Issue 116 - October 2021
NEWS: WORTHY

Authority Members Gather to Take a “Voyage Through the Sea of Risks” at 26th Annual Risk Management Educational Forum
More than 300 Authority members, business partners, and staff gathered at the Catamaran Resort Hotel in San Diego from October 6–8 to journey on S.S. Authority: Voyage Through the Sea of Risks.
After last year’s virtual event, this year’s Forum once again provided participants the opportunity to interact with experienced speakers, have access to relevant and timely presentations and enjoy the venue to interact and network with members and business partners.
Wednesday’s first opening session addressed exposures relating to homelessness. Navigating to Shore: A Formula for Ending Homelessness led the day and focused on success stories that have helped communities reduce homelessness and the reoccurrence of homelessness.
The second opening session, Pirates of the Seas: Avoiding Cyber Attacks, presented real-life encounters with cyber attacks. The topic spoke to the growing threat of cyber attacks, as well as Authority resources that members can utilize to defend against being a target and knowing where to turn if targeted.
Participants gathered on Thursday morning for breakfast and a warm welcome by Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull and Master of Ceremonies Katie Linendoll. Shull shared, “The Authority plans each Forum so that members can study topics and issues relevant to local government. I am proud that the Authority hosts this educational experience each year where members can be together and learn together.”
For the first time, the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors was held during the Forum on Thursday morning. The business meeting presented information about the Authority’s annual report, strategic plan, objectives, and accomplishments over the past year. In addition, voting delegates elected Margaret Finlay (City of Duarte) to serve as President for a two-year term. Marshall Goodman (City of La Palma), Darcy McNaboe (City of Grand Terrace), and Sonny Santa Ines (City of Bellflower) were also elected to the Executive Committee.
Also, six members were presented with the Risk Management Award for demonstrating superior risk management practices. Those six members were:
Primary Liability Program
- City of Port Hueneme (Municipal Agencies with Police Exposure)
- City of Laguna Niguel (Municipal Agencies without Police Exposure)
- Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (Non-Municipal Agencies)
Primary Workers’ Compensation Program
- City of Pismo Beach (Municipal Agencies with Public Safety Exposure)
- City of Westlake Village (Municipal Agencies without Public Safety Exposure)
- Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Non-Municipal Agencies)
The Forum’s keynote speaker, Captain Richard Phillips, shared the captivating story of the Maersk Alabama hijacking and the Captain and crew being held hostage by Somali pirates. Captain Phillips spoke on how to lead with courage when facing a significant crisis, focusing on problem-solving, avoiding tunnel vision, and having the ability to make and follow through on decisions in an emergency or in everyday situations.
Thursday’s breakout sessions addressed emerging risk management issues including Defending Police and Fire Litigation, Ethics for Public Officials, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, ADA Transition Plan Strategies and Prioritization, Legal Guidance for Public Officials on Social Media, and Reducing Strain-Related Injuries. A full listing of the breakout sessions and links to presentations are available in the Forum Agenda.
The Forum’s success is significantly owed to the overwhelming support of those partners that contributed financially toward the Forum’s program and activities. Shull recognized over 30 partners at the Sponsor Lunch on Thursday. Shull said, “The partnerships we have developed together allow us to continue to deliver an exceptional educational experience for our members. We deeply appreciate the role of our strategic partners in supporting this educational event.”
Following the Sponsor Lunch, Assistant Executive Officer Norm Lefmann recognized the finalists for the 8th Annual Capstone Award. The Capstone Award is presented annually to an individual at a member agency who best exemplifies the practice of risk management. This year’s Capstone Award was presented to Arabo Parseghian, Division Manager with the City of La Cañada Flintridge. Lefmann then introduced ReClaim, an important and data-informed initiative that educates and equips members to build strategies to reduce exposure to claims that represent the greatest impact to members.
The Forum concluded Friday morning with a liability case law update and a presentation on the “Reptile Theory” and how public agencies can defend against it.
Mark your calendars now to attend the 27th Annual California JPIA Risk Management Educational Forum to be held October 5–7, 2022, in Santa Barbara.
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