Workplace Violence Prevention in Schools
Angela Nagle
School Risk Management Specialist, Public Employer Risk Management Association
In this episode we speak with Angela Nagle about workplace violence prevention in schools. Angela discusses common injuries—especially those involving students with special needs—and highlights effective interventions like targeted staff training, use of personal protective equipment, sensory integration rooms and environmental modifications. The conversation also covers practical budgeting strategies for implementing these safety measures, emphasizing the importance of proactive investment to reduce injuries, improve staff morale and create safer school environments.
*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.*
Angela Nagle
School Risk Management Specialist, Public Employer Risk Management Association
Speaker Biography
Angela Nagle joined PERMA three years ago after retiring from public education in New York State. Angela is a former Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, and teacher.
Responsibilities
Angela provides risk management services to school districts and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) throughout New York State. With approximately 66% of all staff injuries caused by interactions with special education students, Angela applies her expertise and risk interventions to lower this risk substantially through professional development-school safety trainings, use of personal protective equipment, and sensory integration throughout the school day.
Angela observes classrooms with reported staff injuries and through a process called (RISE) Reducing Injuries in Special Education, lowers staff injuries.
Professional Affiliations
- New York State School Boards Association
- New York State Council of School Superintendents
- AMCOMP
Education
- State University of New York at Albany, Doctorate of Philosophy, Educational Administration and Policy Studies
- College of St. Rose, Masters of Science, Special Education
- Siena College, Bachelor's of Science - Marketing/Management/Business Administration
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Special Events: Heat Stress Concerns
Dan Hurley, CSP, ARM-P, MS, MPA
Director of Claim Consults and TPA Relationships, Midwest Employers Casualty (Ret)
In this episode, we speak with Dan Hurley about managing heat stress during outdoor special events. Dan discusses the dangers of extreme heat for participants, volunteers, and attendees at festivals and athletic events, emphasizing the need for comprehensive heat safety plans. He outlines key measures such as water stations, shaded areas, emergency response protocols and flexible event planning. Drawing from personal experiences, Dan highlights practical strategies to reduce heat-related risks and underscores the importance of proactive preparation for safe summer events.
*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.*
Dan Hurley, CSP, ARM-P, MS, MPA
Risk Manager, City of Chesapeake, VA (Ret.)
Dan was the former risk manager for the City of Chesapeake, VA. He also 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.
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How to Empower Risk Managers by Leveraging AI in Managing Workers’ Compensation Claim
Patty Reinecke
Director of Claim Consults and TPA Relationships, Midwest Employers Casualty
In this episode, we chat with Patty Reinecke and discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming workers’ compensation claims management. Patty explains key AI concepts—machine learning, deep learning and generative AI—and shares practical examples of AI streamlining data analysis, identifying claim trends and supporting early intervention. She emphasizes that while AI enhances efficiency and insight, human expertise remains essential for nuanced decision-making. The episode highlights AI’s potential to improve outcomes for both employers and injured workers, while acknowledging its limitations and the continued importance of collaboration and empathy in claims 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.*
Patty Reinecke
Director of Claim Consults and TPA Relationships, Midwest Employers Casualty
Summary of Qualifications
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.
Business Experience
• Over 30 years of experience in the workers compensation industry, working at MEC in the excess claim environment for the last 17 years.
• Extensive knowledge of workers compensation regulations and applicable law in multiple jurisdictions.
• Extensive knowledge of insurance contracts and adjusting techniques.
• Proficient with medical terminology, legal procedures, and claim evaluation.
• Proven experience in working collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including carriers, TPAs, providers, and employers.
Professional Affiliations
Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Medicare Set Aside Certified Consultant (MSCC)
Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP)
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – 1993 Maryville University
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Navigating AI Risk – A Leader’s Guide to Today’s Challenges
Brian Thamm
President, Sophinea Corporation
In this episode, we welcome Brian Thamm to discuss the rapid adoption of AI in enterprises. Brian explores the strategic, operational and reputational risks of AI, emphasizing the importance of strong governance, data quality, employee training, and change management. He offers practical recommendations for organizations to implement AI successfully, highlighting the need for clear strategy, robust oversight and a culture of continuous learning to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
*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 Thamm
President, Sophinea Corporation
Brian is the president of Sophinea, a data and analytics company that designs and implements integrated data solutions tailored to the IT infrastructure of customers and offers business consulting services, including designing data strategy road maps. Brian, a Potomac Officers Club member, joined Sophinea in November 2018 after a stint as chief technology officer at One Federal Solution. Prior to joining One Federal Solution, he spent nearly five years at IT services giant CSRA where he served as a principal focused on operations and as an analytics product owner. Brian also previously held various positions at Computer Sciences Corp. before it merged with the enterprise services business of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise to form DXC Technology. At CSC, he served as program analyst, operations manager, and capture and program manager. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in predictive analytics from Northwestern University.
