Newsletters - California JPIA

Issue 167 - January 2026

Primary and Excess Liability Claims Transfers to Athens Administrators

The new year brought a significant change to the primary and excess liability programs. The Authority has had a long and successful relationship with Carl Warren & Company as our third-party claims administrator for both programs. After careful consideration, we made the strategic decision to transition the liability claims handling account to Athens Administrators, effective January 1, 2026. Athens Administrators currently serves as the Authority’s workers’ compensation third-party administrator.

Our first priority in making this decision was to maintain high-quality liability claims handling and litigation management for our membership. We are pleased to advise that our claims team remains unchanged, ensuring uninterrupted service to you as a member. All the adjusters, supervisors, and our account manager—previously at Carl Warren—have accepted those same positions at Athens. As of January 1, 2026, they have all transitioned to Athens employees and continue to use the JW Filehandler claims system just as they did at Carl Warren. Their file assignments have remained unchanged.

The entire claims team transferred to Athens and is operating at the same exceptional levels. For over a decade, they have achieved scores exceeding 90 percent on the annual independent audit conducted by Independent Consulting and Risk Management Services (ICRMS). 2025 was no different, with a score of 94 percent. The ICRMS auditors conduct claim and program audits nationwide and advised that our liability claims team is annually one of the top teams they evaluate.

Several factors contributed to the switch from Carl Warren & Company to Athens Administrators, as outlined below.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

We have consolidated our liability and workers’ compensation claims administration teams under a single ownership group, providing a central location for contract negotiations and a common set of practices.

A Proven Partner

We have had the opportunity to work closely with Athens over the last few years on the workers’ compensation program and have been impressed with several things:

A high level of service quality
A consistent owner who is very engaged and easy to work with
A culture that closely matches that of the Authority (positive, innovative, professional, collaborative, and focused on member satisfaction)

Improved Long-Term Sustainability

Athens was founded in 1976 and is a thriving company with more than 500 employees. It is growing, yet still provides personalized service to its clients and has a long-term vision to be an industry leader that values investing in its employees over achieving short-term profit

For all these reasons, the transition has been a win/win for the claims team employees, the Authority, and our members, with no disruption in service.

Reporting Liability Claims

Relative to reporting new liability claims, as of January 1, 2026, members shall submit new claims to this email address. Please disregard any claim submittal email addresses used before January 1, 2026.

Regarding claimant inquiries, while the examiners and supervisors have gradually been advising third parties of their new email addresses, we have created an email address that will be monitored by staff to connect claimants and others with their handling examiner or supervisor.

If you have any questions or concerns about the transition, you can call or email our Liability Program Manager, Chris Kustra or call (562) 467-8742. You may also contact Chief Operating Officer, Paul Zeglovitch via email or at (562) 467-8787.

2026 Supervisor Essential Skills Training Program – Registration Open

The popular Supervisor Essential Skills Training Program is returning for 2026, offering two cohorts in both spring and summer, providing supervisors with multiple opportunities to join. Each cohort consists of eight classes, spread over four months, with a focus on developing essential skills for peak performance.

Leading the cohort this year are Sharonda Bishop, founder and principal of Bishop Consulting, a human resources and training company, and Marcella Marlowe, a former city manager and adjunct associate professor at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. Over the course of four months, they will help participants develop practical leadership skills through hands-on training on topics such as emotional intelligence, communication, productivity, team building, giving and receiving feedback, employee performance, and employee management.

The spring cohort will be hosted by the cities of Monrovia and Imperial. Registration for the spring track is currently open and will close on February 13. The cohort runs from March through June 2026.

The summer cohort—which runs from July through November—will be hosted by the cities of Pismo Beach and Calabasas. Registration for the summer track opens on Thursday, May 14, and remains open until Friday, June 12. Training registrars will get an email announcement when registration begins.

For those seeking additional training, the Authority will be offering an online Supervisor Essential Skills Series, scheduled to launch by fall 2026.

For questions, please contact Administrative Analyst Denise Covell via email.

Academy Schedule Updates

The Authority offers members the opportunity to attend various multi-day academies throughout the year. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance these offerings, we began refreshing academy topics and instructors in 2025. We also updated the timeframe for when specific academies are offered to make it easier for members to plan and participate in the training.

In 2026, the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Academies will not be offered. They are on hiatus while we update the curriculum for each academy. Moving forward, the Authority is expanding opportunities for members to attend by increasing the number of participants able to attend each academy. Additionally, some academies—including Parks and Recreation and Public Works—will transition to a new schedule, being offered every other year. These two academies will return in 2027, providing members with an enhanced and updated training experience.

