Announcements

Demonstrating its commitment to the next generation of risk management leaders, RIMS, the risk management society®, presented 20 students with a 2023 Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program grant (ABSIP). The program, sponsored by The Spencer Foundation and Alliant, recognizes the achievements of outstanding undergraduate and graduate risk management students, providing them with funds for travel expenses, complimentary hotel accommodations and registration to RISKWORLD® 2023 scheduled for April 30 – May 3 in Atlanta.

“It is important that we build a strong pipeline of up-and-coming risk management professionals who possess the skills and leadership to drive organizational resilience,” said RIMS President Jennifer Santiago, RIMS-CRMP, MBA, ARM. “The ABSIP program allows RIMS to support this successful group of new risk professionals. We are thrilled to welcome them to RISKWORLD and introduce them to the amazing RIMS community.”

This year’s ABSIP grant recipients are:

·        Simran Baidwan – University of Calgary

·        Elizabeth Colpe – Saint Joseph's University

·        Rebecca Cox – University of Wisconsin - Madison

·        Olivia Faulkner – St. Mary's University

·        William Formato – Appalachian State University

·        Cameron Gilchrist – University of Calgary

·        Sophie Hochfeld – Temple University

·        Molly Holcombe – Appalachian State University

·        Sofia Holtje – St. John's University

·        Zachary Immordino – Ball State University

·        Daniel Janssen – Saint Joseph's University

·        Emilio de Jesus Ponce Gomez – University of Southern California

·        Chase Mendham – Olivet College

·        Rylie Mooney – University of North Texas

·        Mason Parr – University of North Texas

·        Jada Salazar – University of Southern California

·        Liam Stros – Missouri State University

·        Justin Waller – University of Georgia

·        Megan Whitney – Katie School/Illinois State University

·        Mitchell Yarger – Olivet College

For all attending students, RISKWORLD will feature a dedicated Student Education Track comprising fundamental risk strategies, trending topics and skill development sessions specifically designed for individuals preparing to begin their risk management careers. Highlighting that track is the Student Speed-Networking Lunch, an opportunity for students to connect with leaders in the field. A separate Rising Risk Professional Education Track provides a selection of learning experiences for those who are new to the profession.  RISKWORLD’s full agenda of learning experiences are available here.

Initiated as a pilot program at the 1978 RIMS Annual Conference, the program recognizes exceptional students involved in the study of risk management and has grown into a differentiating part of RISKWORLD®. The program became known as the Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program in 1997 to honor Ms. Benedetti's commitment to developing the next generation of risk professionals.

About RISKWORLD®

Launched in 1963 as RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition, the annual event attracts some 10,000 risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate learning and networking experience. The four-day RISKWORLD experience offers more than 150 learning opportunities, keynote presentations, special events, and an expansive Marketplace with hundreds of solutions providers – all with countless opportunities to engage and grow your risk network. RISKWORLD 2023 is scheduled for April 30 – May 1 in Atlanta. RISKWORLD 2024 is in San Diego from May 5-9.

It’s hard to believe it’s 2023.  I think about all that we have been through over the last few years and it’s quite amazing how truly resilient we are in the face of so much uncertainty. If you listen to some of the stories, you will hear how risk professionals rose up, leaned on each other for resources, insights and support and persevered. There is simply nothing like this risk management community!

In January, RIMS invited its exceptional team of volunteer chapter leaders from its 80 local chapters, as well as committee and council chairs, to attend the RIMS 2023 Leadership Forum in Austin, Texas.  This was the first Leadership Forum since 2020 and it was amazing to hear the stories of how RIMS chapters banded together to support one another during difficult times; offering regional webinars, sharing resources and insights. 

During our two-day meeting, we discussed the future of RIMS, our shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the next generation of risk professionals and opportunities for us to ensure RIMS – and its chapters – remain resilient. The people who serve on RIMS chapter boards are incredible and I encourage all of you to join in and get involved.

It’s clear to me that our community’s collective efforts to support one another has led to better outcomes for all.  What better place for us to come together and celebrate our collective efforts, than at RISKWORLD 2023. RIMS can’t wait to welcome everyone to Atlanta from April 30 – May 3 for the ‘best RIMS ever.’  RISKWORLD 2023 will offer more than 150 educational sessions, featuring over 300 speakers. If that’s not enough, RIMS is adding more. RIMS will soon announce its “Trending Now” sessions, hot topics that address today’s most pressing risks.

