Staff

LEADERSHIP

Alexander Smith

Alexander Smith

Chief Executive Officer

(562) 467-8727

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Alex joined the California JPIA in 2009. He leads the Authority’s strategic direction and operations, focusing on member services and stakeholder engagement. This includes managing Board and Executive Committee relations as well as collaborating with members and business partners to enhance coverage, claims management, training, risk management, financial position, and operational effectiveness.

Nikki Salas

Nikki Salas

Chief Administrative Officer

(562) 467-8722

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Nikki joined the California JPIA in 2021. She manages the human resources, administrative, and training departments as well as fleet management and professional development. Nikki also oversees the Authority's safety committee.

Paul Zeglovitch

Paul Zeglovitch

Chief Operating Officer

(562) 467-8786

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Paul joined the California JPIA in 2008. He implements strategies designed to facilitate member engagement and satisfaction, as well as overseeing the claims and insurance, risk management, and technology programs at the Authority.

CLAIMS AND INSURANCE

Jeff Rush

Jeff Rush

Workers’ Compensation Program Manager

(562) 467-8707

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Jeff joined the California JPIA in 2012. He manages the authority's workers' compensation program by working with members and the Authority's third-party claims administrator to address the challenges that may arise during an employee’s recovery from an industrial injury. He also oversees an extensive network of services providers including a Medical Provider Network, a legal panel and claims investigators. Jeff is directly involved in the negotiation of settlements for high exposure claims. He also provides workers' compensation training to the management teams and line level employees of Authority members.

Christopher Gray

Christopher Gray

Insurance Programs Manager

(562) 467-8783

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Christopher joined the California JPIA in 2024. He manages the property, cyber, and pollution programs and services, as well as ancillary programs such as special events and crime. He also manages placement of excess and reinsurance for our liability and workers' compensation programs, and issuance of evidences of coverage.

Kelly Trainer Policky

Kelly Trainer Policky

Employment Practices Manager

(562) 467-8781

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Kelly joined the California JPIA in 2021. She is a licensed California attorney overseeing the Authority’s Employment Hotline, which provides pre-claim advice and counsel on complex, high-risk employment law issues. Kelly also provides innovative training solutions for our members in the area of employment liability exposure.

 Edith Vazquez

Edith Vazquez

Management Analyst

(562) 467-8776

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Edith joined the California JPIA in 2002. She provides analytical support to the claims and insurance, risk management, and executive teams. She manages the customer relations management system and oversees both the Liability Claims Lessons Learned and Medicare Reporting systems through JW Filehandler. Edith also coordinates and develops solutions for various claims and insurance projects.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Alex Mellor

Alex Mellor

Risk Services Director

(562) 631-0814

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Alex joined the California JPIA in 2012. He guides the efforts of risk management staff as they perform risk assessments, evaluate municipal operations, develop action plans for exposure reduction, and communicate regarding programs, services, claims, and training opportunities.

Melaina Francis

Melaina Francis

Region 1

Senior Risk Manager

(562) 631-1040

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Melaina joined the California JPIA in 2013. She is invested in supporting each member to achieve their risk management goals by providing sound advice, resources, and guidance. Melaina assists members with their day-to-day challenges and strategic planning to ensure that they are making the best risk management decisions possible, thereby raising and improving their risk profile agency-wide.

Tim Karcz

Tim Karcz

Region 2

Senior Risk Manager

(562) 631-9782

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Tim joined the California JPIA in 2018. As regional risk manager for the Central Coast, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco Bay regions, he strives to provide members with consistent and impactful services to help them manage their risk. Through collaboration and partnerships, Tim works closely with member staff to help them serve their unique communities.

Lucy Brockmeier

Lucy Brockmeier

Region 3

Senior Risk Manager

(562) 455-6573

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Lucy joined the California JPIA in 2020 and serves as the regional risk manager for Orange County. She manages member relations, provides training, claims guidance, and consultation on complex risk issues. Lucy analyzes contracts for risk exposure, develops and monitors member action plans, and assists members in strengthening their risk management programs through compliance reviews, policy analysis, and strategic recommendations.

Abraham Han

Abraham Han

Region 4

Senior Risk Manager

(562) 467-8778

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Abe joined the California JPIA in 2015. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, and claims for members in San Diego County and Inland Counties. Abe consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts, and manages member action plans.

Maria Galvan

Maria Galvan

Region 5

Senior Risk Manager

(562) 631-2261

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Maria joined the California JPIA in 2013 and serves as a senior risk manager. In this role, she advises member agencies on contractual risk transfer, insurance, occupational safety & health, ADA compliance, and best risk management practices. She is recognized as a knowledgeable and trusted resource, assisting members with training, policy development, and research. 

Tony Leite

Tony Leite

Region 6

Senior Risk Manager

(562) 484-8226

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Tony joined the California JPIA in 2020. In his capacity as a regional risk manager, he is fully committed to playing a pivotal role in advancing the success of member agencies. His primary objective is to deliver comprehensive risk management guidance and resources that are aligned with the unique exposures of each member, thereby enabling them to best serve their communities.

