Brian Hebert’s 2021 Annual Conference Reflection
Brian Hebert
Finance/Risk Management & Insurance Major, University of South Carolina
Brian Hebert discusses his experience from PRIMA's 2021 Annual Conference. As a major in risk management and insurance/finance, Brian shares how the sessions on cyber security were informative and vital in his learning as it continues to be an ongoing national threat.
He also share some of his highlights of attending the conference virtually, which includes the ability to have a flexible schedule, join the general lobby rooms while gaining new insight on topics and the ability to still network with those in his area of study.
*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.*
Brian Hebert
Finance/Risk Management & Insurance Major, University of South Carolina
Brian is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business majoring in Risk Management and Insurance and Finance. After he graduates, he hopes to find a career in corporate risk management, finance or security, or attend grad school and pursue an MBA or a degree in public administration. During the 2021 annual conference, he was most excited to talk with his mentors, network with other professionals in the public risk management sector and learn about the various career paths and opportunities it has to explore. He has also been to the Korean border and was able to cross into North Korea at the DMZ in 2013.
You Might Also Be Interested In
The Importance of Mentorship in Risk Management
Melissa Steger, MPA, CRM
Associate Director, WCI & Unemployment Insurance, University of Texas System
Briana Gilmore
Graduate Student (Master of Public Administration), Texas State University - San Marcos
Melissa Steger and Brianna Gilmore share the importance and satisfaction associated with the mentor/mentee dynamic in risk management.
Melissa explains why she finds mentoring to be a gratifying experience and how it sustains and enhances the risk management sector. She shares how valuable others’ guidance can be in moments of uncertainty and elaborates on the distinction between mentoring vs. managing colleagues as well as how mentorships vary according to the mentee’s needs.
Brianna provides the benefits of being a mentee, why she decided to be mentored by Melissa, and what she is seeking to gain from the experience.
*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.*
Melissa Steger, MPA, CRM
Associate Director, WCI & Unemployment Insurance, University of Texas System
Melissa is the associate director of workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance for the University of Texas System (the UT System). Melissa is responsible for administering the self-insured workers’ compensation program for academic and health institutions of the UT System. The program includes a certified workers’ compensation health care network and claims handling through a third- party administrator with close oversight by the UT System. She is also responsible for administration of the self-insured unemployment compensation insurance fund. Melissa holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Public Administration degree. She also earned a Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Melissa was a director on the Texas PRIMA board and is the current president for PRIMA. She received the 2016 Texas PRIMA Risk Professional of the Year award and the Servant Heart Award in 2019.
Briana Gilmore
Graduate Student (Master of Public Administration), Texas State University - San Marcos
Briana is a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Texas State University-San Marcos. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a concentration in public relations from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009. She has more than 10 years of professional experience in the communications field, primarily with not-for-profit organizations, and has academic interests in communication strategies, tools and management in public and nonprofit administration.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Workers’ Compensation in 2030
Chris Mandel, CPCU, CCSA, ARM-E, AIC
President, Founder & Managing Consultant, Excellence in Risk Management, LLC
Chris Mandel discusses how workers’ compensation will look in ten years, through the lens of Dr. Richard Victor’s recently published book, “Scenarios for the 2030s: Threats and Opportunities for Workers' Compensation Systems”.
There are four main forces causing the change:
- demographic forces, such as age of workforce - baby boomers reaching retirement,
- case shifting,
- social security and disability and
- the changed environment of workers' compensation and reform.
Additionally, Chris elaborates on four aspects risk managers and practitioners can implement with this information, how to address loss prevention and building organizational resilience for systemic issues.
*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, CPCU, CCSA, ARM-E, AIC
President, Founder & Managing Consultant, Excellence in Risk Management, LLC
Summary of Qualifications
Chris is a 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 insurance and large global corporate risk management. He has pioneered the development of integrated risk management at USAA, where S&P rated USAA as “excellent” and a “leader in ERM”. His career included leadership roles at Liberty Mutual, Marsh, Verizon, American National Red Cross, PepsiCo and USAA.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Creating a Cyber Systems Incident Response Team
Margaret Penado
Risk Manager, Coconino County, AZ
Margaret Penado explains how cyber crimes have become the most imminent and costly risks that public entity operations face and why a response team is essential for risk management and will save an organization precious time and efficiency to a cyber event. Going into further detail on who should be invited to serve on an organization's team, best practices, assigning roles and responsibilities to each member, preparing the process to a cyber incident, and creating a checklist that is specific for an organization.
