LEADERSHIP
Alexander Smith
Chief Executive Officer(562) 467-8727 Send an Email
Alexander joined the California JPIA in 2009. He oversees board relations, general administration, policy development, member communications, marketing, and external relations.
PROGRAM MANAGERS
Paul Zeglovitch
Liability Program Manager(562) 467-8786 Send an Email
Paul joined the California JPIA in 2008. He manages all aspects of the liability protection program including activities of the program’s third-party administrator and defense panel attorneys. Paul also manages the Authority’s employment assistance and intervention program.
Kelly Trainer Policky
Employment Practices Manager(562) 467-8781 Send an Email
Kelly joined the California JPIA in 2021. She manages the Employment Hotline and works with member agencies on employee relations issues.
Jeff Rush
Workers’ Compensation Program Manager(562) 467-8707 Send an Email
Jeff joined the California JPIA in 2012. He manages all aspects of the workers’ compensation program including the activities of the program’s third-party administrator and defense panel attorneys. Jeff also manages cost containment programs including the medical provider network.
Jim Thyden
Insurance Programs Manager(562) 467-8784 Send an Email
Jim joined the California JPIA in 2007. He manages the property program and commercial insurance programs and services, and placement of excess and reinsurance. Jim also manages evidences of coverage and coverage documents.
Olga Berdial
Communications Director(562) 467-8719 Send an Email
Olga joined the California JPIA in 2021. She manages communications, including strategic marketing, social media, print media, and program campaigns. Olga also provides marketing and media support to all departments.
RISK MANAGERS
Melaina Francis
Senior Risk Manager Region 1
Palos Verdes Peninsula & Harbor
Central & South LA County
- Artesia
- Bell Gardens
- Bellflower
- Cerritos
- Commerce
- Gateway Cities Council of Governments
- Hawaiian Gardens
- La Mirada
- Lakewood
- Lomita
- Norwalk
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority
- Paramount
- Rancho Palos Verdes
- Rolling Hills
- Rolling Hills Estates
- Signal Hill
- Southeast Area Animal Control Authority
- Southern California Association of Governments
(562) 631-1040 Send an Email
Melaina joined the California JPIA in 2013. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in Palos Verdes Peninsula & Harbor and Central & South LA County. Melaina consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.
Tim Karcz
Senior Risk Manager Region 2
Northern Ventura County Central Coast Marin & Monterey Counties
- Arroyo Grande
- Black Gold Cooperative Library System
- Buellton
- Carpinteria
- Fillmore
- Goleta
- Grover Beach
- Guadalupe
- Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
- Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
- Morro Bay
- Ojai
- Pacific Grove
- Paso Robles
- Pismo Beach
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Paula
- Seaside
- Seaside County Sanitation District
- Solvang
(562) 631-9782 Send an Email
Tim joined the California JPIA in 2018. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in Northern Ventura County, Central Coast, Monterey County, and Marin County. Tim consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.
Lucy Brockmeier
Senior Risk Manager Region 3
Orange County
- Aliso Viejo
- Area E Disaster Management
- Coastal Animal Services Authority
- Dana Point
- Fountain Valley
- Laguna Hills
- Laguna Niguel
- Laguna Woods
- Lake Forest
- Mission Viejo
- Orange County Council of Governments
- Rossmoor Community Services District
- San Clemente
- San Juan Capistrano
- Seal Beach
- Stanton
- Villa Park
- West Cities Police Communications Center
(562) 455-6573 Send an Email
Lucy joined the California JPIA in 2020. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in North & South Orange County. Lucy consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.
Alex Mellor
Senior Risk Manager Region 4
San Diego County Inland Counties
- Brawley
- Coachella Valley Association of Governments
- Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
- Desert Recreation District
- El Centro
- Hemet<
- Imperial
- Indian Wells
- Indio
- La Quinta
- Lake Elsinore
- Lemon Grove
- Palm Desert
- Poway
- San Marcos
- Vista
(562) 631-0814 Send an Email
Alex joined the California JPIA in 2012. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in South Orange County, San Diego County, and Inland Counties. Alex consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.
Maria Galvan
Senior Risk Manager Region 5
San Gabriel Valley
West LA
Pomona Valley
- Alhambra
- Azusa
- Bradbury
- Duarte
- Irwindale
- La Cañada Flintridge
- LA IMPACT
- La Palma
- LA-RICS
- Monrovia
- Pomona Valley Transportation Authority
- Rosemead
- San Dimas
- San Gabriel
- San Marino
- South El Monte
- Temple City
- West Hollywood
(562) 631-2261 Send an Email
Maria joined the California JPIA in 2013. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in the San Gabriel Valley, West Los Angeles, and the Pomona Valley. Maria consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.
