Chelsea Johnson’s 2023 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection
Chelsea Johnson
Public Administration Major, Texas State University
Chelsea Johnson, a graduate student studying public administration at Texas State University, discusses her experience at PRIMA's 2023 Annual Conference. She highlights the networking component as the most enjoyable part of the conference, emphasizing the value of connecting with others and visiting the booths. Chelsea plans to apply the networking connections she made and the insights from the keynote speakers, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion, to her current work and future endeavors. She also mentions the importance of changing job descriptions to promote mentorship opportunities and diversity at all levels within organizations. The conference enhanced her knowledge of risk management across industries and entities.
*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.*
Chelsea Johnson
Public Administration Major, Texas State University
Chelsea is a student-athlete at Texas State University, where she plays for the women’s basketball program. During the 2022-2023 season, Johnson assisted her Bobcat team to a Sun Belt Conference regular season championship. Not only is Johnson involved in the athletic realm of the university, but she has also been a part of several organizations on campus such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and the Dr. Johnny E. Brown Committee on Racial Equality (CORE). Johnson currently serves as the president of CORE, but she previously served as the student co-chair on the Voter Registration Subcommittee within the organization. Also, Chelsea served as the student-athlete representative on a university-sponsored post-election student panel after the U.S. Presidential Election. She intends on graduating with her master's degree in public administration in December of 2023. Overall, Chelsea has proven to be a stellar student and a passionate learner. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and preparing for her future.
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Next Generation Recruiting in Workers’ Compensation
Mark Pew
Provost and Founding Partner, WorkCompCollege.com
In this podcast, Mark Pew discusses next-generation recruiting and workers' compensation. Mark highlights the challenges of recruiting talent in the workers' comp and insurance industry while highlighting the need to re-brand the industry as dynamic and noble. He also addresses generational differences in the workplace, encouraging organizations to embrace diversity of thought and experience. Mark explains the roles of mentoring, sponsoring and coaching with regards to helping individuals reach their full potential. He also emphasizes the importance of self-motivation and investing in personal development. Lastly, Mark discusses the importance of training and professional development for employees, despite budget constraints.
*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.*
Mark Pew
Provost and Founding Partner, WorkCompCollege.com
Summary of Qualifications
Mark is an award-winning international speaker, author and jurisdictional advisor in workers’ compensation. The RxProfessor has focused on the intersection of chronic pain and appropriate treatment since 2003. Mark created “Qualified Medical Intervention” that won a 2012 Business Insurance Innovation Award. He received WorkCompCentral’s Magna Comp Laude award in 2016, IAIABC’s Samuel Gompers Award in 2017, “Top 100 Healthcare Leader” by IFAH in 2021 and the Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership award in 2022. He is co-founder of The Transitions and is on the advisory boards of Harvard MedTech, Simple Therapy and Goldfinch Health.
Responsibilities
Mark is responsible for managing the ans and faculty and overseeing all curriculum and product development as provost. Given his role of long-time educator within the workers' compensation industry (over 670 presentations since 2012 to more than 65,000 people, hundreds of blogs and published articles, discussing important subjects before they become mainstream), this is the perfect application of his skills and passion. As one of the three founding partners of WorkCompCollege.com, he is also responsible for business management and strategy and is very active in sales and marketing activities.
Business Experience
Mark co-founded WorkCompCollege.com in 2022. He was senior VP of marketing & product development for Preferred Medical, a work comp PBM, from 2017 thru 2021. He led product development, sales and marketing at PRIUM, a work comp utilization management company, from 2000 thru 2017. He was a software developer, project manager , business analyst and department manager with Equifax / ChoicePoint from 1980 thru 2000.
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Catastrophe Claims: The Crucial Role Of A Claim Prep Expert
Frank Russo
Managing Director, Imperium Consulting Group
In this episode, of PRIMA's 2023 podcast series, Frank Russo explains the importance of clean prep for risk managers or policyholders following a large catastrophic property loss. Clean prep involves providing the insured or policyholder with experts who can help quantify, prepare and present the overall loss, damages, delays, and other excess costs related to the disaster.
