Insurance Requirements in Contracts: Tips for Effectively Transferring Risk
James Curbeam, CPCU, ARM, AIC
Director of Risk Management, Las Vegas Valley Water District
Courtney Ramirez
First Vice President, Public Entity Group, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
James Curbeam and Courtney Ramirez address the longstanding question, How much insurance is enough? Also discussed are the benefits to standardizing policies and procedures, and how to further streamline language and reviewing requirements. James and Courtney expand on the changes in the overall market and increased litigation costs have impacted coverage requirements and limits, how to manage cyber risk in contracts and ISO updates that have affected coverage application.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
James Curbeam, CPCU, ARM, AIC
Director of Risk Management, Las Vegas Valley Water District
James is the risk manager for the Las Vegas Valley Water District. He holds a B.S. in finance from Creighton University and an executive MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha. James has served in the following industry leadership roles: president, Nevada Chapter of RIMS; president, Nebraska Chapter of RIMS; and president of the Las Vegas CPCU Society. He also was named a 2018 Risk & Insurance All-Star and the 2019 PRIMA Risk Manager of the Year.
Courtney Ramirez
First Vice President, Public Entity Group, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Courtney joined Alliant in 2006 and her expertise is in the public entity sector. She has been heavily involved in finding solutions to address some of the unique needs of many of Alliant’s public entity clients. This includes establishing a platform to control costs for State lottery agencies and developing the Alliant Deadly Weapons Response Program (ADRWP) for active shooter coverage. Some of her clients include the States of Minnesota, Montana, Ohio and Texas, the Cities of Austin (TX), Las Vegas (NV), Sacramento (CA) and Oklahoma City (OK), Airports including Sacramento International, Will Rodgers (Oklahoma City) International, Austin-Bergstrom, Los Angeles World Airport, Transit Agencies and Higher Education/University risks. Courtney enjoys educating others and is proficient in reading contracts and providing recommendations for insurance requirements to mitigate risk for her clients. Courtney received a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and leadership and has earned her Associates in Risk Management (ARM), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Insurance Services Representative (CISR) designations. Courtney was named Power Broker by Risk & Insurance Magazine for the Public Entity Sector in February 2020 and a Rising Star by Risk & Insurance Magazine in May 2020.
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Addressing the Biggest Challenges in Youth Protection Risk Management
Joaquina Scott Kankam, Ph.D.
Director and Senior Consultant, School of Solutions
In this episode, Joaquina Scott Kankam, director and senior consultant at School of Solutions, addresses what risk management professionals misunderstand about youth protection and the subsequent issues that follow. One of the biggest challenges involves non-comprehensive federal law requirements leading to insufficient procedures and policies.
Joaquina's experience as an educator and specialization in creating youth programs provided first hand experiences of negligence, which further highlights the need for efficient youth protection practices. She also emphasizes the importance of enhanced awareness, bolstering state laws and strong data collection habits.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Joaquina Scott Kankam, Ph.D.
Director and Senior Consultant, School of Solutions
Summary of Qualifications
Joaquina Scott Kankam, Ph.D., is the director of School of Solutions, a consultancy specializing in youth protection. Not only is Joaquina an expert in youth protection compliance and risk management, but her practical experience has made her a leader in understanding the needs of youth-serving organizations.
Joaquina has worked in education for almost twenty years to improve the lives of others. In addition to being an educator (K-12 & Higher Education), Joaquina has presented at several national association conferences and participated as a panelist in several discussions regarding youth.
Responsibilities
Dr. Scott Kankam works nationally to assist youth-serving organizations with protecting minors from abuse and neglect. She helps to create a better tomorrow by auditing and enhancing youth protection policies and policies.
Business Experience
Dr. Scott Kankam's experience includes enhancing and creating an awareness of the Six Effective Practices of the Youth Protection Enterprise Risk Management System®. The Youth Protection ERM System® identifies unknown and uncontrolled risks associated with hosting, operating or sponsoring programs for minors.
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Injury Prevention Programs and Early Symptom Intervention
Steven Clark, OTR
WorkStratrgies National Director, Select Medical
Steven Clark discusses the primary drivers and strategies that employers should examine in order to prevent or reduce incidents in the workplace, including: functional employment testing, educational programs, ergonomics and early symptom intervention.
