Tell me about how you became a risk manager.
This is such a fun question because I’m not actually a risk manager! My path to PARMA, and to my current role, is a little different. I’m the Member Services Manager at PRISM, truly my dream job. My journey really started when I was 12. My dad, Greg Bragg, worked for George Hills, and my sisters and I would help clean the office. My dad loved risk, and I grew up hearing stories, why we shouldn’t ride the swings at the fair, which cities and counties were his clients, and how much he loved his job! My dad left George Hills, and in 1986 with a friend/coworker, founded Bragg & Associates, a third-party administrator. I officially joined the company in 1995 as a receptionist and spent the next several years learning about workers’ compensation, the request for proposal process, reports and loss runs, and so much more. I was lucky to have the opportunity to work in and alongside all the departments, and I quickly found my niche: working with public entities and helping solve problems. In the late nineties, I attended my first PARMA conference in Monterey. The goal I was given was to simply meet people, observe, and learn. I walked away energized; the atmosphere was incredible. Years later, I still feel that same sense of energy every time I attend.

What are the rewards you experience professionally by being a PARMA member?
The number one reward of being a PARMA member, regardless of your role or organization (public entity, TPA, vendor) is the ability to build your network. As our industry continues to evolve, it becomes even more important to know who your people are, who you can turn to with questions, ideas, or for support. Those relationships make all the difference.

How has your professional knowledge expanded by interacting with other PARMA members?
For the first several years I attended PARMA, I was working from a booth in the exhibit hall. During that time, I met hundreds of people. I had conversations about their challenges, what they loved about their roles, and where they wished things could be different. Those conversations created meaningful connections and relationships that I’ve carried with me throughout my career. I gained insight into the many roles within public agencies, the realities of limited resources, and the pressure of getting important work done no matter what. Most importantly, I learned just how special this industry is, the people genuinely share information, support one another, and bring a strong can-do attitude with a true desire to serve.

When did you start realizing you wanted to move into a leadership role within PARMA?
I first realized I wanted to be involved in PARMA leadership more than 12 years ago, when I was invited to my first PARMA planning meeting. Seeing firsthand the thought, effort, and collaboration that go into planning the conference was incredibly enlightening. I was grateful to be included as a sponsor, and I remember joking that one day I’d be a Sacramento Chapter Officer. I was thrilled when that eventually became a reality after I joined PRISM!

After being a member of PARMA for some time now, how essential has PARMA membership been?
I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years and have always been a PARMA member. Honestly, I can’t think of a reason why a person or agency wouldn’t want to be a member. PARMA ensures you stay informed with industry updates, provides ongoing education through the annual conference and local chapter meetings, and helps you build both your network and your professional toolbox.

How would you respond to a risk manager who says they don’t have time to participate in PARMA or pursue a leadership role?
I would say, you don’t have time not to participate. Where else are you going to stay current in an industry that’s constantly changing while also building a strong, reliable network? The great thing about PARMA is that you can participate at the level that works for you. There’s no one “right” way to be involved. My encouragement is simple: show up in the way that you can. A great place to start is attending your local chapter meetings. And as a bonus, if you attend three in a row, you’ll be entered to win free registration for the annual conference!

What do you see as one of the largest challenges for the future of risk management?
One of the biggest challenges I see is related to staffing, specifically succession planning and the growing reality of individuals wearing multiple hats within their organizations.

How will PARMA respond to that challenge?
PARMA is well-positioned to respond in a couple of key ways. First, for those entering the industry, PARMA provides exposure to an exciting and ever-evolving field where every day brings new opportunities. It’s also a place to build connections and find your community. Second, through its strong focus on education, PARMA helps professionals, especially those juggling multiple roles—stay current while providing access to valuable resources, tools, and support systems.