Frank emphasizes the importance of providing a rough estimate of the loss to the insurance adjuster as early as possible. He also suggests building a team of claim prep and FEMA experts before a loss happens to expedite the recovery process. Frank advises risk managers to approach insurance and FEMA claims as a cash flow process and strive to reach an undisputed amount as quickly as possible. He recommends being prepared for unexpected curveballs, no matter how well-situated the risk management program is.
*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.*
Frank Russo
Managing Director, Imperium Consulting Group
Summary of Qualifications
Frank is a founder of Procor Solutions and Consulting, a leading specialty consulting firm offering expertise in the areas of insurance risk management, disaster planning, claim preparation, construction claims, insurance appraisals and dispute resolutions.
Frank is a recognized global thought leader on the topic of business resiliency having spoken and written many times throughout his career about business risk preparation and recovery strategies from major income-impacting disasters, losses or disputes.
Business Experience
Over his career, Frank has helped collect over $10 billion in loss recovery for his clients. He has actively guided clients through all the major large-scale disasters over the last twenty years including the terrorist acts of 9/11/01, 2017 Hurricane Season, Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Oil Disaster and the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami to name a few. He also is involved in major construction and development projects when there is a need to professionally quantify, support and present incremental costs and schedule delays.
Professional Affiliations
Frank has his Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute, an Associate in Risk Management designation from the Insurance Institute of America and is a verified Cyber Insurance Risk Manager (CyRM).
Frank was recently honored as a recipient of the “Innovator in Finance” Award from FiNext acknowledging the efforts of FinTech thought leaders and torchbearers of the industry.
Education
Frank is an alumnus of Rutgers University and holds an Executive MBA from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University.
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Capital Projects Planning
Shon DeVries
Sales Director, Propel Insurance
This week, Shon DeVries, speaks on capital projects planning and insurance for public agencies. Shon emphasizes the importance of public agencies considering insurance as soon as they have an approved budget and project plan. Taking control of insurance for critical projects is crucial to ensure adequate coverage and avoid relying solely on contractors in the event of a claim.
Shon also highlights the significance of accounting for workers' compensation liability when budgeting for insurance on large construction projects. It is essential for public agencies to factor in this liability to ensure comprehensive coverage and protect their workers.
Furthermore, Shon addresses the pollution liability risks associated with capital construction projects and provides insight on how public agencies should handle them. His expertise guides public agencies in understanding the proactive measures required to mitigate potential pollution liabilities.
*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.*
Shon DeVries
Sales Director, Propel Insurance
In his 25 years in the insurance and risk management field, Shon has been an underwriter, insurance broker, corporate risk manager and risk management consultant. As an insurance broker, Shon has consulted on insurance programs for over $40 billion of project values on over 60 large projects over the past 15 years. His experience with project risk planning and assessment for complex public infrastructure projects includes the design of both traditional and alternative risk management programs, wrap-ups, contract formation, risk allocation, risk mitigation systems analysis and construction claim resolution. In addition to his work with large infrastructure projects, Shon also serves as the Public Entity Practice Leader at Propel, working with mid to large sized cities, counties, school districts and other public agencies to improve risk management practices and reduce cost of risk.
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Property Insurance Market: Trends and Challenges
Ron Acebal
National Director, CBIZ Valuation Group
In this podcast episode, Ron Acebal discusses property insurance market trends and challenges. He talks about changes in the property insurance market, including property submission requirements, the cost of construction and the impact of climate change.
Ron emphasizes the importance of taking property insurance submissions seriously and aligning property values with insurance replacement costs. He advises insureds to work closely with their insurance brokers to understand what different markets want to see in a property submission and to set aside time and dedicate resources to facilitate the collection of data.
*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.*
Ron Acebal
National Director, CBIZ Valuation Group
Summary of Qualifications
Ron is a national director for the Tangible Asset Practice of CBIZ Valuation Group. His consulting expertise includes consultative development and implementation of property valuation and data aggregation solutions for risk management and property cost accounting requirements. Ron’s primary focus is on large property risk sharing consortiums in addition to Fortune 1000 companies, captives, religious institutions, commercial insurance/brokers carriers, healthcare institutions, reinsurance intermediaries and private industry.
