Meet Blake Longo, CIC, and Kyle Matyas, the driving forces behind the Laborers ADR Program. With a rich tapestry of industry knowledge, they ensure our approach to insurance plan administration is unparalleled. Their combined dedication to the craft is manifested in our program's transparent, efficient, and proactive resolution processes.
• Laborer’s ADR Request for Mediation form
• Southern California Laborers’ Workers’ Compensation Trust Alternative Dispute Resolution System
We have a distinguished panel of retired WCAB judges as mediators and arbitrators:
• Robert Drakulich
• Howard Goodman
• John C. Gutierrez
• John Hernandez
• Gilbert Katen
• Philip A. Mark
• George W. Mason
• Leonard J. Silberman
Blake has a long record of outstanding achievement as an insurance expert. After graduating from UCLA, he began his way from Claims Examiner to Commercial Underwriter. As an independent agent since 1987, he has been a leading producer for a number of insurance companies including Employers Compensation, Liberty Mutual, Berkshire, ICW, State Fund, CNA, Hanover, Travelers and the Hartford. National publications and industry associations often seek Blake’s viewpoint and wisdom because of his tremendous expertise and reputation. Blake holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. He is a past President of the La Canada Sports (Spartan Basketball)Association. He is a two-time past President of the Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena Insurance Brokers Association. Blake has served on the Board of Directors of the La Canada Educational Foundation. He is the former Head Basketball Coach for the Pasadena Special Olympics. Blake serves on the Pasadena Boys & Girls Club Board. Previously served on the Board of Directors for the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Blake's charter as President of A. J. Longo & Associate’s is to form long-term relationships with companies who are the best in their industry.
Blake has three grown children and lives in Pasadena with his wife.
Kyle Matyas is Vice-President of Oxford Risk Management & Insurance Services, a trusted name with over 50 years of dedication to its clients. Kyle joined Oxford in 2017, and his fresh perspective and innovative strategies have ushered in a new era of growth, ensuring the agency's continued success.
As a specialist in Taft-Hartley (multiemployer) trust fund benefit plans, Kyle comprehensively understands both the Property/Casualty Insurance and Employee Benefits facets of trust fund management. In addition, Kyle is an experienced ADR workers’ compensation administrator.
At the heart of his professional ethos is a commitment to reliability. Kyle and Oxford pledge unwavering support, ensuring they are there for clients when it matters most.
Outside of the office, Kyle lives in Azusa, CA, with his wife and daughter.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• Ombudsperson for Labor Code 3201.5 since 2001. I have worked with both labor – management trusts and owner controlled insurance projects to expedite de-livery of workers compensation benefits and to resolve disputes without litigation
• Private sector vocational counselor since 1983. I have been counseling the industrially injured with the goal of returning them to suitable gainful employment. Duties include vocational testing, interviewing, labor market surveys, placement, and the development of appropriate rehabilitation plans. Counseling experience includes work with high school students, developmentally disabled adults, psychiatric disabilities, drug and alcohol abuse counseling, and vocational counseling. Areas of expertise include monolingual Spanish speaking clients, low functioning individuals, head trauma, hand injuries, and long term unemployed disabled returning to the labor market. I have served as an Agreed Vocational Evaluator (AVE) and as an Independent Vocational Evaluator (IVE) for the Rehabilitation Unit.
• High School Guidance Counselor, Leilehua High School, Wahiawa, Hawaii, 1982 to 1983. Counseled 400 students, grades, 9-12. Duties included personal and career counseling, educational testing, crisis intervention, and supervision of school activities. Taught high school Algebra in summer school.
• Manager, LUNCHLINE, Food service job training program for handicapped and mentally retarded adults, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1980 to 1981. Responsible for the training and supervision of clients, meal planning, ordering, service, and cash receipts. Developed a training curriculum and standards for evaluation of readiness for competitive employment.
BARBARA SHOGREN LIES
Peace Corps Volunteer Leader, Colombia, 1978 to 1979. Trained new volunteers and supervised fifty-two (52) volunteers in the field. Collaborated in the development of home economics curriculum for Hogares Juveniles Campesinos (Rural Youth Homes) for use in sixty-seven (67) rural schools, and wrote a textbook for part of the curriculum. Coordinated home economics program on a nationwide level with host country agencies, and developed training workshops for home economics and health volunteers.
Peace Corps Volunteer, Colombia, 1975 to 1978. Worked in home economics extension for the Coffee Growers Federation of Colombia organizing rural women's groups. Taught classes and developed projects in nutrition, cooking, health, hygiene, and home improvement. Selected and trained community leaders. Wrote a booklet for these leaders on teaching nutrition in rural areas, which was published by the Coffee Growers Federation.
EDUCATION
• M.A. Psychology – Counseling/Guidance, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
• B.S. Home Economics – Vocational Education Social Welfare, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
LANGUAGES
Bilingual - English/Spanish
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
• C.R.C. - Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (C-23559)
• N.C.C. – National Certified Counselor (8190)
• Teaching Credential – Home Economics, State of California, K-Adult Education
• Pupil Personnel Services, State of California, K-Adult Education• Certificate of Specialization – Worker’s Compensation, University of California
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• California Association of Rehabilitation & Reemployment Professionals – CARRP
• American Association for Counseling and Development
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Available upon request
Do you have questions about the ADR Program? Let's chat! Schedule a call at a time that suits you, and we'll guide you through every detail.
