Tell me about how you became a risk manager?

I was mentored by Barbara Goodwin, MBA, CPCU, ARM-E; Partner, Senior Vice President, Sales Executive, USI Insurance Services, starting in 2010, the year I joined PARMA. I was encouraged to pursue my ARM Professional Designation by my former boss Bill Stafford. I started on my Risk Management path by taking a 2-day Introduction to Risk Management seminar taught by Barbara Goodwin in August 2010. I then enrolled in the IEA’s 3-year ARM program and passed the exams for ARM 54, ARM 55 and ARM 56, receiving my certification in 2015.

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

The educational opportunities provided at the PARMA Annual Conference and the periodic chapter meetings, as well as the ability to network with my peers at other public agencies throughout the West Coast.

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

Being able to compare notes and see how other public agencies handle tricky Workers’ Comp situations has been invaluable.

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

At the 2013 Annual Conference in Palm Springs, I became friends with Catherine Jones, I was asked to serve as a VP for the Bay Area Chapter in October 2014.

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

It’s been crucial to my success in Risk Management because it gives me the opportunity to learn from my peers.

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 tell them to make the time.

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

Succession Planning; inspiring the next generation of Risk Managers.

How will PARMA respond to that challenge? 

By getting them young – go into High Schools and Colleges and give talks to students about how rewarding a career in Risk Management can be.