PARMA Member Spotlight

Meet Charles Johnson
Management Analyst
City of Clovis, General Services Department
Personnel Division | Risk and Workers Compensation

Tell me about how you became a risk manager?

My career journey into risk management has been an interesting “rodeo”! Prior to entering risk management I was a police officer in the Valley for several years. I later decided to keep options open and began to volunteer as a Risk Analyst for a local municipality while still employed as an officer to obtain experience in government.  After volunteering for approximately a year or so I was offered a position as Director of Administrative Services for the City I volunteered for and was blessed to utilize my Master’s degree in Public Administration that I obtained from California University, Fresno combined with my experience in government. As a director for a smaller municipality I obtained experience in risk management and functioned as a HR generalist for several years, but learned I had a passion for the area of risk management. I later decided to make a career move and transferred to the City of Clovis to work as a Management Analyst in Risk Management to expand my knowledge and understanding in the field. 

What are the rewards you experience professionally by being a PARMA member?

So, where should I begin! One of the greatest rewards I received as a PARMA member during my four year membership is having the opportunity to network with genuinely great people. Having the ability to reach out to other PARMA members at any time when faced with a challenging issues or situation is “priceless” when working in an environment that is ever-changing respective to laws and policy.

How has your professional knowledge expanded by interacting with other PARMA members?

I am a strong believer that “iron sharpens iron”. Having the ability to surround myself amongst other professionals in the field of risk management provides me with more edification.   

When did you start realizing you wanted to move into a leadership role within PARMA?

After participating in the Steering Committee, and helping with CVC Chapter workshop trainings, I figured it is time to take a leap forward and assist within a new capacity. I am excited and thankful to receive the new position as CVC Chair! I am looking forward to working diligently with our new Vice Chair, Steve Johnson to help promote our local chapter and fulfill the organization mission of PARMA.

After being a member in PARMA for some time now, how essential was joining your professional association?

Very essential and never looked back in life to question my choice in joining PARMA! I feel by looking at our PARMA Board, Chapter members, Sponsors, and volunteers demonstrates how professional our association is and the extensive amount of resources we have to offer our members.

How would you respond to a risk manager who says they don’t have time to participate in PARMA and /or moving towards a leadership position?

I would say you don’t know what can become very rewarding in life in less you give it a chance and put forth all your efforts. Many times we can become very busy and feel participating in another association might be very time consuming; however, my participation in PARMA has added value to my professional development in risk management and I am very thankful, which I feel other members might feel the same way when deciding to move into PARMA leadership.  

What do you see being one of the largest challenges for the future of risk management?

I have MUCH to say but will keep it short! Lol. One of the greatest challenges for professionals in risk management is the continual changes in law and policy, which risk managers need to continually stay abreast to minimize litigation and increase safety within the workplace. I feel this past year has demonstrated the importance of continual changes in guidelines and laws respective to COVID-19 protocols. This is why I feel it’s critical for risk managers to stay plugged in to training conferences and workshops PARMA has to offer for members.

How will PARMA respond to that challenge?

Answered above.