Our RISKWORLD keynote speakers come from different backgrounds and experiences, have faced different adversities and have shown tremendous resilience along their very successful journeys. RIMS is excited to welcome Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management; Josh Linkner, creative troublemaker, CEO and author; and renowned NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. For the first time, RISKWORLD will feature a fourth keynote presentation. There is a lot of buzz around Chubb Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Evan G. Greenberg’s presentation about the state of the insurance industry and risk management profession. The full agenda for RISKWORLD is now available online.

Further demonstrating RIMS commitment to creating opportunities for diverse, future leaders, the Society announced that 20 exceptional students from 14 universities will receive the Anita Benedetti Student Involvement (ABSIP) Program grant to attend RISKWORLD (sponsored by the Spencer Educational Foundation and Alliant). I can’t wait to welcome these incredible students!  Also, Marsh will, once again, sponsor the RISKWORLD DE&I education track and will host a series of meet-ups and conversations in the DE&I Lounge and from their booth in the RIMS Marketplace. A big thank you to these and all of our RISKWORLD exhibitors, sponsors and supporters.  You can check out all 12 RISKWORLD learning tracks and specialty lounges, hubs and studios here.

To say, “the wheels are in motion” for RISKWORLD would be an understatement. The RIMS team spent last week on an official Atlanta site visit to ensure everything – from venues, hotels, transportation and the convention center – are ready for us.  RISKWORLD is the risk community’s time to reconnect, strengthen relationships, forge new ones and focus on your own professional journey.  I can’t want to see you all there!

All my best,

Jennifer Santiago, MBA, RIMS-CRMP, ARM
RIMS 2023 President

It is an incredible honor to lead the global risk community and to be able to give back to the profession that has provided so much for me.  As I take a moment to reflect on the tremendous work of the RIMS leaders before me, I am blown away by their passion and ingenuity – especially over the past few years.

However, with volatility and uncertainty seemingly at its highest, it wasn’t just RIMS leaders who rose to the challenge. The global risk community stood tall, not only identifying risk exposures and the solutions to manage them, but also leading strategies that improved decision-making and strengthened resiliency.

Risk management is fundamental to creating resilient organizations and the “Road to Resilience” starts with risk professionals’ leadership. As we step into 2023 with hope and optimism, I want to ensure that all risk professionals are READY; that they have experiential learning, resources, support and opportunities to drive organizational resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

The Road to Resilience is not an easy path to find or follow.  In fact, the last few years have taught us that, even when we think we have found that road, it can veer in a different direction at a moment’s notice. To be READY, it will require:

• RECONNECTING: Our world has become more isolated and divisive than ever before. It’s time to return to our communities, re-convene at events (such as RISKWORLD® 2023) and with your RIMS chapter and re-establish relationships. We are all far more powerful together than we are apart.
• EDUCATION: We must be continuous learners. Whether through RIMS programming, the RIMS-CRMP certification or simply sharing experiences within the RIMS community, professional growth and development is a critical point on the road to resilience.
• ADVOCACY: Collectively, we must build upon risk management’s momentum and continue to amplify the power of our voice, our perspective and the value of our work.
• DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION: Risk professionals must be intentional with our actions to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive profession. We must expect and require more from our organizations, our partners and our community to share these values. RIMS will continue to identify and embrace opportunities for all risk professionals to be resilient and thrive in this rewarding profession.  
• YOU: RIMS world-leading events, insight and educational opportunities are driven by YOU. For RIMS to remain resilient, we will call on YOU to volunteer and innovate within our dynamic global network of local chapters, share your stories, and develop new resources. Together, we will build a more powerful professional community.

Since its formation over 70 years ago, RIMS has become the go-to community for risk management collaboration. I am beyond confident that, together, we will continue to innovate and deliver new opportunities to help risk professionals advance in their careers, expand their impact and lead organizations down the Road to Resilience.

Thank you for joining me on this amazing journey.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Santiago
RIMS 2023 President

RIMS, the risk management society®, today announced that Jennifer Santiago will lead the Society as president for the 2023 term, effective January 1. 

