Risk Beyond the Checklist: From Attestation to Accountability
Elizabeth Catlin
Owner, EA Enterprise
In this episode, Elizabeth Catlin joins us to discuss moving risk management beyond bureaucratic checklists toward genuine accountability. Elizabeth explains how periodic attestations have disconnected risk management from daily operations, creating fragmented, inconsistent practices.
She emphasizes that effective risk management must align with individuals' authority, job responsibilities, and operational processes. Using practical examples, including AI oversight and overworked teams, she illustrates how operational risks can escalate into broader enterprise risks if left unaddressed, and advocates for integrated, bottom-up reporting structures that embed accountability at every organizational level.
*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.*
Elizabeth Catlin
Owner, EA Enterprise
Biography
Elizabeth Catlin has worked internationally with various roles in auditing, assurance, risk management, internal controls, and accounting. These experiences were augmented by training in ERM, Supply Chain, and ESG risk management. She is an entrepreneur, launching a new business endeavor to help organizations better empower accountability.
Her career started with 11 years in public accounting, where she worked with clients in both Europe and the US, including the first implementation of financial reporting controls under Sarbanes-Oxley. This experience was enhanced when she left public accounting to work at the European headquarters of a US-based company. While there, she updated their internal control framework, enhancing buy-in from process owners by ensuring the controls were defined in line with their operational context. Further, she oversaw the ERM and internal control frameworks for a Swiss-based company.
Elizabeth holds a BS in Business Administration from Appalachian State University and an MBA from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
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Ergonomics as a Change Agent and Influencer
Alison Heller-Ono
President & CEO, Professional Ergonomist, Worksite International, Inc.
In this episode, we welcome Alison Heller-Ono as she shares her journey from clinical physical therapist to ergonomics specialist, explaining how she shifted focus from treating injuries to preventing them. She contrasts reactive, transactional ergonomics approaches with proactive, systems-based processes and introduces her ergo process influence model, which spans six organizational facets. Using real-world examples, Alison demonstrates how ergonomics drives meaningful change across workplace health, safety and financial performance.
*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.*
Alison Heller-Ono
President & CEO, Professional Ergonomist, Worksite International, Inc.
Biography
Allison is the President and CEO of Worksite International, Inc., which provides ergonomics solutions proven to increase profitability, reduce injuries, improve workplace efficiency, employee performance, and well-being.
Allison's expertise includes ergonomics process development and management, management consulting on ergonomics and work injury prevention, ergonomic worksite analysis in biotechnology, manufacturing, agriculture, office, and hospitals; public agency, workers’ compensation program strategies, ADA Title I and III cases for accommodation and accessibility; return-to-work programs, and more. She has also led online ergonomics course creation for the WI Ergonomics Training Academy
Allison holds a B.A. in Biology and a Master's in Physical Therapy.
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Navigating the Post-Settlement Journey, Data-Driven Strategies and Medicare Compliance for Long-Term Success
Allison Kelly
Chief Revenue Officer, Ametros
In this episode, Alison Kelly discusses strategies for navigating the post-settlement journey for injured workers. She covers pre-settlement planning, including medical needs assessment and Medicare compliance, and highlights how data and technology improve post-settlement outcomes. Alison also explains CMS reporting requirements and best practices for fund 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.*
Allison Kelly
Chief Revenue Officer, Ametros
Biography
Allison brings more than 20 years of experience across claims administration, underwriting, and brokerage in the insurance industry. Allison leads the growth strategy with a focus on driving meaningful partnerships, expanding market presence, and delivering innovative solutions that support individuals navigating life after injury. Her goal is to help Ametros grow with purpose by building strong relationships, delivering measurable outcomes, and fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Allison holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University and her MBA from the University of Arizona.
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Countering Persistent Threats in Higher Education
Larry Zacarese, JD, MPA, CCEP, CHSP, CHCM, EMT-P
Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer; Stony Brook University
In this episode, Larry Zacarese discusses building a robust enterprise risk management (ERM) program in higher education. The conversation covers challenges in fostering a risk-aware culture, major threats like deferred maintenance, cyber and reputational risks, and the impact of AI. Larry highlights the importance of internal and external partnerships and shares real-life examples in which proactive risk management mitigated incidents, including a crisis response during a campus flood and a student mental health intervention. The episode emphasizes collaboration and a strategic approach to campus-wide risk.