Responsibilities
Ron has been frequently invited to present at national, statewide and regional professional association conferences to address the topics of property cost accounting, insurance valuation, and data aggregation and collection. Some of the associations he has presented to include the Public Risk Management Association, Massachusetts Municipal Auditors’ & Accountants’ Association, Midwest Higher Education Compact Property Program, Maryland Municipal League, Association of School Business Officials International, The New York State Association of School Business Officials, The New York State Government Finance Officers’ Association, New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, Florida PRIMA, South Carolina PRIMA and others. In addition to presenting to these organizations, Ron has also authored articles dealing with property insurance appraisal, property cost accounting and the importance of property exposure data for various publications and association newsletters.
Business Experience
Ron has significant experience with the consulting and implementation of and management of property valuation programs for property for national, statewide and regional risk sharing consortiums. This experience includes organizing and coordinating underwriting and data collection requirements, coordinating work product/deliverables, budget development, contractual administration and providing various types of marketing and educational support services to these types of organizations.
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Leading with Love
Jani Jennings
Risk Manager, City of Bellevue, NE
In this weeks episode, Jani Jennings discusses how leading with love can improve employee morale and productivity.
Jani draws attention to the issue of having an unmotivated, disengaged staff and offers solutions concerning how to re-engage them. Jani touches on the concept of altruistic love and the importance of being genuinely caring towards your employees. She goes on to explain how to remain a leader rather than a manager and offer practical advice on how to inspire a team.
*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.*
Jani Jennings
Risk Manager, City of Bellevue, NE
Summary of Qualifications
Jani is the risk manager for the City of Bellevue, Nebraska. She is an accomplished, results-driven leader with 20 years of experience in risk management. Jani was a director on the PRIMA Board from 2016-2018 and was PRIMA board president in 2019. She also served as a director on the IA/NE/SD PRIMA Chapter board from 2006-2014 and was president in 2012. From 2008-2011, Jani served as president of the Nebraska Self Insurer's Association. She is recognized for her expertise in risk management and has spoken at numerous professional gatherings.
Business Experience
Jani has extensive experience in city government risk management. Prior to heading a new risk management department in 2004, she was a specialist in human resources responsible for workers' compensation, safety and liability claims. Jani received her ARM (Associate in Risk Management) designation in 2014.
Professional Affiliations
PRIMA, IA/NE/SD PRIMA Chapter, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce
Education
Jani is a graduate of Patricia Stevens Business College in Omaha.
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Psychadelics: Panacea of Pandora’s Box?
Phil Walls, RPh
Chief Clinical Officer, myMatrixx
In this week's episode, Phil Walls explores the definition of psychedelics, which includes drugs such as LSD, psilocybin, ketamine and esketamine. He explains the differences in the chemical compositions of these drugs and how they can be used medically or recreationally.
Phil speaks about the use of psychedelics and hallucinogens, including older and more recently developed drugs. While LSD and psilocybin are classified as Schedule 1 drugs and have abuse potential, drugs like esketamine are available as Spravato nasal spray for prescription use in treating mental disorders.
The conversation also delves into the abuse potential of psychadelics and the ongoing research regarding their therapeutic uses.
*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.*
Phil Walls, RPh
Chief Clinical Officer, myMatrixx
Responsibilities
Phil is the chief clinical officer for myMatrixx. He joined the company in 2006 and oversees all aspects of myMatrixx’s clinical program, including drug utilization review, formulary management, drug regimen reviews and targeted intervention with prescribing physicians.
Business Experience
Phil is a clinical pharmacist with over 40 years of experience in pharmacy, healthcare informatics and workers’ compensation. Previously, he served in leadership positions within the industry with Health Information Designs, Inc., PMSI and Cigna Healthcare of Florida, Inc. He is a published author and frequent national speaker on clinical issues in workers’ compensation.
Professional Affiliations
Phil was named CompPharma’s 2015 Person of the Year and received the Dorland Health People Pharmacist Award. He is a member of the AMCP, APhA, APS, ASAP, ASHP, FPA and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research.
Education
Phil received his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Mercer University School of Pharmacy and was awarded doctoral candidate status in pharmacology at Ohio State University.
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Waste-ing Away… This is Not Margaritaville
Lisa Hammond
Risk Control & Business Development Manager, Tokio Marine HCC
In this week's episode, Lisa Hammond discusses solid waste management. Listen in as she provides a brief history of solid waste management dating back to 3000 BC in Crete and the Roman Empire. She also reveals the challenges associated with solid waste management and how we can address them.