Toni Consolo

Toni Consolo

Region 7

Senior Risk Manager

(562) 455-5024

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Toni joined the California JPIA in 2020. She manages member relations, including risk management, training, and claims for members in Coastal & Northwest Los Angeles County and South Ventura County. Toni consults with members on issues of risk, including contractual risk transfer support, and oversees the Authority's robust resource library.

TRAINING

Ryan Thomas

Ryan Thomas

Training Manager

(562) 467-8775

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Ryan joined the California JPIA in 2016. He oversees the Authority's training team. He leads the development and implementation of training curriculum, instructor management, and oversees the training website, myJPIA.

Michelle Aguayo

Michelle Aguayo

Training Coordinator

(562) 467-8777

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Michelle joined the California JPIA in 2008. She coordinates academies and special events, assists with training website development updates, and manages training planning for all members.

Monique Moctezuma

Monique Moctezuma

Senior Training Specialist

(562) 467-8751

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Monique joined the California JPIA in 2025. She is responsible for the development and implementation of training strategies, creating new content, and coordinating the updating of existing content.

Kevin Hanson

Kevin Hanson

Training Specialist

(562) 467-8752

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Kevin joined the California JPIA in 2025. He facilitates and evaluates training, assists with data management, and analyzes training data to monitor efficiency and effectiveness within the training program. Kevin serves as a liaison between members, trainers, vendors, and staff.

Denise Covell

Denise Covell

Administrative Analyst

(562) 467-8771

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Denise joined the California JPIA in 2014. She coordinates the scheduling of in-person and virtual trainings and training programs for members and manages instructor logistics, contracts, and standards. Denise also supports risk management, data management, and claims.

Maria Daniels

Maria Daniels

Administrative Assistant

(562) 467-8773

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Maria joined the California JPIA in 2016. She provides administrative support to training operations.

ADMINISTRATION

Veronica Ruiz

Veronica Ruiz

Agency Clerk

(562) 467-8736

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Veronica joined the California JPIA in 2018. She manages the agenda review process and preparation of agendas, the records management program, conflict of interest and Statements of Economic Interests, and response to public records requests.

Jennifer Torres

Jennifer Torres

Administrative Analyst

(562) 467-8734

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Jennifer joined the California JPIA in 2022. She provides analytical support to Human Resources, the Agency clerk, and the Authority leadership team.

Jessica Ramos

Jessica Ramos

Administrative Assistant

(562) 467-8738

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Jessica joined the California JPIA in 2025. She provides administrative and clerical support to Human Resources, the Agency clerk, and the Authority leadership team. She also coordinates logistics for special events on campus.

FINANCE

Jason McBride

Jason McBride

Finance Director

(562) 467-8729

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Jason joined the California JPIA in 2021. He leads the finance team, overseeing the Authority’s accounting, budgeting, payroll, treasury, financial reporting, underwriting, and financial analysis functions.

Habib Ali

Habib Ali

Accountant

(562) 467-8726

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Habib joined the California JPIA in 2016. He is responsible for accounts payable processing, invoice reconciliation, and assists with third-party claims administrator payment inquiries. He also provides technical and clerical support to the Finance Director and staff.

Rezvane Lafmejani

Rezvane Lafmejani

Accountant

(562) 467-8733

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Rezvane joined the California JPIA in 2024. She prepares and reviews account reconciliations, records and validates financial transactions, supports the payroll process, manages compliance tasks such as 1099 filings, coordinates the annual billing process for members, and assists with cash management.

Aaron Webb

Aaron Webb

Data and Underwriting Analyst

(562) 467-8725

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Aaron joined the California JPIA in 2020. He is responsible for collecting payroll and loss data for underwriting, performing annual contribution calculations, coordinating actuarial studies, developing cost indications for prospective members, and providing data analysis and project support.

Tracey Yonemura

Tracey Yonemura

Accountant

(562) 467-8724

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Tracey joined the California JPIA in 2025. She supports cash management, prepares and processes financial transactions, reconciles accounts, and prepares financial reports.

TECHNOLOGY

Ben Rodriguez

Ben Rodriguez

Technology Projects Manager

(562) 467-8731

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Ben joined the California JPIA in 2024. He oversees the Authority’s software, hardware, and telecommunications platforms and manages the implementation and support of new technology projects.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Olga Berdial

Olga Berdial

Communications Director

(562) 467-8719

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Olga joined the California JPIA in 2021. She oversees the Authority’s marketing strategy and ensures cohesive messaging across communication platforms. She and the communications team support all divisions by implementing internal and external communications that enhance the Authority brand and drive member engagement.

Courtney Morrison

Courtney Morrison

Management Analyst

(562) 467-8779

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Courtney joined the California JPIA in 2014. She manages the Authority website, assists with social media and external communication, and coordinates the annual Risk Management Educational Forum.

Lyndsie Buskirk

Lyndsie Buskirk

Administrative Analyst

(562) 467-8732

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Lyndsie joined the California JPIA in 2015. She oversees sponsorships, coordinates the Authority’s conference presence, and manages the Memoranda of Coverage documents. She also assists with social media and other communications.

FACILITIES

Chris Yanonis

Chris Yanonis

Facilities Specialist

(562) 467-8730

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Chris joined the California JPIA in 2007. He oversees building maintenance and facilities operations. Chris is also responsible for campus security.

California JPIA