The 2026 academy schedule is available here, and the 2027 academy schedule will be available in the fall of 2026.

California JPIA Staff Support Local Youth Through Holiday Service Projects

The holidays are a great time to come together and make a positive impact in our communities. In December, California JPIA staff continued their tradition of giving back.

With leadership from Management Analyst Courtney Morrison and Finance Director Jason McBride, employees launched two meaningful service projects. The first was a food drive supporting the Orangewood Foundation, which serves foster youth in Orange County. The second initiative was a blanket drive for the Benjamin Beswick Elementary School in Tustin, providing cozy blankets to children in need.

After hearing about local elementary school students who were in need of basic necessities, Authority staff decided to volunteer their time and resources to make no-sew blankets. With staff donations, Facilities Manager Chris Yanonis purchased the materials required to make the blankets. Staff got together at the Authority campus during lunch and produced about 30 blankets. The students and administrators at the school truly appreciated the Authority’s donations.

“When I learned about students at the Beswick School who were struggling, the idea of supplying those children with blankets just made sense,” said McBride. “Blankets are something the kids can take home with them to feel comfortable and warm during the winter months. Making the blankets was also a great team-building activity that helped staff get into the holiday spirit.”

The Orangewood Foundation, based in Santa Ana, provides personal care supplies, groceries, transitional housing, life skills workshops, and employment opportunities to almost 2,000 local young people each year. The California JPIA collected non-perishable food items, such as soup, vegetables, and pasta, to donate to community members served by the Foundation.

“At the Authority, we really look forward to this food drive each year. It’s a simple but meaningful way for us to support foster youth and young adults who are on their own,” said Morrison. “Many don’t have the built-in support of a family, so we’re glad we can pitch in and help lighten the load a bit.”

For more information about the Orangewood Foundation, please visit orangewoodfoundation.org. No-sew blanket video tutorials are available online.

OSHA Form 300A Posting Requirement

By Tim Karcz, Senior Risk Manager

Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations requires employers with a minimum of 11 employees to maintain a log and summary of occupational injuries and illnesses. Cal/OSHA Form 300 is provided by Cal/OSHA to log and classify work-related injuries and illnesses and note each case’s extent and severity. The summary form, Cal/OSHA Form 300A, shows the totals for the year in each category and is required to be posted between February 1 and April 30, 2026. Form 300A summarizes the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2025 and were logged on Cal/OSHA Form 300. The form must be posted where employee notices are usually found and must not be altered, defaced, or obscured during the posting period. A copy of Form 300A must also be available to employees who do not regularly report to any fixed establishment. At the end of the three-month posting period, Form 300A should be kept on file for five years. If any newly discovered, recordable incidents or changes in classification are noted, the log should be updated.

Employers must record any new work-related injury or illness if it results in days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, significant injury or illness as diagnosed by a physician or other licensed healthcare professional, or death. Employers must record any incidents that aggravate a prior injury. Employers are also required to log COVID-19-related illnesses on the form. Cal/OSHA has published a Brief Guide to Recordkeeping Requirements.

OSHA has strict requirements for protecting the privacy of injured and ill employees. An employer shall not record the employee’s name on the OSHA 300 log for certain “privacy concern cases.” Instead, “Privacy Case” shall be entered in the space reserved for the employee’s name. OSHA defines a privacy concern case as an injury or illness to an intimate body part or the reproductive system; an injury or illness resulting from a sexual assault; mental illnesses; HIV infection, hepatitis, or tuberculosis; needle stick injuries and cuts from sharp objects that are contaminated with another person’s blood or other potentially infectious material; and other illnesses if the employee voluntarily requests that their name not be entered on the log. The Authority recommends that all cases reference “Privacy Case” in the employee’s name fields, not just in privacy concern cases defined by OSHA.

Members participating in the Authority’s Workers’ Compensation Program will receive an email from Athens, including a partially completed Form 300A with instructions for completing and posting the form. Members should follow the instructions and post a copy of the completed form by February 1, 2026. Forms 300 and 300A can also be obtained from the Cal/OSHA website.

For more information, please contact your regional risk manager.

California JPIA Staff Members Receive Service Awards

The California JPIA congratulates six staff members who celebrated milestone anniversaries in 2025: Senior Risk Manager Abraham Han and Administrative Analyst Lyndsie Buskirk, each with 10 years of service; Data and Underwriting Analyst Aaron Web and Senior Risk Managers Lucy Brockmeier, Tony Leite, and Toni Consolo, each with five years of service.

