Staff - California JPIA

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.

Nikki Salas

Chief Administrative Officer

(562) 467-8722

Send an Email

Nikki joined the California JPIA in 2021. She supports high impact, strategically aligned projects and leads administrative services, human resources, training, the clerk's office, and technology. She also oversees communications and the Authority’s safety committee.

CLAIMS AND INSURANCE

Paul Zeglovitch

Claims and Insurance Director

(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.

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.

Christopher Gray

Insurance Programs Manager

(562) 467-8783

Send an Email

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

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.

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.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Alex Mellor

Risk Services Director

(562) 631-0814

Send an Email

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

Senior Risk Manager

Region 1

Palos Verdes Peninsula & Harbor
Central & South LA County

Artesia
Bell Gardens
Bellflower
Cerritos
Commerce
Foothill Transit
Gateway Cities Council of Governments
Hawaiian Gardens
La Mirada
Lakewood
Lawndale
Lomita
Norwalk
Palos Verdes Estates
Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority
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
Atascadero
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.

Abraham Han

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
Imperial
Indian Wells
Indio
La Quinta
Lake Elsinore
Lemon Grove
Palm Desert
Poway
San Marcos
Vista

(562) 467-8778

Send an Email

Abe joined the California JPIA in 2015. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance 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

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
Malibu
Moorpark
Paramount
Port Hueneme
Ventura Port District
Westlake Village

(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.

TRAINING

Ryan Thomas

Training Manager

(562) 467-8775

Send an Email

Ryan joined the California JPIA in 2016. He guides the training team's efforts as they develop content, coordinate academies and special events, support members’ training needs, and manage instructor and consultant relationships.

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.

Jennifer Torres

Administrative Analyst

(562) 467-8734

Send an Email

Jennifer joined the California JPIA in 2022. She provides analytical support to Human Resources, the clerk’s office, and the executive management team.

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.

Habib Ali

Accountant

(562) 467-8726

Send an Email

Habib joined the California JPIA in 2016. He processes accounts payable, reconciles invoices, and provides technical assistance to the Finance Director and finance staff.

Rezvane Lafmejani

Accountant

(562) 467-8733

Send an Email

Rezvane joined the California JPIA in 2024. She assists with a variety of accounting tasks including account reconciliations, recording transactions, preparing financial reports, and providing accounting support to the Excess Liability Program.

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.

TECHNOLOGY

Ben Rodriguez

Technology Projects Manager

(562) 467-8731

Send an Email

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

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.

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.

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.

FACILITIES

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.