Roberta Serena Mike, WCLA, FCLA, WRPA, WRP
Roberta Serena Mike, WCLA, FCLA, WRPA, WRP, is a seasoned claims professional with over 45 years of experience in the workers’ compensation and insurance industries. She currently serves as Senior Field Claim Specialist at Strategic Comp – Great American Insurance Company, where she travels across Georgia to investigate claims, meet with medical providers, service insureds, and attend depositions, mediations, and hearings. Her career journey began in 1981 after graduating from Nassau Community College and entering the insurance field through Travelers Insurance. Over the decades, Roberta has developed deep expertise in workers’ compensation, risk management, and field adjusting, emphasizing early intervention and human connection to reduce anxiety after workplace injuries. Beyond her professional work, Roberta is a dedicated leader and mentor. She is the founder of the Workers’ Compensation Career Mentorship Group, a nonprofit initiative supporting the development of new adjusters, and has held leadership roles including Past President of the Atlanta Claims Association and active member of NAAIA. She continues to advocate for professional development, ethical hiring practices, and structured mentorship in the workers’ compensation field, shaping the next generation of claim professionals. Outside the office, Roberta is a passionate photographer with over 30 years of experience capturing weddings, milestone events, and candid moments that tell compelling stories. Her artistic eye and dedication to preserving memories complement her meticulous professional approach, reflecting a career built on precision, empathy, and service. She remains committed to lifelong learning and looks forward to sharing her experiences in a future book chronicling her decades-long career in the insurance industry. She is recipient of AAIP - Pioneer Award, Atlanta Claims Association - 2017 Claims Person of the year and, 2018 Best Claims Adjuster and Influencer of Work Place Health Magazine. She is also the Chair of Roosevelt Jr- Sr High School Reunion Committee.
• Workers' Recovery Professional (WRP) Certification
• Nassau Community College - A.A.
• 2017 Claims Person of the year, 2018 AAIP Pioneer Recipient
What do you attribute your success to?
My success in the workers’ compensation profession was born from genuine passion for ta career and deep commitment to elevating the standards by which we serve injured workers, employers, and our fellow professionals. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to master my skills create an amazing network from technical aspects of claims handling, compliance, and case management, but also to championing the values that truly sustain this industry: ethics, integrity, accountability, and respect.
Workers’ compensation professionals play a vital role in the well‑being of individuals and the stability of organizations. Because of that, I’ve made it my mission to restore and reinforce ethical practices across the profession. I advocate for transparency, fairness, and professionalism in every interaction, and work to ensure that upcoming professionals understand the responsibility and privilege that come with this career. Mentorship, guidance, and empowerment are central to how I show up in this industry. I want the next generation to feel confident, supported, and inspired to carry the torch forward.
My contributions extend beyond my day‑to‑day work. I actively serve on panels, participate in industry events, and lend my voice to conversations that shape the future of workers’ compensation. Whether I’m speaking, organizing, collaborating, or simply showing up to represent the profession, I do so with the intention of creating a stronger, more ethical, and more unified community. I believe in being visible, vocal, and intentional, because our industry deserves leaders who are willing to stand up for what’s right and advocate for the professionals who keep the system moving.
Through every role I take on, I aim to bring out the best in others, elevate the standards of our profession, and contribute to a culture where ethics and excellence are not optional, but expected. My journey is driven by purpose, with a passion and grounded with a desire to leave an amazing legacy,
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best education you’ll ever receive is from those who’ve walked the path before you. Watch how they communicate, how they problem‑solve, how they lead. Ask questions. Take notes. Stay curious. Growth happens daily when you’re willing to learn.
Workers’ compensation is always evolving. Laws change, best practices shift, and every claim teaches you something new. Commit to being a lifelong student of this industry.
Not every answer is in a manual. Sometimes the right decision comes from slowing down, thinking clearly, and applying practical judgment. Trust your instincts as they develop.
Mastery takes time. Pace yourself. Focus on building a strong foundation rather than rushing to the finish line. You’ll get there — and you’ll get there stronger.
When you lead with passion, purpose, and professionalism, the money will follow. Let your drive to help people and do meaningful work be the fuel that guides you.
Feedback isn’t an attack; it’s a tool. Let it refine you, not define you. The professionals who grow the fastest are the ones who stay open to correction and improvement.
Listening is one of the most underrated skills in this field. Listen to injured workers, employers, medical providers, and your colleagues. Listening builds trust, clarity, and confidence.
Advocate for fairness. Speak up for ethical practices. Challenge outdated systems. Be the professional who pushes the industry forward. Change happens when courageous people use their voice.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be the game changer. Walk in the room with positive and poise. Step into your power and write the strongest chapter of your career. Take time to sit down with the leaders who came before you & share coffee, conversation, and wisdom. Then step back, reflect, and identify the changes you want to champion and the mentors who can help guide your path. The insurance industry needs your voice, your vision, and your courage to lead the next evolution of our profession. Send thank you notes always!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the insurance industry is receiving true recognition for the work you do and being given real opportunities for advancement and leadership.
This field has long been dominated by men, and women have had to invite themselves to the table—often without an open seat waiting.
To shift this dynamic, we must continue raising our voices. Write more articles. Share your expertise. Offer to sit on more panels. Show up in the spaces where decisions are shaped and narratives are formed. Visibility is not optional anymore & it’s a strategy.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
“The values that matter most to me professionally and personally is my integrity and the trust I build with others. I take nothing for granted. Once integrity and trust are lost, everything is lost. I never assume, and I strive to treat everyone with fairness, no matter the circumstances.”
Locations
Workers' Compensation Career Mentorship , Founder
Duluth, GA 30096