Ms. Santiago is the Director, Risk Management & Safety at Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States with over $18B in revenues and 51 member companies that independently own and operate more than 360 retail supermarkets. For Wakefern, she sets the vision and strategic direction for corporate and member risk management, insurance risk financing, captive management and safety management programs across the enterprise.

Previously, Ms. Santiago was the Assistant Vice President & Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at The Pennsylvania State University. Her experience includes leading enterprise risk management, operational risk, ethics & compliance risk and insurance initiatives at Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ingersoll Rand, Arthur J Gallagher Risk Management Services and NYU Medical Center.

“The road to organizational resilience starts with leadership of the risk management professional,” said RIMS 2023 President Jennifer Santiago. “Around the world, risk professionals have taken the initiative, stepping up to lead strategies that empower smart decision-making and innovation.

“However, current risks show no sign of stabilizing and this highly uncertain environment will require risk leaders to lean on each other, to share experiences and embrace diverse thoughts and perspectives to successfully address them. RIMS is an invaluable platform for risk management collaboration, and I am honored to help ensure that it continues to deliver opportunities that unite, inspire and build a safer, more resilient world.”

Ms. Santiago has been a RIMS member for over 15 years, serving on the Society’s Board of Directors since 2014. She earned her BA and MBA from Rutgers University and Montclair State University, respectively, and holds a RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional certification (RIMS-CRMP). She is also a member of the George Mason University Chief Risk Officer Advisory Council.

Officers on RIMS 2023 Board of Directors:

President: Jennifer Santiago, RIMS-CRMP, ARM, MBA; Director, Risk Management and Safety, Wakefern Food Corp.

Vice President: David E. Arick, ARM; Assistant Treasurer, Global Risk Management, International Paper Company.

Treasurer: Kristen Peed, RIMS-CRMP, AIC, ARM-E, CPCU, CRM, RPLU; Director of Corporate Risk Management, CBIZ, Inc.

Secretary: Kevin Bates; Group Head of Risk & Insurance, Lendlease.

Board Members:

Penni Chambers; Vice President, Risk Management, Hillwood a Perot Company.

Tina Gardiner; Manager, Risk Management Services, The Regional Municipality of York (Ontario).

Christy Kaufman, CPCU; Vice President of Risk Management, Zillow Group.

John Kline, CPCU, ARM; Director, Risk & Insurance Management, Discover Financial Services.

Manuel Padilla; ARM, AIC, SPPA, CPRM, Vice President, Risk Management & Insurance, MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated.

Christie Weinstein; Director, Risk Management, Honeywell International Inc.

Ex Officio: Patrick Sterling, SPHR, SHRM-SCP; Vice President, Legendary People, Texas Roadhouse.

To learn more about RIMS leadership, visit www.RIMS.org.

If I may be so bold, I’m going to ask the global risk management community to stop for a moment and take a breath.

Two years ago, our world was turned upside down.  Our businesses faced volatile, ambiguous, and complex challenges that none of us had answers for. To say, “business was disrupted” would be an understatement. And, too many business leaders had to quickly forget everything they had learned and put strategies into action without fully understanding the consequences.  

The impacts were felt far beyond business. The avalanche of uncertainty impacted people and culture.  It impacted our employees, our communities, and our families both physically and mentally.   

However, through those challenges, we saw risk professionals step up and show the world what type of leaders we truly are and what type of leaders we can be. From the RIMS community, we heard story-after-story of how risk professionals were able to help their organizations shift gears, avert disaster and emerge stronger. It took courage to make bold decisions, and, because of that courage, risk professionals were able to keep people safe and businesses running.

Take a breath. Look at where we are today.

Yes, there remain concerns about the pandemic’s impacts, as well as evolving social, political and economic risks, but I know we are stronger today than we were then.  We are more prepared and ready to adapt to change. We are using data more effectively, spotting trends and learning from past experiences.

Business leaders saw what risk professionals are capable of and the value we add.  We have shown them that they can count on us when times look bleak and have proven the impact risk management can have on the organization’s future.  

I’ve said it throughout the year, “it’s up to us – risk professionals – to keep this momentum going.” 

Now, it’s my turn to take a breath.

Serving as RIMS president has been nothing short of amazing.  I can’t express how humbled I am to be able to give back to a Society that has done so much for me throughout my career.