*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.*
Margaret Penado
Risk Manager, Coconino County, AZ
Summary of Qualifications
Margaret Penado holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a Master’s degree in administration with emphasis on public entities, and has over 25 years of insurance experience. She began her career with Travelers as a Commercial Lines Underwriter and contributed for many years to the award winning success of the Salt Lake City field office. Following this, Margaret worked for the Workers’ Compensation Fund of Utah as a large account underwriter, policy strategist, policy language developer, and IT liaison. After moving to Arizona, Margaret joined the State Compensation Fund of Arizona where she worked in varying roles as an insurance premium auditor, loss control representative, and the Flagstaff field office manager before segueing to work directly for local government. She served as the risk manager for City of Flagstaff in 2012-2013, and has served as risk manager for Coconino County from 2013 to present.
Responsibilities
Risk Manager for Coconino County with oversight of insurance coverages, claims, risk management, safety, loss control workers' compensation, insurance and indemnification contract language, employee benefits, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Family Medical Leave Act.
Business Experience
Margaret has over 25 years of insurance experience. She began her career with Travelers as a Commercial Lines Underwriter and contributed for many years to the award winning success of the Salt Lake City field office. Following this, Margaret worked for the Workers’ Compensation Fund of Utah as a large account underwriter, policy strategist, policy language developer, and IT liaison. After moving to Arizona, Margaret joined the State Compensation Fund of Arizona where she worked in varying roles as an insurance premium auditor, loss control representative, and the Flagstaff field office manager before segueing to work directly for local government. She served as the risk manager for City of Flagstaff in 2012-2013, and has served as risk manager for Coconino County from 2013 to present.
Professional Affiliations
Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities from Insurance Institute of America (IIA)
Associate in Premium Auditing from IIA
Certified Property Casualty Underwriter
Member of American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
Member of PRIMA
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from University of Utah (Valedictorian)
Master of Administration with emphasis on Public Entities from Northern Arizona University (with distinction)
You Might Also Be Interested In
Workers’ Compensation Networks
Catherine Benavidez
President, Injury Management Organization, Inc.
Workers' compensation networks did not exist in Texas, prior to 2005. Catherine shares how their healthcare network was approved in 2006, activated in 2009 and how they’ve significantly decreased medical cost averages as well as days of work lost.
Organically growing your network has proven to be significantly beneficial. Having productive relationships with providers is key; they’re able to manage care from the beginning of a case to the end of the case with collaborative efforts of utilization review, medical bill review, ancillary peer review, and field and telephonic case management.
*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.*
Catherine Benavidez
President, Injury Management Organization, Inc.
Responsibilities
Catherine is responsible for the operation and development of innovative services that lead to serving the client and providing quality managed care services. IMO has its organically developed Health Care Network (HCN/1305) called the IMO Med-Select Network. IMO is a Utilization Review Agent and can do pre-authorization for all lines. IMO provides all case management services including field and telephonic and a 24 hour coverage called the "E-Intelemed", an Early Intervention Case Management Triage.
Professional Affiliations
National and State PRIMA, RIMS, Local Claims Associations, Case Management and also the TEXANS- for nonsubscribers in the State of Texas. Past Board of the Texas Occupational Therapy Association and Current Board of the Goodwill Industries.
Education
Catherine is a Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Case Manager.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Mental Health of School Personnel Amidst a Pandemic/COVID-19
Cherri Lindquist, BSN, RM, CCM
Clinical Nurse Manager, Company Nurse
Paula Allen
Global Leader, Research and Total Wellbeing and a Senior Vice- President, Morneau Shepell
Cherri Lindquist and Paula Allen describe the unique experience of school personnel and how the repercussions of the pandemic have impacted their professional and personal lives. School personnel face a multi-faceted situation - each department faces a different experience in keeping students and colleagues safe while upholding new protocols.
Cherri and Paula explain the many reasons why employee assistant programs are invaluable for school personnel, how to implement them successfully and how to utilize effective support for school personnel during the crisis of COVID-19.
*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.*
Cherri Lindquist, BSN, RM, CCM
Clinical Nurse Manager, Company Nurse
Summary of Qualifications
Cherri holds over 20 years experience working in healthcare in a variety of specialties including family practice, internal medicine, dermatology, endocrinology, home health and occupational health.
Responsibilities
Cherri manages Company Nurse's 24/7 contact center focusing on workplace injuries. Duties include development of new triage algorithms and modifications of current ones as evidenced best practice changes, providing education to registered nurses on processes, identifying client needs to improve triage outcomes including appropriate education that can be given on-site prior to calling into contact center, managing all aspects of staffing nursing department including hiring, payroll, etc; and providing clinical guidance for internal COVID-19 operating procedures.