“The Authority is committed to creating a workplace where every team member feels appreciated,” said Chief Administrative Officer Nikki Salas. “We proudly recognize our colleagues’ efforts that contribute to our members’ success. This dedication is evident in the strength of our organizational culture.”

As the Senior Risk Manager for Region 4, Han manages member relations, including training, risk management, and claims support for agencies located in San Diego and Inland Counties. Buskirk, oversees sponsorships, manages the Authority’s conference presence, assists with graphic design and various communications pieces, and works with colleagues to ensure the Memoranda of Coverage are finalized and ready for members on time.

Webb is responsible for collecting payroll and loss data for underwriting, performing annual contribution calculations, coordinating actuarial studies, and providing data analysis and project support. Brockmeier, who is the senior risk manager for Region 3, serves agencies in Orange County and leverages her experience in workers’ compensation claims and safety program management in her role. Leite, who serves as senior risk manager for Region 6—the High Desert and Mountains—brings an extensive background in firefighting and environmental health and safety training. As Senior Risk Manager for Region 7, Coastal and Northwest Los Angeles County, Consolo consults with members on risk issues, including contractual risk transfer. She also oversees the Authority’s resource library.

The California JPIA’s Executive Committee recognized Han, Buskirk, and Leite with special service awards during its December 17, 2025, meeting.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, I want to acknowledge and thank our Authority staff for their dedication and hard work,” said Executive Committee President Margaret Finlay. “The California JPIA is a leader among insurance pools, thanks to the dedicated employees who serve our member agencies. Congratulations to everyone celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.”

Congratulations, Abe, Lyndsie, Aaron, Lucy, Tony, and Toni, and thank you for your continued hard work!

California JPIA Recognized 10-Year Anniversary of Ryan Thomas

The California JPIA congratulates Training Manager Ryan Thomas on his 10^th anniversary with the Authority.

Over the past decade, he has helped shape the Authority’s training programs, advanced virtual learning, and strengthened relationships with member agencies.

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Long Beach. He joined the Authority in 2016 after serving in human resources and risk management roles at the cities of Bellflower, Paramount, and Costa Mesa. “My experience in local government helped me understand the challenges that our members face, and that’s always top of my mind when developing and deploying training,” said Thomas.

During his tenure at the Authority, Thomas has been instrumental in developing curriculum and driving course development, both offline and online. He recently collaborated with Training Coordinator Michelle Aguayo to develop automated training plans and other tools, enabling member training registrars to plan more effectively, schedule their staff educational sessions, and track progress. “It’s invigorating to make improvements that really help our members stay organized with their training program,” said Thomas.

His role bridges training and risk management, allowing him to design and oversee courses that not only educate but also mitigate losses for member agencies. Based on member feedback and needs, Thomas worked with Senior Risk Managers, Maria Galvan and Lucy Brockmeier, and Employment Practices Manager Kelly Trainer Policky to develop the Supervisor Essential Skills Training Program. The program, launching its third cohort in 2026, directly addresses supervisory behaviors that contribute to claims. “By equipping supervisors with enhanced interpersonal skills and targeted supervisory expertise, we are bridging the gap between those who are promoted because they do a job well and those who can manage well,” said Thomas. “Both the Authority and its member agencies benefit from more effective leadership and stronger organizational performance.”

Thomas’s collaborative approach and problem-solving skills have earned him praise from colleagues and members alike.

“Ryan plays a vital role in identifying emerging training needs for our members. He consistently assembles the right team to design and deliver innovative and high-quality educational programs,” said Chief Administrative Officer Nikki Salas. “His forward-thinking mindset and creative approach to training have been instrumental in advancing his department and positioning the team for continued success.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas values the relationships he has built across the organization and with member agencies. These connections have been a source of personal fulfillment.

“I enjoy working with the outstanding training team that we have in place. We are clicking on all cylinders: being able to support our members’ training needs, while striving to drive down claims across the pool, is really rewarding and enjoyable,” said Thomas. “I also enjoy collaborating with members and our risk management team to meet challenges head-on and surmount them.”

Congratulations, Ryan, on your 10-year anniversary!

California JPIA Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary for Abraham Han

The California JPIA recognizes Senior Risk Manager Abraham Han, who celebrated his 10^th anniversary with the Authority in November 2025.

“Abe has had a significant impact on the organization over the last 10 years,” said Risk Services Director Alex Mellor. “His can-do attitude and thoughtful approach to solving problems have allowed him to succeed in each of his roles with the Authority.”