The RIMS family had a lot to celebrate this year – our first in-person Annual Conference – RISKWORLD – in two years, a return to in-person meetings for many of our regional chapter events, and we welcomed RIMS new CEO Gary LaBranche to lead us forward.

I am grateful to all the people who have supported me throughout my RIMS presidency, especially an outstanding group of leaders who served with me on RIMS Board of Directors.  

And, I am inspired. Serving as RIMS President gave me a unique perspective.  From here, I could clearly see the passion of our volunteers, their commitment to sharing with RIMS and advancing the profession. It is that dedication that will allow RIMS to stand as the world’s premier risk management association for years to come.

Take a breath this holiday season and reflect. It’s been a long, adventurous journey, but the road ahead looks beyond legendary. Enjoy it!

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling
RIMS 2022 President
Vice President of Legendary People, Texas Roadhouse Inc.  

RIMS, the risk management society®, has opened registration to RISKWORLD® 2023 scheduled for April 30 – May 3 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center (Georgia, USA). The four-day experience is poised to attract more than 10,000 risk management, insurance and brokerage executives, as well as other global business leaders who inform, implement and impact business strategy and decision-making. 

RISKWORLD® 2023’s dynamic education program – led by more than 300 expert speakers – will set the stage for a powerful and insightful experience that equips attendees with the strategies to strengthen business resiliency, support innovation and elevate the overall effectiveness of their risk programs. Additionally, the RISKWORLD Marketplace connects risk leaders with the latest technologies and services to improve business outcomes and further demonstrate risk management’s value.

RISKWORLD® 2023 By The Numbers

• 10,000+ Expected Attendees
• 400 Exhibiting Solution Providers
• 300 Expert Speakers
• 175 Educational Sessions
• 75+ Countries Represented
• 32 Hotels Reserved for RISKWORLD Attendees
• 10 Education Tracks Exploring Emerging and Evolving Trends (including a new ESG track)
• 4 Globally Recognized Keynote Speakers
• 4 VIP Hotels and 3 Hotels Reserved just for RIMS Members
• 1 World-Leading, Career-Boosting Experience
• Countless Networking Opportunities

“RISKWORLD is an exceptional platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices; it is where innovation is born and inspiration is found,” said RIMS CEO Gary A. LaBranche, FASAE, CAE. “RIMS is thrilled to welcome the global risk community to RISKWORLD 2023 in Atlanta and to deliver this important opportunity for business leaders at all levels and from all backgrounds to sharpen their skills, build their networks and continue to make the world a safer, more secure and more sustainable place.”

To register for RISKWORLD® 2023, visit www.RIMS.org/RISKWORLD.

At the recent RIMS 2022 ERM Conference in Indianapolis, I noticed a common theme throughout each presentation: the importance of culture. Each risk leader presented a range of best practices and strategies that elevated risk management by successfully establishing cultures that embraced it.

Tata Steel Limited, RIMS 2022 ERM Global Award of Distinction winner, and the honorable mention risk management teams at Kuwait Petroleum International and Roads and Transport Authority of the United Arab Emirates were shining examples of this. The entities embodied that theme and showed the world the true power of a risk-aware culture. There is a lot that we can learn from others’ ERM journeys. I encourage the RIMS community to check out the online RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center and explore RIMS ERM Q&A series – a selection of conversations with leaders in the profession.

That quest to impact corporate culture continues at RISKWORLD® 2023 (Atlanta – April 30 - May 1).  Registration is now open for RIMS members-only and will open for the greater risk community in December. This year’s RISKWORLD will feature all new experiences, new education tracks and even greater opportunities to network and exchange ideas. Risk professionals have faced some pretty challenging times. RISKWORLD is our time to take care of ourselves, to work on our skills and build our networks. Let’s shatter attendance records in Atlanta!  Add RISKWORLD to your calendar today.

Knowledge is key to impacting culture…and the RIMS-CRMP certification continues to give risk professionals a leg up on the competition. RIMS is proud to announce that the RIMS-CRMP certification was successfully reaccredited by ANSI, allowing it to hold its position as the only accredited risk management credential in the world. Culture changing starts with you.  Take the initiative and demonstrate your command of risk management with the certification. The exam and prep materials are all available online.   

