Tell me about how you got into Risk Management?
Prior to joining my public agency, I worked for several years with an insurance broker where I was introduced to the broad and complex world of insurance. That experience led me into risk management where I was hired as a Risk Tech for the County property program. After a few weeks, I was transitioned to the workers’ comp program as coverage was urgently needed at that time. I took advantage of every opportunity to expand my knowledge in workers’ compensation regulations and processes by attending trainings and obtaining pertinent certifications. After about five years I was promoted to a Risk Management Analyst. In this current role I continue to support the County’s workers’ compensation program in a more advanced capacity by serving as the liaison between County agencies and our third party administrator, assist County agencies with medical leaves and accommodations, conduct interactive process meetings, support employees through the disability retirement process, manage pre-employment clearance pending matters, and review and coordinate fitness for duty evaluations.

What are the rewards you experience professionally by being a PARMA member?
As a risk management professional working for a public agency, PARMA has been an invaluable resource for me. Through PARMA, I’ve gained access to meaningful training and built strong professional connections that continue to support me in my day to day work. I’ve also had the opportunity to connect with public agency risk professionals I likely wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. Everyone brings their own experiences and challenges which are helpful and reassuring.

How has your professional knowledge expanded by interacting with other PARMA members?
Many PARMA members have spent decades in the industry and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that benefits the entire membership. As someone who entered the field with no prior workers’ compensation experience, I found the ability to connect with PARMA colleagues to be an invaluable resource. The willingness of members to share their expertise and insights has been a tremendous support to my professional growth. Now with a little over 10 years of experience, it is rewarding to be able to share my experience and knowledge with others. 

When did you start realizing you wanted to move into a leadership role within PARMA?
I regularly attended PARMA Central Valley Chapter meetings and found the educational sessions offered to be beneficial for my professional growth. The chapter leaders were always welcoming and supportive, which encouraged me to become more involved. I began volunteering at events and was later encouraged to apply for a chapter officer position. I have proudly served as the Vice Chair for the Central Valley Chapter ever since. Through this involvement, I have been able to give back by supporting individuals who are new to the risk management profession, as I was in their shoes not too long ago. Serving as a chapter officer has also allowed me to share ideas and offer perspectives from a mid-level risk management professional’s viewpoint to our PARMA veteran leaders. 

After being a member of PARMA for some time now, how essential was becoming a member of PARMA?
Being a PARMA member has been an incredibly valuable part of my professional journey. When I first began working in risk management, I was assigned responsibilities where I had limited prior experience and the educational resources provided by PARMA were instrumental in helping me build my confidence and knowledge. PARMA’s sole focus on California public entities gives me confidence that the education and resources provided are fully compliant with state and federal laws and regulations.

How would you respond to a risk manager who says they don’t have time to participate in PARMA and/or move towards a leadership position?
Time is a resource none of us seem to have enough of, however as cliché as it may sound managing risk cannot be done alone it truly does take a village. My involvement with PARMA, particularly in a leadership role, has been priceless to my professional growth and has strengthened my confidence in my decision making. Prior to joining PARMA, decisions often required more extensive research and more time overanalyzing. Now, if I ever find myself in a challenge, I know I can reach out to my PARMA colleagues for insight as I know there is always someone willing to share how they have navigated a similar situation themselves.

What do you see being one of the largest challenges for the future of risk management?
Th recruitment of risk management professionals is what I foresee being the most significant challenge facing our industry’s future. As many experienced risk professionals are approaching retirement, organizations across the board are experiencing difficulty filling their vacancies especially those that require experience. Risk management is a field that many professionals discover over time or somehow making their way into rather than go to college and decide you want to be a risk manager. As a result, organizations must invest heavily in developing professionals through on-the-job training. Not to mention also emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and professional organizations, such as PARMA, in supporting the next generation of risk management professionals.

How will PARMA respond to that challenge?
PARMA is continually working on improving and remains attentive to the evolving needs of its members. Through my leadership role, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the meaningful developments being made to support member education and to help prepare the next generation of risk management professionals.