Business Experience
Company Nurse- Clinical Nurse Manager (Feb 2019-Present)
Honor Health- Clinical Case Manager Home Health (2014-2019)
Honor Health- Lead Medical Assistant/Supervisor NOAH Clinics (2009-2014)
Education
Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Paula Allen
Global Leader, Research and Total Wellbeing and a Senior Vice- President, Morneau Shepell
Summary of Qualifications
Paula is the global leader, research and total wellbeing and a senior vice- president at Morneau Shepell. In this role, she manages the research agenda for Morneau Shepell, which includes primary research conducted by Morneau Shepell, exploratory data science, research collaborations and meta-analyses. Given her focus on industry leading research, Paula also leads Morneau Shepell’s thought leadership and is co-chair of the organization’s product and innovation strategy.
She has more than 20 years of experience relating to workplace research, product development and operational leadership that spans the range of EFAP, workplace learning, attendance and disability management, and health and benefits consulting.
Paula is a sought-after speaker by organizations, national media and at conferences for her knowledge and expertise in current issues and the future direction of health, wellbeing, productivity and related risk management.
Responsibilities
Paula is focused on the current and emerging issues that impact health and productivity and related costs. Her scope includes all areas of wellbeing – social, physical, financial and mental. She is also a well-recognized expert in all areas of workplace mental health, learning strategies, disability management and drug plan management. She designed and led the most comprehensive employer response to the H1N1 pandemic and is currently Morneau Shepell’s business response and resource lead for the COVID-19 pandemic. She also works directly with many of Canada’s leading organizations.
Professional Affiliations
Paula is a member of the Women’s College Hospital’s Board of Directors, a member of the Virtual Learning Advisory Board consulting to the public sector’s post-secondary on-line learning strategy, a member of the International Women’s Forum, was co-chair of Civic Action’s Champions Council on workplace mental health, was part of the Income Security Working Group providing advice to the Ontario Government on issues relating to disability and income support, and sits on several research and strategy advisory boards that address issues ranging from e-mental health solutions to substance abuse in the workplace.
Education
Paula completed undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Toronto in psychological research and neuropsychological testing and clinical intervention.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Workers’ Compensation Technology Advancements
William Zachry
Senior Fellow, Sedgwick
There are numerous medical and technological advancements that will hold significant promise in the next 10 to 15 years. Significant benefits and improvements are already being observed within workers' compensation and risk management, such as reduced litigation costs and identifying employers that need additional education or movement feedback to minimize injury. However, along with positive advancements, there are also sizable questions and problems such as misuse of technology, the boundaries of ethics and the use of data collection and privacy.
Some topics up for discussion in this week's podcast are:
- Artificial intelligence
- CRISPR; a new technology for splicing genes
- Autonomous vehicles
- Medical technology
- New software and applications
*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.*
William Zachry
Senior Fellow, Sedgwick
William was appointed a senior fellow of the Sedgwick Institute in 2017 and is known throughout the risk management industry as a champion of workers’ compensation reform. He serves on the board of the State Compensation Insurance Fund, California’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance. William was appointed to the board by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010 and reappointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014. He also participated in the design and implementation of landmark regulations to bring greater equity to the California workers’ compensation system.
Previously, William served as group vice president of risk management for national grocery retailer Safeway/Albertsons. His 15 years of leadership there earned him recognition as Business Insurance’s Risk Manager of the Year in 2014 and recipient of the California Coalition on Workers’ Compensation’s Tim East Award in 2016.
You Might Also Be Interested In
COVID-19 Lessons Learned for K-12 Education
Kaylee Sorensen
Emergency Management Consultant, Ashton Tiffany
Amidst COVID-19, school districts have become a central location of information for the community. This discussion will include the initial challenges of the pandemic; such as online transitional learning, supply chain strain, community partnerships and pressure. Also discussed is the shift of priorities after handling the initial obstacles that resulted from the pandemic as well as communication, preparation and the role that school districts play within the community.
*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.*
Kaylee Sorensen
Emergency Management Consultant, Ashton Tiffany
Kaylee has worked for the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust (Trust) for seven years. She earned her master of arts in emergency management and homeland security from Arizona State University and oversees the Trust Emergency Management Program.
Kaylee conducts trainings, assists districts with planning, and facilitates regional school safety consortiums around the state. She also serves on the Arizona Department of Education's Emergency Preparedness Advisory Council, and as secretary of the International Association of Emergency Manager's Children in Disaster Caucus.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Navigating the Generational Gap
Karen Caterino
Public Entity/Education Center of Excellence Leader-West, Willis Towers Watson
Mark Pew
Senior VP, Product Development & Marketing, Preferred Medical
This week's speakers, Karen Caterino and Mark Pew, explain how to navigate the professional generation gap.
Karen and Mark share the cause for the talent gap, and the risks and information loss as a product of baby boomers’ retirement. They also provide several effective solutions through mentoring and The Transitions Movement. They share many benefits of being a mentor and/or mentee and how to create a successful relationship that garners professional and personal growth.