*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.*
Larry Zacarese, JD, MPA, CCEP, CHSP, CHCM, EMT-P
Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer; Stony Brook University
Biography
Larry Zacarese is the Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer
(CSO) at Stony Brook University. Larry has more than 30 years of experience in the public and private
sector overseeing and managing multiple complex organizations. He provides executive leadership,
expertise, and strategic guidance to the Stony Brook community on enterprise risk management,
environmental health and safety, emergency management, business continuity, mobility and parking
services, sustainability, crisis communications and public safety.
Larry was instrumental in guarding against and leading the organization through countless critical
incidents and crises, including several hurricanes, infrastructure outages, and the COVID-19 pandemic, just to
name a few. Larry is a nationally recognized speaker, contributing columnist, and subject matter expert
and maintains an adjunct faculty position in the Graduate School of Professional Development at Stony
Brook, where he teaches Crisis Management and Legal Issues in Higher Education.
Larry is a licensed attorney and holds a JD from Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center as well as
an MPA (Inspector General) and a BA in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
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Budget Relief from Vehicle Collisions
Brian Ludlow
Executive Vice President, Alternative Claims Management
In this episode, Brian Ludlow discusses how municipalities can recover more than just repair costs after fleet vehicle collisions. Brian explains entitlements such as loss of use and diminished value, even when spare vehicles are available. The conversation covers handling total loss claims, uninsured parties, multi-vehicle accidents and overlooked supplemental costs. Listeners learn about the importance of thorough documentation, negotiation strategies with insurers, and leveraging specialized firms to maximize recoveries for municipalities, especially for unique vehicles like ambulance and fire trucks.
*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 Ludlow
Executive Vice President, Alternative Claims Management
Biography
Brian is Executive Vice President at Alternative Claims Management. He is an industry leader with deep expertise in commercial claims, downtime recovery, and fleet loss-of-revenue reimbursement. He built ACM’s Commercial Claims division into a nationally recognized program serving municipalities, transportation, pest management, ambulance services, and major fleet operators. Brian is also an entrepreneur, real estate developer, coach, and long-time YPO board member with a strong record of operational improvement and revenue growth.
Brian holds a BS in Business and Marketing from San Diego State University.
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Workplace Burn Injuries: Medical and Psychosocial Impact
Tracie Lemus
National Catastrophic Medical Consultant, Midwest Employers Casualty
In this episode, Tracie Lemus discusses workplace burn injuries. The conversation explores the types and severity of burns, the importance of specialized burn centers, recovery timelines, and the high costs of treatment. Tracie also highlights the emotional and physical challenges faced by burn survivors, including pain, scarring and psychosocial impacts. The episode aims to provide employers and injury managers with a foundational understanding of burn injuries and guidance on supporting affected employees.
*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.*
Tracie Lemus
National Catastrophic Medical Consultant, Midwest Employers Casualty
Biography
Tracie is a Registered Nurse and accomplished medical claim professional with over 25 years of experience in workers' compensation case management, including catastrophic telephonic case management for employers, physicians, and attorneys. In her current role, Ms. Lemus serves as a catastrophic medical management consultant and subject-matter expert, providing a unique perspective on the identification and management of high-risk workers' compensation cases to develop the best possible resolution for both the injured employee and their employer. Tracie maintains certifications in Case Management and Medicare Set Aside Consulting.
Tracie has an Associate of Science in Nursing from Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL.
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AI in Real Life: Promise, Pitfalls and Possibilities
Ty Ford
Information Security Officer, Valkit
In this episode, Ty Ford discusses real-life applications of artificial intelligence. Ty shares how AI supports his work in IT security and daily tasks, while highlighting its limitations, such as context loss and AI hallucinations. He discusses privacy concerns, especially regarding sensitive data and misuse of AI. The episode concludes with Ty’s recommendations for responsible AI use, emphasizing data privacy, oversight, and caution against over-reliance on AI for critical or personal matters.
