Joy Dougherty graduated from University of Arizona and holds a law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, CA. She began her law practice doing workers’ compensation in Oregon. She joined the Workers’ Compensation Board in 2003, and in 2010 became an ALJ. In October 2013, she was appointed Presiding ALJ. She was confirmed by the senate as the Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board in October 2023.