Lisa emphasizes the importance of reducing waste generation through reuse and recycling and educates the public on proper waste disposal. She urges municipalities to educate residents and businesses on proper recycling and waste disposal methods. This should include developing long-range plans for public education and engagement initiatives that will help reduce waste streams for a sustainable waste management program.
*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.*
Lisa Hammond
Risk Control & Business Development Manager, Tokio Marine HCC
Lisa has been with TMHCC for almost five years providing risk control and business development services in the southeastern US region. She has over 25 years of experience in the safety and risk management field in various industries. Prior to working with TMHCC, Lisa served as a safety and risk director for over 12 years in both city and county government in North Carolina. Her experience in local government Administration offers a broad knowledge of departmental operations and budgeting.
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OSHA: Best Practices for Public Entities
Tim Weir
Risk Control Specialist, PMA Companies
This week, Tim Weir chats about OSHA best practices for public entities. He communicates the importance of OSHA standards in promoting workplace safety and health. Tim notes that OSHA is not just a punitive organization but also offers training, outreach, education and assistance to organizations and people. He believes that public entities should follow OSHA standards to prevent accidents and avoid negative press.
Tim highlights best practices for workplace safety and how OSHA standards can benefit both managers and their employees. He also emphasizes the need for self-evaluation to identify and control potential workplace hazards, and how OSHA standards can aid in this process. Overall, Tim stresses the critical role that OSHA standards play in ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.
*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.*
Tim Weir
Risk Control Specialist, PMA Companies
Responsibilities
Tim is a risk control specialist for PMA Companies and is responsible for providing risk management and safety consulting services to public entities, TPAs and other fee-based clients.
Business Experience
As a public entity expert, Tim has over 43 years of experience in the safety and risk control field, 39 years with major carriers. He is a frequent presenter on public entity compliance topics for clients and colleagues. Tim has over 47 years of municipal service, including a term as an elected official and continues to be an active volunteer in his township.
Professional Affiliations
Tim is a member of ASSP Philadelphia chapter.
Education
Tim has a degree in construction engineering technology from Algonquin College, Ottawa, Canada. He holds an ARM-P designation from the Insurance Institute of America, is an OSHA authorized general industry trainer and a certified playground safety inspector. Tim has also completed numerous insurance industry courses in property protection, product liability, employment practices liability, machine/equipment guarding and ergonomics, and holds numerous certificates in firefighting and fire investigation.
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An Epidemic Amid a Pandemic: Opioid Abuse
Nikki Wilson, PharmD, MBA
Senior Director of Pharmacy Clinical Services, Enlyte
On this week’s podcast, Nikki Wilson highlights the prevalence of opioid use and opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, which enhanced an already pervading national emergency.
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the pre-existing opioid epidemic, which already served as one of the leading causes of adult accidental deaths. Isolation, mandated lockdowns and reduced access to resources and support have seemingly worsened the situation, with 40% of US adults reporting mental health or substance use issues and 13% reporting new or increased substance use due to COVID-related stress.
Around 46.3 million Americans aged 12 or older reported substance use disorder in the past year, and 9 million people reported opioid misuse, indicating a significant increase from a decade ago.
*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.*
Nikki Wilson, PharmD, MBA
Senior Director of Pharmacy Clinical Services, Enlyte
Summary of Qualifications
As a licensed pharmacist, Nikki has over 13 years of comprehensive industry experience through leadership roles across prescription home delivery programs, pharmacy operations and benefit management (PBM), and clinical product development. Dr. Wilson serves as a national thought leader and frequent contributor to industry presentations and publications.
Responsibilities
Nikki provides clinical leadership and strategic direction as senior director of clinical pharmacy services at Mitchell, an Enlyte company. She is responsible for evolving and operationalizing strategic pharmacy initiatives as well as overseeing clinical service teams and program capabilities at Mitchell as an integral component of the full-service managed care organization, Enlyte.
Business Experience
- Applied Underwriters: Pharmacist-in-Charge and Clinical Department Manager (6 years)
- Coventry Workers’ Comp Services/Enlyte Pharmacy Solutions: Director, Pharmacy Product Development (7 years)
- Enlyte Pharmacy Solutions: Senior Director of Pharmacy Clinical Services (1 year)
Professional Affiliations
- American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Education
Dr. Wilson received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Creighton University in Nebraska.