy Commissioner Szablewicz. "I look forward to supporting Deputy Commissioner Hunter as she takes on this new responsibility. She is a highly respected colleague, and I am confident she will provide excellent leadership for the Judicial Division."
The Commission is grateful for Chief Deputy Commissioner Szablewicz’s longstanding service and leadership and his continued contributions as a Deputy Commissioner. The Commission also looks forward to Deputy Commissioner Hunter’s leadership as Chief Deputy Commissioner and to the continued strength and continuity of the Judicial Division.
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