He provides data centered around prevalent injury types, the costs associated with them and methods to minimize them. He also elaborates on a number of risk factors such as repetitive motion, forceful exertions and pre-existing conditions. He explains how to identify injury risk factors and how to dissect them in order to arrive at a solution.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Steven Clark, OTR
WorkStratrgies National Director, Select Medical
Summary of Qualifications
Steve is currently the national director of WorkStrategies-Injury Prevention Services for Select Medical. Originally from Houston, TX, he graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Joining Select Medical in 1995, Steve has worked in the inpatient and outpatient settings treating neurological, spinal cord, orthopedic, hand and industrial patients. He has completed specialized training in functional capacity evaluations, ergonomics, job analysis, post offer employment testing and developed a specialization in industrial prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Responsibilities
Steve works with a wide range of employers on location, assisting in the development of injury prevention and return to work programs. He is also a regular speaker at local and regional conferences on many topics related to industrial rehabilitation and injury prevention.
Business Experience
Steve travels the country as an instructor for Select Medical’s Job Analysis and Functional Capacity Evaluation courses. In his role as regional director, Steve provides mentorship for WorkStrategies coordinators to expand clinical skills and industrial knowledge. Additionally, Steve is responsible for oversite of the Post Offer Employment Testing program for the national WorkStrategies program.
Professional Affiliations
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
Education
- Bachelor of Science degree, Occupational Therapy, Texas Tech University
- Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS)
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The Neuroscience of Mentor/Mentee Relationships
Brent Holman, ARM
WCI Program Coordinator, University of Texas System
Brent Holman explains the art of mentoring from personal experience as a mentee as he provides insight into the biggest challenges and benefits of mentoring. He emphasizes the value of this relationship by explaining how this support structure can reduce stress levels and ingnite a sense of autonomy while also creating a social connection and a sense of happiness.
He elaborates on the brain’s process when experiencing the collaborative efforts associated with mentorship along with the many skills and tips he’s learned from being a mentee himself.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Brent Holman, ARM
WCI Program Coordinator, University of Texas System
Brent is the WCI Program Coordinator for UT System. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin in 2010, he has spent 9 years in the insurance industry; the last 6 with UT System. Brent is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting internal controls of WCI programs in conjunction with UT’s third-party administrator and cost containment partner. Brent has completed the AINS and ARM designations.
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How to Educate Employees on Workers’ Compensation without Giving the Store Away
Daniel Hurley, CSP, ARM-P, MS, MPA
Risk Manager, City of Chesapeake, VA
Brad Wilson, CPCU, ARM, AIC
Territory Sales Manager, Southeast Region, PMA Companies
In this episode, Daniel Hurley and Brad Wilson discuss the biggest challenges with introducing a TPA to a self administered program, the necessity of reviewing policies with a department in order to break through specific cultural perceptions, and how to improve communication and to build rapport.
In addition, they elaborate on the importance of employees being able to understand subrogation and the details pertaining to presumptions for public safety.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Daniel Hurley, CSP, ARM-P, MS, MPA
Risk Manager, City of Chesapeake, VA
Dan is currently the risk manager for the City of Chesapeake, VA. He previously had a long career with the City of Norfolk, VA as a risk manager for the school board and as the safety officer/workers’ compensation specialist for the city. In between the Cities of Chesapeake and Norfolk, Dan had a two year stint as a practice leader for Midwest Employers Casualty Company working with school districts. Dan is a past president of both national and Virginia PRIMA and currently serves on the PERI and Virginia PRIMA boards. Dan holds the CSP, ARM-P, MS and MPA designations.
Brad Wilson, CPCU, ARM, AIC
Territory Sales Manager, Southeast Region, PMA Companies
Brad is a territory sales manager with PMA Management Corp., an industry-leading provider of TPA and risk services. He has over 20 years of experience in the strategic design and implementation of risk service solutions to employers, with a focus on lowering their total cost of risk. Brad has extensive expertise working with private employers as well as public entities, including counties, municipalities and public transportation agencies. Among his clients is a winner of the Theodore Roosevelt Award for Workers’ Compensation Excellence. A graduate of the University of Virginia, he has Certified Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations.
