Her Story
About PJ
PJ Burder, serves as a Senior Workers’ Compensation Claim Coordinator at Encompass Health, where she oversees workers’ compensation claims for employees across 17 states and approximately 100 hospitals. In this leadership-focused role, she coaches and mentors human resources directors on OSHA compliance, lost-time claims, and modified-duty accommodations. She also works closely with third-party administrators to facilitate appropriate medical treatment, participates in mediations to pursue settlements when appropriate, and conducts internal audits and reporting for C-suite leadership. Her experience also includes clinical work in gastroenterology, giving her valuable insight into the medical and workplace considerations involved in workers’ compensation. Burder holds an associate degree in Medical Assisting from Virginia College in Birmingham and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Risk Management at Grand Canyon University. She has earned the Workers’ Recovery Professional Associate certification, along with additional credentials in risk management, and has built her career through a combination of clinical, administrative, and risk management experience. Her professional development is further shaped by the guidance of her mentor, Suzy Braden, whose extensive experience in workers’ compensation has provided Burder with valuable knowledge, perspective, and continued support throughout her career. Burder attributes her success to her family, her faith, and the mentors and leaders who have supported her professional growth. She is guided by values including integrity, fairness, accountability, balance, and reliability, with a strong commitment to providing injured individuals with peace of mind and dependable support. Looking ahead, she aspires to advance to a Director of Risk Management position within Encompass Health and to share her expertise as a speaker at the WCI Conference. She also plans to continue expanding her legal and risk management knowledge, with long-term interest in pursuing a Master of Legal Studies and potentially becoming an attorney.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with PJ
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family, especially my husband and children, who continually motivate me to lead by example and pursue work with meaningful purpose. My faith in God has provided me with direction, strength, and opportunities throughout my journey. I am also grateful for the guidance of my mentor, Suzy Braden, as well as the support and encouragement of the leaders I have had the privilege of working with along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came through my experience with my mentor, Suzy B., a highly accomplished Director of Workers’ Compensation with 27 years of expertise. She has been an invaluable source of knowledge, guidance, and support throughout my career, sharing insights that have helped me grow both professionally and personally. Our professional relationship has continued over the years, and I am grateful that Suzy remains a trusted mentor and resource whom I can turn to for perspective and advice.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice I would give young women entering my industry is to take every opportunity to learn and grow. Take every class, read every book, ask questions, and continually build your knowledge and expertise. In a male-dominated industry, it is important to show up every day with dedication, passion, commitment, and reliability. Let your work ethic speak for you, demonstrate your capabilities, and make sure others recognize your potential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field right now are continuing to grow as a risk management professional and expanding my expertise. My goal is to become a Director of Risk Management within my company and to share my knowledge and experience as a speaker at the WCI Conference. I am also pursuing a Master of Legal Studies, which will further strengthen my understanding of the legal aspects of risk management and may eventually open the door to pursuing a law degree.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, fairness, accountability, balance, and reliability. I am committed to bringing peace of mind to injured individuals by providing stable, dependable support during challenging times. I believe in treating people with compassion and fairness, taking responsibility for my actions, and being someone others can rely on. I also value creating a supportive environment where I can be there for others while being open to receiving support in return.
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