*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.*
Ty Ford
Information Security Officer, Valkit
Biography
Ty Ford has nearly 10 years of experience in IT security and risk management, including hands-on expertise with frameworks like CIS Controls, NIST 800-53, and ISO 27001. He has experience implementing risk mitigation strategies that meet business needs and align with industry best practices. He has led cross-functional teams to assess, prioritize, and mitigate risks across diverse technical and cultural environments, enabling him to tailor security solutions that maximize workflow ease.
He's a graduate of Strayer University in Arlington, VA.
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Building Better Partnerships: What Risk Managers Should Be Asking of Their TPA
Eunice Gutierrez
Vice President, AmeriSys
In this episode, we welcome Eunice Gutierrez as she discusses how risk managers can build stronger partnerships with third-party administrators (TPAs). Eunice shares strategies for aligning TPA goals with organizational needs, ensuring transparent data access and fostering proactive communication. She also highlights recent innovations, including a new app that enhances engagement with injured employees. The episode provides practical advice for optimizing TPA collaborations, improving outcomes and leveraging technology in risk 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.*
Eunice Gutierrez
Vice President, AmeriSys
Biography
Eunice Gutierrez currently serves as Vice President at Davies/AmeriSys, where she leads the Managed Care Division.
Since joining the organization in 2014, she has overseen provider network operations, coordinated issue resolution, and delivered education and training to case managers and staff on utilization, access, and grievance processes. She also directs cost containment services to ensure efficiency and compliance. As quality assurance coordinator, Eunice ensures all medical management services adhere to statutory regulations and meet the highest standards of care for injured employees.
With 22 years of nursing experience, including 15 years specializing in workers’ compensation, her clinical background spans cardiology, orthopedics, and surgical care in both hospital and outpatient settings. Eunice holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Advent Health University and is credentialed as a Certified Case Manager (CCM) and Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC).
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Resilience: Strategies to Navigate Risk Management Hurdles
Patty Reinecke
Director of Claim Consults and TPA Relationships, Midwest Employers Casualty
In this episode, Patty Reinecke explores resilience strategies for municipal risk management. She discusses the importance of emotional resilience, early intervention and reducing mental health stigma. Patty highlights practical tools, peer support, and healthy routines to help employees manage stress and recover from challenges. She explains how resilience reduces errors, injuries, and claims, while supporting faster recovery and workforce stability. The episode emphasizes that building resilience is a shared responsibility, essential for safer, healthier and more effective municipal workplaces.
*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.*
Patty Reinecke
Director of Claim Consults and TPA Relationships, Midwest Employers Casualty
Biography
Patty Reinecke provides a unique healthcare perspective on the challenges of handling complex workers compensation claims. Patty manages a team of four full-time Client Consult Managers who help clients navigate the intricacies of challenging claims, regardless of the SIR, to get injured employees back to the highest level of function possible. She also works in partnership with the claims administrators who serve MEC clients, offering MEC resources.
Patty Reinecke provides a unique healthcare perspective on the challenges of handling complex workers compensation claims. Patty manages a team of four full-time Client Consult Managers who help clients navigate the intricacies of challenging claims, regardless of the SIR, to get injured employees back to the highest level of function possible. She also works in partnership with the claims administrators who serve MEC clients, offering MEC resources.
Patty earned a BS in Nursing from Maryville University.
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Leveraging Technology in Investigations
David Davich
VP of SIU New Business, Advantage Investigations
In this episode, David Davich speaks about the evolution of technology in insurance investigations. David explains how surveillance has advanced from bulky cameras to discreet, remote-controlled systems with GPS and high-quality video. He discusses the use of vehicle event data recorders, forensic paint and residue analysis and medical canvassing to uncover fraud. The episode highlights how these innovations, combined with desktop research, have improved evidence capture, claim accuracy, and fraud prevention in the insurance and public risk sectors.
*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.*
David Davich
VP of SIU New Business, Advantage Investigations
Biography
With 19 years at GEICO Insurance, David has extensive experience in claims handling and special investigations. He spent the first three years of his career managing 1st- and 3rd-party liability claims before transitioning to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), where he spent 16 years detecting fraud. For the past decade, he has led SIU operations, overseeing complex investigations and ensuring compliance with the best industry practices.
Beyond GEICO, he served on the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) Board of Directors, contributing to industry standards and fraud prevention initiatives. He holds Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI) and Senior Claims Law Associate (SCLA) designations.
He holds a BA in Political Science from Adrian College.