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Confidence, Culture & Conversations: Inspired Risk Leadership
Melanie Herman
Executive Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center
Melanie Herman explains why risk leadership is important with regards to providing guidance in matters of uncertainty. She also discusses common misconceptions about risk management, how the pandemic has changed companies’ perceptions and implementation of risk management positions as well as the five attributes necessary for a great risk management leader.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Melanie Herman
Executive Director, Nonprofit Risk Management Center
A prolific author of more than a dozen comprehensive books and resource guides on various risk management topics, Melanie has delivered countless workshops, seminars and keynote presentations for a number of organizations. Melanie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban affairs from American University (Washington, DC) and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University (Arlington, VA). She is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association.
In August 2021, Melanie was named to The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50, whose editor has described her as “…the most in-demand expert in the nonprofit risk field…” and “the architect of the risk plans of some of the nation’s largest nonprofits.” This is Melanie’s 13th appearance on the list: she was first recognized in 2007, and then again in 2008 and 2011-2020.
In addition to her professional career, Melanie is an active volunteer in both professional organizations and community-serving nonprofits. She currently serves on the boards of three national organizations: the American Foundation for the Blind, the National Human Services Assembly and Camp Fire. Melanie is the former chair of the Legal Section Council of ASAE/The Center for Association Leadership, and during 2010-2013 she served on the Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
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Cyber Insurance Facts for Public Entities
Ann O'Leary
Assistant Vice President, Cyber Insurance, US, Aon
Some of the greatest risks for public entities involve the data that is stored, especially with regards to personally identifiable information, health records, the length of time records have to be maintained and reliance on third party vendors.
These risks lead to several challenges of purchasing cyber insurance. As public entities’ length of record retention increases, limited resources for IT and lack of allocation of funds, especially as technology continues to evolve requires heavier reliance on third parties.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Ann O'Leary
Assistant Vice President, Cyber Insurance, US, Aon
Annie works with clients in assessing their professional liability, cyber liability, media risks and placing risk transfer solutions that address their needs. Her responsibilities include coverage analysis, market relationship management, policy negotiation and keeping her clients abreast of evolving risks.
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Environmental, Social and Governance in Risk Management
Chris Mandel
President and Managing Consultant, Excellence in Risk Management, LLC
Chris Mandel defines ESG (environmental, social and governance) in risk management and how it’s grown from sustainable development to now including initiatives that drive corporations and societal behaviors. He discusses why ESG matters for risk professionals, why it’s invaluable and how it’s a component in practicing a comprehensive risk strategy.
Chris also shares the reasons ESG is related or should be related to enterprise risk management. He sees the future of ESG heading into the public sector and becoming a priority for all companies.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Chris Mandel
President and Managing Consultant, Excellence in Risk Management, LLC
Summary of Qualifications
Chris is founder, president and managing consultant for Excellence in Risk Management, LLC, an independent risk consultancy founded in Texas in 2004. He is the recently retired SVP, strategic solutions for Sedgwick and the founding director of the Sedgwick Institute where he was responsible for helping the company reach its strategic vision of serving current and evolving needs of its current and future customers as well as help lead the industry vertical to the next level and beyond. Chris has more than 25 years of experience in large global corporate risk management. He has pioneered the development of integrated, enterprise and strategic risk management at USAA, where S&P rated USAA as “excellent” and a “leader in ERM." His career also includes leadership roles at Liberty Mutual, Marsh, Verizon, American National Red Cross, PepsiCo and USAA Group. He is s a frequent industry speaker and author and has provided risk related columns to the trade press since 1996. He holds numerous designations and certification and was named Risk Manager of the Year and awarded RIMS’ lifetime achievement award (Goodell) in 2016. He is recognized by his peers as a thought leader in ERM and related disciplines.
Responsibilities
Chris founded, manages and leads risk and insurance engagements in response to customer's stated needs. He has created and managed a wide variety of risk management programs for major entities including the American National Red Cross, PepsiCo, and USAA.
Business Experience
Chris has 43 years' of experience in various areas of the insurance industry including: claims at an insurer, brokerage, risk technology manager, insurance manager and sr. risk leader for various companies.
ERM Experience
Chris has created the original ERM strategy, framework and tactical plan for a Fortune 200-sized private diversified financial services firm for 10 years - a program recognized by Standard and Poors as industry leading and received its highest ERM rating for 5 consecutive years 2005-10. The same program received the Alexander Hamilton Award for Excellence in ERM in 2007. Chris tought ERM and all forms of risk and insurance at RIMS since 2008.
