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In This Issue:

PARMA Member Spot Light

Ask Larry and Drawing Opportunity

PARMA 2023-2024 Nominating Committee Report

Winners of the Susan Eldridge PARMA Conference Scholarship

Upcoming Events

PARMA Member Spot Light - Russ Olsen

Russ Olsen

Director of Risk Management

Ventura County Schools Self-Funding Authority

Tell me about how you became a Risk Manager?

After two years, I dropped out of college. I could not figure out what I wanted to be if/when I grew up. In fact, the university invited me to pick a major or stay home. I elected to stay home.


A few years later, a friend of mine earned his Masters Degree in Environmental and Occupational Health with an Industrial Hygiene emphasis. He told me about some of his work experiences and I was fascinated. I had not known there was such a degree or job. So, I went and earned myself a degree in Health Science with an Environmental and Occupational emphasis.


My first job was with a small environmental consulting company inspecting, inventorying, and mapping hazardous materials for a city Fire Department. My next two jobs were in manufacturing as a safety specialist, with some responsibilities for workers’ compensation.


Then one day, my wife handed me the want ads...

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Ask Larry

What can Risk Management professionals due to attract and retain new people into this field?


Great question! The work culture amongst risk management professionals has changed tremendously over the past 5 years and post COVID pandemic. Many top companies are struggling to attract and retain career employees due to market uncertainty. The first nugget I can provide to you regarding recruitment and retention is to promote your organizational values upfront. When candidates have a clear understanding of the employers values, this makes it easy for candidates to identify if their career goals align with the employer's goals. I might also recommend that your organization invest in the talent and development of their current employees. To value and invest in your employees helps build positive company culture, organizational loyalty, and creates a positive halo effect that attracts new employees and retains existing ones. Now that I've shared options from an employers position I'd be remiss if I didn't share with you, as a risk professional, the importance of inviting a guest with you to a local PARMA chapter event. This will surely spark interest and engagement in the wonderful profession of risk management. Thanks again for your inquiry and I trust these suggestions will aid in your efforts. 

PARMA 2023-2024 Nominating Committee Report

Nomination notices have been distributed to the PARMA membership for three Board Director positions up for election. The Nominating Committee has received and considered three applicants for the positions that represent two incumbents and one current chapter officer.


The Nominating Committee recommend the following individuals for election:



  1. Anthony Giles – Incumbent
  2. Tanesha Welch – Incumbent
  3. Carrie Willson – Sacramento Chapter Chair


The Board of Directors has approved the Nominating Committee report. The number of candidates matches the number of available positions, so the nominees will take office with no further election. 

Winners of the Susan Eldridge PARMA Conference Scholarship!

Congratulations to the winners of the Susan Eldridge PARMA Conference Scholarship!


  • Felicia Amenta, Senior Manager, Workers' Compensation Program, San Diego County and Imperial County Schools JPA
  • Karen Buchanan, Workers Compensation & Liability Claims Administrator, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
  • April Dunham-Filson, Health & Safety Specialist, California State University Stanislaus
  • Toni Hoang, Enterprise Risk Manager, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
  • Catherine Jones, Professor, Bakersfield College
  • Devon Lima-Mitchell, Insurance Analyst, Office of Risk and Insurance Management
  • Carrie Willson, Staff Risk Manager, State of California, Office of Risk and Insurance Management
  • Susan Colley-Monk, Risk Management Analyst,  California State University, Sacramento

Upcoming PARMA Events

PARMA 50th Annual Conference!

RENAISSANCE ESMERALDA RESORT & SPA, Indian Wells, CA

February 20-23, 2024

Read More & Register Online Here!
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