*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.*
Karen Caterino
Public Entity/Education Center of Excellence Leader-West, Willis Towers Watson
Summary of Qualifications
Karen has over 20 years of experience in risk and insurance. She has had a track record of success in the healthcare and managed care fields and now as an insurance consultant for Willis Towers Watson leading their Public Entity/Education Center of Excellence in the west. Her background includes serving as a public entity risk manager followed by leading complex sales and account management initiatives in workers' compensation. Karen serves as a member of The Transitions Advisory Council, “a movement to help the workers’ compensation industry, collectively and individually, think strategically about how to handle the influx and outflow of talent over the coming decade.”
Responsibilities
Karen leads new public entity and education business growth and development initiatives for the region. She ensures clients have access to expertise and thought leadership on issues that are of importance and brings forth unique, alternative risk financing solutions for clients interested in non-traditional placement services. Her background in risk and insurance management, consultative sales leadership, innovative award-winning program development and account team management are helping Willis Towers Watson to build deeper client relationships while delivering excellence to the client experience.
Business Experience
Karen’s previous experience includes serving as the State of Nevada risk manager and municipality risk manager from 2009-2012, as well as City of Sparks senior benefits/risk analyst, 2004-2009. She received the 2011 PRIMA Achievement Award for "Workforce Pandemic Flu Preparedness" and 2007 2nd place for "Public Safety Cardiac Wellness Program." She was a 2011 Teddy Award finalist for her innovative program approach to managing injured workers care and return to work, and received the 2010 Workers Compensation Most Notable People Award, LexisNexis(R) Workers' Compensation Law Community.
Prior to joining Willis Towers Watson, Karen was the vice president of client services for Mitchell ScriptAdvisor, a workers’ compensation PBM, where she managed a team of client service managers representing 140+ national clients.
Professional Affiliations
Arizona PRIMA, Oregon PRIMA, National PRIMA, Nevada RIMS and STRIMA
Education
Karen graduated with her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Roanoke College, Salem, VA and from University of Phoenix with her MBA, including honors. Karen has an Associate in Risk Management-Public Entities and is a Certified Public Manager and Certified Government Benefits Administrator and is currently a CPCU candidate.
Mark Pew
Senior VP, Product Development & Marketing, Preferred Medical
Summary of Qualifications
Mark is a passionate educator and agitator. Mark is a recognized thought leader in workers’ compensation and award-winning international speaker, blogger, author and jurisdictional advisor. Also known as the RxProfessor, he is focused on the intersection of chronic pain and appropriate treatment. In December 2020, he co-founded The Transitions, “a movement to help the workers’ compensation industry, collectively and individually, think strategically about how to handle the influx and outflow of talent over the coming decade.”
Responsibilities
Mark's goal is to raise awareness for how to find the most clinically appropriate treatment for injured workers with minimal risk and maximum benefits by speaking, writing and vlogging. He creates/advocates for products and services that meet that criteria. Mark oversees the efforts of The Transitions to help people and organizations create a plan for the ongoing generational shift. He also connects mentees to mentors to foster professional and personal growth.
Business Experience
Mark started in information technology in 1980, transitioned to utilization management in workers' compensation in 2000, focused on addressing the over-prescribing of painkillers since 2003, advocated for a biopsychosocial treatment model since 2012 and has been an industry expert on the evolution of medical cannabis since 2014. Mark is a frequent industry media source. He received the WorkCompCentral Magna Comp Laude award in 2016 and the IAIABC’s Samuel Gompers Award in 2017. Since 2013, he has served on the IAIABC’s Medical Issues Committee. Mark is an advisor to regulators and legislators in 20+ U.S. jurisdictions on subjects such as drug formularies, treatment guidelines, opioid task force initiatives, encouraging support of non-pharma treatment options and the medicinal use of cannabis. He was appointed to Advisory Board for SimpleTherapy in July 2019 and to the Advisory Board for Harvard MedTech in October 2019.
Education
Mark attended Georgia State University and Atlanta Christian College as a business major.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Practices in the Workplace
James Curbeam, CPCU, ARM, AIC
Director of Risk Management, Las Vegas Valley Water District
James shares how to make greater progress as a society and individually for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Witnessing firsthand the lack of diversity on some panels, for instance, he illustrates that it is important for company leaders and disenfranchised individuals to have honest discussions that tackle solutions that may be uncomfortable in the onset.
Addressing minority advancement within the workplace, specifically in the insurance industry, James shares that the two key components are networking and opportunity. In order to advance, minority groups need to be in a position to network in order to build key relationships and be considered for opportunities, and that opportunities can be made readily available by attending professional gatherings such as conferences.
He also shares the foundational policies to be implemented in the workplace, and elaborates on what needs to happen to create lasting change.
*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
Summary of Qualifications
James Curbeam, 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.