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Artiom Hripco – 2025 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection
Artiom Hripco
Business Finance (Risk Management and Insurance) major, Sacramento State University
In this episode, we interview Art Hripco, a Risk Management and Insurance student at CSU Sacramento and recipient of a student scholarship to the 2025 Annual Conference. Art shares his motivations for pursuing public risk management, highlights key conference sessions on contractual risk transfer and healthcare analytics and discusses the importance of community engagement in his field. He offers advice for future scholars on making connections and staying curious.
*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.*
Artiom Hripco
Business Finance (Risk Management and Insurance) major, Sacramento State University
Artiom Hripco, born in Moldova and raised in Ukraine, moved to Sacramento, CA with his family at 14 years old. Through determination, he overcame challenges like learning a new language and adapting to a completely new environment. In high school, he actively participated in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), gaining discipline and leadership skills while serving his community. Artiom volunteered extensively at his church, performed in bands, and worked as a camp coordinator, sharpening his risk management abilities. Academically, he excelled at American River College before transferring to Sacramento State University, where he is pursuing a business finance degree with risk management and insurance concentration. Artiom seeks to make new friends and gain more knowledge about the field of risk management.
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Alexis Fong – 2025 Annual Conference Student Scholar Reflection
Alexis Fong
Business Administration (MIS and Business Analytics) major, Cal State University - Sacramento
In this episode, we interview Alexis Fong, a student scholar and Business Analytics major at CSU Sacramento, about her experiences at the 2025 PRIMA Annual Conference. Alexis discusses how her tech and analytics background shaped her understanding of risk management, the importance of technology in public risk and the valuable professional connections she made. She also offers advice to students from non-traditional backgrounds interested in risk management. The episode concludes with resources and ways to connect with PRIMA’s 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.*
Alexis Fong
Business Administration (MIS and Business Analytics) major, Cal State University - Sacramento
Alexis Fong is a senior at Sacramento State University pursuing a degree in business administration with dual concentrations in management information systems and business analytics. With a strong interest in public risk management, Alexis currently serves as a student assistant in the Field Technology Support Unit at the California Department of Social Services. In this role, she supports statewide database systems, investigates reporting discrepancies, and collaborates with cross-functional IT teams to resolve issues affecting system integrity and compliance. Alexis is also the president of the Management Information Systems Association at Sacramento State, where she helps bridge the gap between students and the tech industry by organizing professional development events, career panels and networking opportunities. Outside of school, she enjoys contributing to early-stage startups—supporting projects ranging from web development to financial modeling—and has a personal passion for ballet and music production, which she pursues in her free time.
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New Kids on the Block: Millennial and Gen-Z Jurors and How We Can Adapt
Ashley Fetyko
Partner and Head of Growth & Client Engagement at Tyson & Mendes, LLP
In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Fetyko, Partner and Head of Growth & Client Engagement at Tyson & Mendes, LLP, to explore the mindset of Millennial and Gen Z jurors. Ashley challenges common stereotypes, shedding light on the core values that drive these generations—resilience, a strong sense of justice, and a deep commitment to diversity. She also unpacks their growing skepticism toward corporations and what that means for the courtroom.
Ashley offers practical, forward-thinking strategies for engaging younger jurors, from effective storytelling and thoughtful use of technology to building trust through transparency. This conversation dives into how legal professionals can better understand generational perspectives, navigate anti-corporate bias, and tailor their communication styles to shorter attention spans.
*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.*
Ashley Fetyko
Partner and Head of Growth & Client Engagement at Tyson & Mendes, LLP
Summary of Qualifications
Ashley Paige Fetyko is a Partner and the Head of Growth & Client Engagement. Ms. Fetyko is based in the Denver and San Diego offices but serves all offices across the firm. Her practice focuses on research, education, and thought leadership surrounding Nuclear Verdicts® and their causes, trends, and solutions. With a focus on client need and industry trends and concerns, Ms. Fetyko leverages her deep trial experience to develop industry-leading innovation, consultation, and education services.
Prior to joining Tyson & Mendes, Ms. Fetyko was a prosecutor, serving as both a deputy district attorney and as Chief Trial Deputy District Attorney. She has extensive trial experience after serving as first chair in over 90 jury trials (both criminal and civil). As a prosecutor, she handled all manner of criminal offenses, including high-profile murder, sexual assault, and crimes against children cases, and trained law enforcement, including agents with the FBI.
