California JPIA Staff Members Receive Service Awards

The California JPIA congratulates three staff members who celebrated milestone, five-year anniversaries in 2021: Training and Loss Control Specialist Ryan Thomas, Accounting Specialist Habib Ali, and Office Assistant Maria Daniels.

“Ryan, Habib, and Maria are truly dedicated to our members and their success,” said Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “Their knowledge and experience have helped establish the Authority as a leader in the insurance pooling industry.”

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Thomas, whose extensive experience in local government includes service in the cities of Costa Mesa, Bellflower, and Paramount, celebrated his five-year anniversary with the Authority in January 2021. He excels in curriculum development, learning, and training. The integration of new, virtual learning environments over the past two years has extended his expertise in broadcast technology, including Zoom and ON24, the Authority’s primary meeting, webcasting, and virtual event platforms.

“Through his team attitude and strong interest in working with others across the organization, Ryan has built valuable relationships,” said Assistant Executive Officer Norm Lefmann, who retired in December 2021. “His acumen for identifying solutions for unique training needs has a direct impact on our members.”

Ali celebrated his five-year anniversary with the Authority in October 2021. He is responsible for processing accounts payable, reconciling invoices, and providing technical and clerical assistance to the finance staff—all in support of the California JPIA’s members.

“Every individual on our staff has the same goal: to help our members,” said Ali. “At the end of the day, regardless of role or department, that common goal ties us together.”

“Habib shines the most when it comes to helping staff and members,” said Deputy Executive Officer Alex Smith. “His friendliness and sincerity always leave an impression, and he’s well known for having a positive disposition and providing service with a smile.”

Daniels commemorated five years of providing administrative support to training operations for the Authority in November 2021. When staffing the training department’s help desk, she approaches each call as an opportunity to share as much information as possible, anticipating the member’s next steps and future needs before hanging up.

“Maria leverages her incredible customer service skills to collaborate with our members and resolve issues,” said Shull. “By listening with authentic empathy—and, when appropriate, exercising her sense of humor—she builds strong, lasting relationships with both her colleagues and our members.”

The California JPIA’s Executive Committee recognized Thomas, Ali, and Daniels with special service awards during its meeting on December 15, 2021.

“The Executive Committee and Board of Directors are grateful for the dedication and commitment of our employees,” said Executive Committee President Margaret Finlay. “Surely their experience will continue to keep us at the top of our industry. Congratulations to all of them for a job well done.”

Congratulations, Ryan, Habib, and Maria, and thank you for your continued hard work!

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