Freida D. Foster has been appointed as Chair of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) by Governor Kathy Hochul, following the departure of former Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez in July. Ms. Foster, who has served on the Board since 2009 and as Vice Chair since 2016, will now lead the agency responsible for overseeing workers’ compensation benefits in New York.
Governor Hochul commented on the appointments: “New Yorkers deserve trusted, well-experienced individuals serving them and putting their best interests forward,” she said. “I look forward to working with Chair Foster and Vice Chair Delgado in their new capacities as the Board continues their work in protecting the rights of employees and employers and ensuring our workers get the benefits they need.”
Freida D. Foster brings extensive experience to her new role, having reviewed thousands of appeals during her tenure at WCB and contributing to efforts that modernized agency operations. She played a significant part in implementing New York State’s Paid Family Leave program and has assisted with daily management tasks within the agency.
“I am deeply grateful for the support from Governor Hochul and her executive team, as well as the incredible leadership team at the Board. I am honored to serve under this historic administration and look forward to building on the many important achievements made under the leadership of Chair Rodriguez,” said Foster.
Foster’s background includes roles in education, government service, and public relations. Before joining WCB, she was Public Relations Manager at Burson-Marsteller where she managed large accounts such as Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and led educational campaigns related to voting system changes in New York City. She currently chairs several boards focused on community development and student leadership including Harlem Community Development Corporation Board of Directors and CUNY School of Public Health Advisory Board.
Renee Delgado has been named Vice Chair after being appointed as a board member by Governor Hochul in 2022. Delgado is an attorney with experience advocating for workers’ rights through positions at organizations like New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), Department of Labor, SUNY Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Queens County District Attorney’s Office, Albany County District Attorney’s Office, and New York State Assembly.
“I am honored to be appointed Vice Chair of the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board and thank Governor Hochul for the opportunity to serve our great state. I look forward to working with Chair Foster to deliver a fair and efficient system that protects the rights of injured workers and employers,” said Delgado.
Delgado holds degrees from CUNY School of Law at Queens College (JD), John Jay College (MA in criminal justice), and SUNY Albany (BA).