Ms. Fetyko received her J.D. from Southwestern Law School and received her B.A. from Emerson College, graduating with awards and honors in writing and political communication. Ms. Fetyko is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Colorado Women’s Bar Association (on the Judicial Committee and as a Mentor in the CWBA LIFT! Mentorship Program), Denver MAMAS (Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association), the Weld County Bar Association, and the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association.
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How Do Public Entity Insurers Invest?
Alton Cogert, CFA, CPA, CAIA, FDP, CGMA
President & CEO, Strategic Asset Alliance
In this episode, we speak with Alton Cogert about how public entity insurers invest. Alton explains how investment strategies vary depending on regulatory flexibility, distinguishing between those limited to treasuries and agencies and those with broader access to corporate bonds, municipals and equities. He discusses how investment approaches are shaped by the types of risks being insured, such as property or workers’ compensation, and the importance of aligning asset allocation with liability duration. The conversation also explores how current market conditions are affecting portfolios and emphasizes the value of diversification, strategic asset allocation and independent oversight in improving investment outcomes for public risk insurers and their members.
*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.*
Alton Cogert, CFA, CPA, CAIA, FDP, CGMA
President & CEO, Strategic Asset Alliance
Summary of Qualifications
Mr. Cogert formed Strategic Asset Alliance in 1994, which is an investment consulting firm that only works with commercial insurance companies and public entity insurers, such as risk pools, JPAs, self-insurers, captives, etc.
Currently, Mr. Cogert is an Independent Member of American Fidelity Assurance Company's Investment Committee of the Board. Previously, he has served as a technical advisor to the NAIC Invested Assets Working Group. He is a former member of the Board of Directors and former chairman of the Investment Committee of the National Alliance of Life Companies.
Responsibilities
In addition to acting as an investment advisor to public entity insurers, commercial insurers, risk pools, captives, etc., Mr. Cogert leads the firm as its President & CEO.
Business Experience
Prior to SAA, Mr. Cogert accumulated more than 20 years of financial institution experience, including over 10 years experience in senior financial management.
Professional Affiliations
He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst and a Financial Data Professional Charterholder.
Education
Mr. Cogert holds a BS from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Southern California.
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Engaging in Enterprise Risk Management and Campus Security
Lawrence M. Zacarese, JD, MPA, CCEP, CHSP, CHCM, EMT-P
Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer; Stony Brook University
In this episode, we speak with Larry Zacarese as he shares lessons from his law enforcement background, discusses evolving risks in higher education, and emphasizes collaboration, transparency and adaptability. He highlights the need to break down organizational silos, align risk strategies with university missions and foster a proactive, risk-aware culture. The episode offers practical insights for managing modern risks and building safer, more resilient academic environments.
*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.*
Lawrence M. Zacarese, JD, MPA, CCEP, CHSP, CHCM, EMT-P
Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer; Stony Brook University
Biography
Lawrence M. 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 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.
In addition, he holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Global Security and Terrorism Studies from Fairleigh
Dickinson University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of
Virginia, and a New York State Paramedic Certificate from Stony Brook University. He is also a graduate of
the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in National and International Security program, the 246th
session of the FBI National Academy, and the FBI Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development
Seminar at Princeton University.
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Developing Resilience to Weather Life’s Storms
Randy Anderson
Founder/Owner, E3 Professional Trainers
In this episode, we converse with Randy Anderson in a discussion on resilience. Randy defines resilience as the ability to bounce back from challenges and shares key components for building it, such as self-care, self-awareness and maintaining a supportive network. The conversation also covers the impact of external factors on resilience and offers strategies for managers and team members to foster resilience in others, emphasizing the importance of empathy, small wins and adaptability.
*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.*
Randy Anderson
Founder/Owner, E3 Professional Trainers
Summary of Qualifications
Randy has 30 years of professional sales experience, including sales management. He has managed 100+ people and has served as a full-time trainer for 18+ years. In addition, Randy has trained at hundreds of companies and has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people about employee engagement and workplace productivity.
Business Experience
Before starting E3 in 2005, Randy spent 20 years in sales and sales management. Most of that time was spent in media sales, which gave him the opportunity to work with virtually every type of business and in every industry. It is from that experience that he draws the ideas and strategies to help his clients improve their performance in the workplace and to achieve their maximum potential in life.
Professional Affiliations
Member, National Speakers Association
Education
- Bachelor’s of Science in Ag Communications - Texas Tech University
- Your Leadership Legacy (Ken Blanchard Co.),
- Changing the Picture (Ziglar Corp.),
- Ethics 101 (Cox Enterprises, Inc.),
- LifeNet Time Management Training (Life Net Inc.)
- Basic Selling Skills (AVI International)
- Top Selling (Ziglar Corp.)
- Professional Selling Skills (Learning International)
- System 21 Selling (Executive Decision Systems)
- Fast Track Media Sales (Cox Media, Inc.)