Tony Leite
Senior Risk Manager Region 6
East LA County
San Bernardino County
Eastern Sierras
- Apple Valley
- Big Bear City Community Services District
- Big Bear Fire Authority
- Big Bear Lake
- Bishop
- Chino Hills
- Claremont
- Diamond Bar
- Eastern Sierra Transit Authority
- Grand Terrace
- La Habra Heights
- La Puente
- La Verne
- Loma Linda
- Mammoth Lakes
- Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority
- Needles
- Santa Fe Springs
- Walnut
- West Covina
(562) 484-8226 Send an Email
Tony joined the California JPIA in 2020. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in East Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and the Eastern Sierras. Tony consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.
Toni Consolo
Senior Risk Manager Region 7
Coastal & Northwest LA County
South Ventura County
- Agoura Hills
- Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center
- Calabasas
- Camarillo
- Hermosa Beach
- Hidden Hills
- Lawndale
- Malibu
- Moorpark
- Port Hueneme
- Ventura Port District
- Westlake Villiage
(562) 455-5024 Send an Email
Toni joined the California JPIA in 2020. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in Coastal & Northwest Los Angeles County and South Ventura County. Toni consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.
FINANCE
Jason McBride
Finance Director(562) 467-8729 Send an Email
Jason joined the California JPIA in 2021. He directs the finance functions of the Authority, which includes preparing financial statements and reports, developing the Authority’s budget, and providing administrative financial support to the Executive Management Team.
Grazyna Buchowiecki
Senior Accountant(562) 467-8728 Send an Email
Grazyna joined the California JPIA in 2003. She maintains the general ledger, produces financial statements and statistical reports, and provides accounting support to the Finance Director.
Aaron Webb
Data and Underwriting Analyst(562) 467-8725 Send an Email
Aaron joined the Authority in 2020. He collects payroll and loss data for underwriting, performs annual contribution calculations and retrospective adjustment computations. Aaron also coordinates actuarial studies, develops cost indications for prospective members, and provides data analysis and support for a variety of projects.
Habib Ali
Accounting Specialist(562) 467-8726 Send an Email
Habib joined the California JPIA in 2016. He processes accounts payable, reconciles invoices, and provides technical and clerical assistance to the Finance Director and finance staff.
TRAINING
Joseph Eynon
Training Manager(562) 467-8785 Send an Email
Joe joined the California JPIA in 2005. He oversees the training program, including learning management, curriculum development, and course development.
Ryan Thomas
Senior Training Specialist(562) 467-8775 Send an Email
Ryan joined the California JPIA in 2016. He assists in the development and implementation of the training curriculum, including designing courses, evaluating current training, and managing instructors and consultants.
Michelle Aguayo
Training Coordinator(562) 467-8777 Send an Email
Michelle joined the California JPIA in 2008. She coordinates training, academies, special events, and manages instructor logistics and standards.
Denise Covell
Administrative Assistant(562) 467-8771 Send an Email
Denise joined the California JPIA in 2014. She provides member services support to risk management, training, data management, and claims.
Maria Daniels
Administrative Assistant(562) 467-8773 Send an Email
Maria joined the California JPIA in 2016. She provides administrative support to training operations.
ADMINISTRATION
Veronica Ruiz
Agency Clerk(562) 467-8736 Send an Email
Veronica joined the California JPIA in 2018. She manages the agenda review process and preparation of agendas, records management program, conflict of interest and Statements of Economic Interests, and response to public records requests.
Carl Sandstrom
Business Projects Manager(562) 467-8718 Send an Email
Carl joined the California JPIA in 2003. He manages implementation and support of technology projects, including hardware, software, and telecommunications.
Nikki Salas
Administrative Services Director(562) 467-8722 Send an Email
Nikki joined the California JPIA in 2021. She manages employee relations, including human resources policies and programs, the performance management process, and professional development opportunities for staff. Nikki also oversees the Authority’s safety committee.
Abraham Han
Management Analyst(562) 467-8778 Send an Email
Abe joined the California JPIA in 2015. He provides analytical support to risk management and manages technical member resources. Abraham also coordinates the sidewalk maintenance and ADA assistance programs.
Courtney Morrison
Management Analyst(562) 467-8779 Send an Email
Courtney joined the California JPIA in 2014. She assists with website resources and content, social media and related sites, and external communication.
Edith Aviña
Administrative Analyst(562) 467-8776 Send an Email
Edith joined the California JPIA in 2002. She provides analytical support to risk management, member services, and the executive management team.
Lyndsie Buskirk
Administrative Analyst(562) 467-8732 Send an Email
Lyndsie joined the California JPIA in 2015. She provides analytical support to executive and administrative operations and assists the Chief Executive Officer, Administrative Services Director, and Communications Director.
Jennifer Torres
Administrative Assistant(562) 467-8734 Send an Email
Jennifer joined the California JPIA in 2022. She provides administrative and clerical support to members of the executive management team and the administrative services director.
Chris Yanonis
Facilities Specialist(562) 467-8730 Send an Email
Chris joined the California JPIA in 2007. He oversees building maintenance and facilities operations. Chris is also responsible for campus security.