Founded in 2016, CLARA Analytics has established itself as a trailblazer in the AI-powered workers’ compensation space. Initially focused on directing insurance claims to healthcare providers that deliver optimal patient outcomes and cost efficiency, CLARA has since evolved into a comprehensive platform. Today, its suite of intelligent products supports everything from claims analysis and provider network optimization to attorney management—and soon, commercial auto claims management.

By anticipating clients’ evolving needs and maximizing the value of the data they already possess, CLARA empowers insurers to transform their claims operations with cutting-edge technology.

A Conversation with Heather H. Wilson, CEO of CLARA Analytics

How does CLARA deliver high-quality, rapid-turnaround data services to insurers?

Heather H. Wilson:
At CLARA, our strength lies in our deep domain expertise and the scale of our proprietary claims data—more than $70 billion in workers’ comp claims. Claims data is often messy and inconsistent, and it takes considerable effort to clean and standardize. Many insurers find this process overwhelming. That’s where CLARA steps in: we not only streamline data preparation but often deliver it back to our clients in a far more usable form than they could achieve alone.

What does the future of AI in insurance look like?

The future is promising, but not without hurdles. Many companies underestimate the complexity of implementing AI. It’s not a magic wand—it’s a process that requires disciplined groundwork, clean data, and systems integration. CLARA has solved those implementation challenges within the workers’ comp domain. Our AI models are already in production and delivering measurable value, often within just 12 weeks of onboarding—an impressive timeline in the insurance industry.

How do you bridge the gap between science and commerce?

Success comes from building teams fluent in both worlds. At CLARA, we hire people who not only bring technical skill but also understand business impact. Our data scientists participate in client calls, fostering collaboration and driving tailored insights. Personally, I’m deeply invested in team dynamics—I seek individuals who respect our foundation while pushing us toward innovation.

What inspired your journey into analytics and AI?

I’m a technologist at heart. I began my career writing code and was fascinated by data’s ability to unlock insights. My curiosity led me to the business side, where I could help organizations harness data for real-world impact. Over time, I became passionate about uniting diverse teams—data science, IT, operations, marketing—toward a shared mission. The greatest rewards come when those traditionally siloed groups collaborate and drive transformation together.

What differentiates CLARA’s analytics suite?

CLARA leverages AI and machine learning to detect patterns invisible to the human eye—improving outcomes, lowering costs, and accelerating recovery. Our solutions are tailored for the insurance industry, which has historically lagged in tech adoption. Years of fine-tuning and domain expertise make our tools not only powerful but practical. The platform offers end-to-end claim management supported by intuitive UX and real-time analytics.

What’s been the key to CLARA’s success?

Our success stems from a relentless focus on application. CLARA’s tools aren’t just insightful—they’re actionable. We train users thoroughly and help insurers adopt behavioral shifts that drive results. We also monitor tool effectiveness post-deployment, constantly analyzing how actions influence outcomes. That closed feedback loop is critical to maximizing impact.

What challenges did CLARA face in the early years?

As pioneers in AI-driven claims management, we had to educate the market. Convincing clients to invest in an end-to-end system—and collaborate with us to build it—was no small feat. We also had to navigate cultural and technical resistance within legacy systems. Today, we’ve not only overcome those barriers, but we’ve set the benchmark in our field.

What contributes to CLARA’s reputation in the industry?

Our credibility comes from delivering results with integrity. Clients consistently see improvement in their KPIs—faster recoveries, happier adjusters, and significant cost savings. We don’t just build AI—we focus on the adjuster experience. CLARA enhances their efficiency and decision-making, which has earned us advocates across every level, from executives to frontline claims professionals.

What’s next for CLARA Analytics?

Our priority is to deepen partnerships with existing clients and uncover new opportunities to deliver ROI. The workers’ comp space alone includes hundreds of insurers and self-insured companies—many of which are still on the journey to becoming AI-enabled. We’re here to help them get there. As we scale, we’re also exploring new verticals, with pilots already underway in commercial auto claims.

Recognitions and Awards

CLARA’s innovation has been widely recognized, including:

• CIO Review 2021: Top 20 Most Promising Data Analytics Solution Providers
• CB Insights 2020: Named to The Fintech 250
• Novarica 2020: Listed in “InsureTech for Insurers”
• TopBots 2020: Featured in the “Most Promising Enterprise AI Companies” Landscape

Final Thoughts from the Leadership

Heather Wilson and Tom (CLARA’s executive team) share a common mission: to help injured workers recover faster through intelligent claims management. In today’s tight labor market, where inexperienced workers may lead to more claims and deferred treatments from the pandemic are resurging, CLARA plays a vital role in maintaining workforce health and economic resilience.

About Heather H. Wilson – A Visionary Leader in AI

Heather H. Wilson brings over a decade of executive leadership in data and AI. She previously served as:

• Chief Data Officer at AIG and Citigroup
• Global Head of Innovation and Advanced Technology at Kaiser Permanente

She currently sits on the Board of Directors at Equifax, serving on the Audit and Technology Committees. Named Insurance Woman of the Year by the Insurance Technology Association during her time at AIG, Heather continues to be a powerful voice in the evolution of enterprise AI.

Company Name: CLARA Analytics
CEO: Heather H. Wilson