Recipient of The Sue Ann Head Workers' Compensation Award Announced at Murfreesboro Event

The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is proud to announce that Bob Pitts is the recipient of the 2022 Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers' Compensation. The Award is named in honor and memory of Sue Ann Head, who led the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Division for over 30 years. She passed away in 2018.

BWC recognized Pitts on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at a luncheon during the 25th Tennessee Workers' Compensation Educational Conference in Murfreesboro, TN.

The following three finalists were recognized for their influence on workers' compensation: Sarah Reisner, Principal of Manier Herod; Dan Headrick, PT, CEAS III, with Star Physical Therapy; and Bob Pitts, Sr. Policy Advisor with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Great Tennessee. A video was shown at the luncheon recognizing all three finalists before the award recipient was finally announced.

For more than 40 years, Bob Pitts has actively participated and contributed to the evolving laws of Tennessee Workers’ Compensation. Pitts has served on the state of Tennessee Advisory Council on Workers’ Compensation for more than 25 years. He has advised governors, Department of Labor commissioners, members of the General Assembly, and multiple Tennessee business and professional groups. Pitts has also mentored many business and labor lobbyists over the years, advocating for fairness and respect for all parties in workers’ compensation. Bob’s first significant efforts were with Gov. Ned McWherter’s administration in 1992.

“I nominated Bob when I first heard that there was going to be an award created in Sue Ann Head’s name”, said Tony Farmer, Partner of Dreiser Law Group. “I was convinced the moment I learned of the award, that there would be no person more deserving than Bob Pitts.”  

“This year’s finalists were all outstanding and wonderful role models for those who want to make Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system better.  A person with the scope of contributions that Bob Pitts has made doesn’t come along very often,” said Abbie Hudgens, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator. “He is trusted, listened to, and respected by all those involved in workers’ compensation.  He is one of a kind.” 

“Bob Pitts is a living legend. Over the past 50 years, no one has been more respected and more revered in Tennessee workers’ compensation than Bob,” said Troy Haley, Director of Legal Services. “He was a trusted friend and confidant of Sue Ann Head, and he worked with her for many years on improvements to the workers’ comp system. I congratulate him on being named this year’s winner of the award named for her.”

Nominees were judged on their overall service based on the quality and impact on Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system.