Han joined the California JPIA in 2015 as an administrative analyst after working for several cities across Orange and Los Angeles counties, including Villa Park, Garden Grove, and La Habra Heights. His path to the Authority began with an email exchange that left a lasting impression.

“While working at the City of La Habra Heights, I was responsible for reaching out to the California JPIA to coordinate an in-person training,” said Han. “I received an email response back from Michelle Aguayo within five minutes. At the time, I remembered thinking that if Michelle was a representation of its staff, then the California JPIA must be a world-class organization.”

A few years later, when Han saw a job posting for an administrative analyst position, that interaction stuck with him. “I was immediately reminded of my previous positive interaction with Michelle, so I decided that if I were qualified for the position, then I would apply,” said Han. “I did, and the rest is history.”

Over the past decade, Han has progressed from administrative analyst to management analyst to senior risk manager, a role he was promoted to in early 2024. He now supports training, risk management, claims, and finance activities for members in Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego counties. “My roles have changed, but my personal mission has not,” said Han. “I want our members to know that I strive to be the very best resource to them as possible, and to be an assuring voice if they ever need help.”

Han’s approach is straightforward: “Be kind, be valuable, be consistent,” said Han. “Although risk management issues can be challenging and complex, my goal is for my meetings to be supportive and personable.”

Throughout his tenure, Han has managed programs assisting members with sidewalk maintenance, risk technician assignments, fire and law enforcement policy manuals, ADA assistance and financing programs, and contractual risk transfer trainings. “I get so much joy out of a member saying that they enjoyed contractual risk transfer training,” said Han. “It’s a loaded topic, so I take great pride in having members personally tell me that a two-hour training was worth their time.”

Han credits his growth to the support of colleagues across the Authority. “Whenever I help a member successfully navigate a risk management matter, it is because of the constant support and encouragement of my colleagues,” he said. “It was clear from my first day at the Authority that one’s success is the team’s success, and the team’s success is one’s success.”

“Abe serves as a role model throughout the Authority. He demonstrates leadership through his efficient and effective completion of assigned tasks, while consistently treating colleagues with respect and kindness,” said Mellor. “Abe is an invaluable part of the risk management team and has quickly become a trusted advisor to members.”

“I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am to my supervisors, both past and present, CEOs, both past and present, and all of my colleagues,” said Han. “Their support and encouragement have helped me to grow tremendously. I am also grateful to my members in Region 4 for being excellent collaborators, but more importantly, incredible human beings.”

Congratulations, Abe, on 10 years of dedication to the California JPIA and its members!

California JPIA Recognizes Five-Year Anniversary of Aaron Webb

The California JPIA congratulates Data and Underwriting Analyst Aaron Webb on his fifth anniversary with the Authority in November 2025.

“Aaron has a unique ability to bridge deep technical knowledge with practical financial and underwriting needs,” said Finance Director Jason McBride. “Aaron’s analytical mindset and problem-solving approach play a significant role in helping us address complex financial and technological challenges in a comprehensive and reliable way.”

With a background in computer science and programming, Webb joined the Authority in a temporary position that soon transitioned to full-time as his skillset aligned with the Authority’s need for a balance of mathematical and technological expertise to modernize its systems.

“I certainly didn’t know anything about finance, insurance, or risk management prior to my employment here,” said Webb. “The problems that were available for me to solve at the Authority seemed interesting to me at the time, and they’re still interesting to me now.”

Over the past five years, Webb has maintained his core responsibilities—data management, financial analysis, and performing the annual contribution calculation —while expanding into other critical areas. He now administers the Authority’s event management system for the Risk Management Educational Forum (Forum), supports the risk management information system, and contributes to technology stack upgrades.

Webb appreciates the Authority’s willingness to embrace creative solutions. “The insurance landscape is changing at a breakneck pace,” he said. “What I love about working at the Authority is the willingness to meet that challenge head-on. The Authority’s approach to change is a healthy one because the goal is, and should always be, to deliver exactly what is needed in an accessible way.”

Among his proudest accomplishments are improvements to the annual contribution calculation, building the digital back-end of the Forum, and helping acquire new members by guiding the underwriting process to provide quotes.

“Over the past five years, Aaron has consistently delivered thoughtful, reliable solutions to some of our most complex challenges,” said McBride. “His work behind the scenes-whether improving our contribution calculations, strengthening our technology platforms, or supporting member growth-has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the Authority and the agencies we serve.”

Congratulations, Aaron, on five years of dedication to the California JPIA and its members!

Newsletter

Issue 167 - January 2026

NEWS: WORTHY

RISK SOLUTIONS

PRO: FILES