From AI-powered injury prevention to PTSD treatment for first responders, winners showcase millions of dollars in cost reductions while advancing workplace safety innovation.

National Comp and Risk & Insurance today announced the 32 winners of the second annual Theo Awards, recognizing organizations that have achieved notable innovations in workers’ compensation and injury prevention. The award winners collectively demonstrate how modern workplace safety has evolved from reactive compensation to proactive prevention, generating millions in cost savings while protecting worker health and dignity.

Named for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt – champion of America's first workers’ compensation legislation – the awards honor employers who take bold steps to support injured workers, prevent injuries, and solve today's biggest workers’ comp challenges.

Standout achievements among the 2025 Theo Award winners include:

• Mental health breakthrough: The City of San Diego developed biopsychosocial treatment programs helping first responders heal from PTSD
• Massive cost reductions: The Port of Houston Authority achieved a 77% reduction in medical costs through strategic partnerships and provider negotiations
• Pandemic resilience: AARP navigated service disruptions to ensure injured employees received timely care during recovery efforts

“In the 20+ years I’ve worked in the workers’ comp industry, I’ve seen a remarkable transformation from what was an antagonistic and distrustful workplace environment to one that is worker-focused, compassionate and embraces whole-person care,” said Michelle Kerr, Conference Chair, National Comp. “What I see now is an industry that is proactive, that invests in prevention and understands the true value of providing every injured worker with the best possible care. National Comp and Risk & Insurance are pleased to honor these organizations' accomplishments. Theo himself would have been incredibly proud."

The 2025 Theo Award winners will be featured in the September/October 2025 issue of Risk & Insurance magazine, available Sept. 8. The awards will be presented at National Comp 2025, taking place Nov. 11-12 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn.

For more information about the Theo Awards and to view the complete list of winners, visit https://wcconference.com/theo-award/.

About National Comp

National Comp is the nation's largest and longest-running annual conference focused on workers' compensation and disability management. It serves as a hub for professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore the most pressing challenges and innovations shaping the future of the industry. National Comp is produced by Risk & Insurance, a brand of The Institutes®.

About the Theo Awards

Named for U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, champion of America's first workers’ compensation legislation, the Theo Awards recognize employers who take bold steps to support injured workers, prevent injuries, and solve today's biggest workers' comp challenges. The awards honor organizations that demonstrate unwavering commitment to worker protection through innovative solutions, strategic investments, and exceptional program outcomes.

About The Institutes

The Institutes® are a global not-for-profit comprising diverse affiliates that educate, elevate and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by The Institutes’ nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting and preventing losses to create a more resilient world.

The Institutes is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.

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“What I see now is an industry that is proactive, that invests in prevention and understands the true value of providing every injured worker with the best possible care."