Professional Affiliations
- CPCU and member of The Institutes
- Former board member and president of RIMS 1998-2004
- Board and faculty at the International Center for Captive Insurance Education
- Faculty at George Mason University
Education
- B.S. Business Management, Virginia Tech
- MBA, Finance, George Mason University
- CPCU, ARM-E, AIC designations
- RIMS Fellow
- RIMS-CRMP
- Certified in ISO 31000 instruction
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Settle or Try?: Factors to Help You Decide When Facing a Public Entity Lawsuit
Richard Spiers, CPCU, ARM, ARe, AIC
Claims and Risk Management Consultant, Spiers Consulting, LLC
Richard Spiers shares how the media manages to capture the greatest attention, including in cases surrounding police shootings. He also explains how many factors, such as community demographics and the timeliness in releasing footage of an incident, can influence public opinion. Richard also shares many stories through his years of experience, illustrating the severity of the media's influence on a case and a lawsuit’s outcome.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Richard Spiers, CPCU, ARM, ARe, AIC
Claims and Risk Management Consultant, Spiers Consulting, LLC
Richard has been in the insurance industry since 1980 and was a claim executive in the reinsurance and excess marketplace since 1985. He was with Genesis Management and Insurance Services for over 20 twenty years. He is currently doing claim consulting work. Richard has extensive experience handling the wide array of claims faced by public entities, K-12 school districts and the higher education sector. Based in Chicago, he has also worked for Transamerica Insurance Group, Northbrook Excess and Surplus Insurance, CNA and Allstate Reinsurance. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, a member of the Society of CPCU, and holds associate designations in risk management, claims, and reinsurance. Richard has been developing and presenting insurance industry-related training sessions to a variety of client and industry groups for over 25 years.
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Prioritizing and Managing Emerging Risks
Chris Mandel
President and Managing Consultant, Excellence in Risk Management, LLC
In this podcast, Chris Mandel explains the nature of emerging risks and its components.
He also shares three reasons why they’re a high priority to senior management and the key elements of best management practices. Furthermore, he explains how Black Swans, Gray Rhinos and White Elephants are all factors to be aware of - especially Black Swans as they’re highly improbable and have a significant impact.
*The views and opinions expressed in the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) blogs/podcasts are those of each respective author/speaker. The views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PRIMA.*
Chris Mandel
President and Managing Consultant, Excellence in Risk Management, LLC
Summary of Qualifications
Chris is founder, president and managing consultant for Excellence in Risk Management, LLC, an independent risk consultancy founded in Texas in 2004. He is the recently retired SVP, strategic solutions for Sedgwick and the founding director of the Sedgwick Institute where he was responsible for helping the company reach its strategic vision of serving current and evolving needs of its current and future customers as well as help lead the industry vertical to the next level and beyond. Chris has more than 25 years of experience in large global corporate risk management. He has pioneered the development of integrated, enterprise and strategic risk management at USAA, where S&P rated USAA as “excellent” and a “leader in ERM." His career also includes leadership roles at Liberty Mutual, Marsh, Verizon, American National Red Cross, PepsiCo and USAA Group. He is s a frequent industry speaker and author and has provided risk related columns to the trade press since 1996. He holds numerous designations and certification and was named Risk Manager of the Year and awarded RIMS’ lifetime achievement award (Goodell) in 2016. He is recognized by his peers as a thought leader in ERM and related disciplines.
Responsibilities
Chris founded, manages and leads risk and insurance engagements in response to customer's stated needs. He has created and managed a wide variety of risk management programs for major entities including the American National Red Cross, PepsiCo, and USAA.
Business Experience
Chris has 43 years' of experience in various areas of the insurance industry including: claims at an insurer, brokerage, risk technology manager, insurance manager and sr. risk leader for various companies.
ERM Experience
Chris has created the original ERM strategy, framework and tactical plan for a Fortune 200-sized private diversified financial services firm for 10 years - a program recognized by Standard and Poors as industry leading and received its highest ERM rating for 5 consecutive years 2005-10. The same program received the Alexander Hamilton Award for Excellence in ERM in 2007. Chris tought ERM and all forms of risk and insurance at RIMS since 2008.
Professional Affiliations
- CPCU and member of The Institutes
- Former board member and president of RIMS 1998-2004
- Board and faculty at the International Center for Captive Insurance Education
- Faculty at George Mason University
Education
- B.S. Business Management, Virginia Tech
- MBA, Finance, George Mason University
- CPCU, ARM-E, AIC designations
- RIMS Fellow
- RIMS-CRMP
- Certified in ISO 31000 instruction