Advocating for the profession is a big part of RIMS culture.  This month, RIMS issued a letter to the Federal Insurance Office in response to legislative dialogue regarding a federal backstop for large-scale catastrophic cyber incidents impacting infrastructure. With cyber threats and cyber insurance at the top of business leaders’ minds, this endeavor – led by the members of RIMS External Affairs Committee – further demonstrated the value of having strategic and forward-thinking risk professionals on your team. RIMS letter to FIO can be found here. 

Lastly, I want to share that RIMS Board of Directors met this November and approved the Society’s 2023 budget. Working with the RIMS team, the Society is finalizing a long-term strategic plan that will allow RIMS to continue to deliver the highest standard of risk management resources and opportunities that this community has come to expect.

Setting a culture – and sometimes changing one – is no easy task. I can’t emphasize enough, as you set out to make a difference in your organizations, know that you are not alone. Whether at RIMS ERM Conference, RISKWORLD,workshops, webinars, RIMS Risk Management Magazine, RIMScast – the list goes on and on – RIMS is here for you.   

Thank you for being a part of the RIMS community and for your all of your support.

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling
RIMS 2023 President

RIMS, the risk management society®, presented Tata Steel Limited with the 2022 ERM Global Award of Distinction at RIMS ERM Conference 2022. The award recognizes Tata Steel’s outstanding ERM achievements that have enabled the organization to streamline processes, strengthen collaboration across the enterprise and achieve strategic objectives.

Given the dynamic and uncertain business landscape it operates in, Tata Steel has developed and deployed in-house its ERM framework to create long-term value by driving risk-intelligent informed decision-making, and proactively preparing for unforeseen scenarios. The framework incorporates benchmark industry practices, international standards (including COSO & ISO 31000), while also being customized to the business. Driven by a dedicated team, the framework is deeply embedded across business units, levels and functions. It has been a key factor in managing highly impactful economic, supply chain and climate change risks, as well as increasing resilience in the organization.

“As an entity with globally diverse operations, Tata Steel relies on risk intelligent decision making to balance growth and profitability with long-term sustainability. Tata Steel Limited is proud to have its ERM framework recognized by RIMS and looks forward to engaging, sharing and learning as part of this global network of leaders in risk management,” said T. V. Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel.

This year, RIMS recognized two other organizations with Honorable Mentions for developing, implementing and maturing ERM within their organizations. Honorees included:

• Kuwait Petroleum International
• Roads and Transport Authority of the United Arab Emirates

“The key to risk management success is collaboration, and there is no better way to achieve exceptional collaboration than through a mature ERM program,” said RIMS President Patrick Sterling.  “From these organizations’ senior leaders through its operations and frontline workers, Tata Steel Limited and our honorable mentions’ ERM teams have done a remarkable job embedding risk management into decision-making and elevating the resiliency of each of their organizations. RIMS is proud to present the 2022 Global ERM Award of Distinction to Tata Steel and sincerely thanks their risk team for sharing their story with the RIMS community.”

Judging criteria for the Global ERM Award of Distinction includes measurable, tangible and sustainable results; unique program strengths; ERM innovation that links risk with strategy or performance; and the program’s ability to build sustaining risk management capabilities. The panel comprises members of RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Management Council.

To access Society’s thought-leading enterprise risk management knowledge, resources and research, visit RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center and RIMS Risk Knowledge library.

RIMS ERM Conference 2022 was held November 10 – 11 in Indianapolis. The conference featured a stellar lineup of risk thought-leaders who shared their experiences applying ERM practices to address ESG concerns, technology adoption and innovation, geopolitical risks, as well as offering best practices for aligning risk management with strategy. The conference featured a keynote presentation by Mark A. Pfister, CEO & Chief Board Consultant, and a lineup of sessions led by other notable risk management leaders. Visit www.RIMS.org for updates.

From Copenhagen to Toledo, the sentiment across the world’s risk community is the same: the value of risk professionals’ work and the demand for strong risk management has never been greater.

It is a privilege to travel the world – from the FERMA Conference in Denmark, RIMS Canada Conference in Halifax and visits with RIMS Chapters, most recently in Toledo – to see risk management innovation at work. And, as amazed as I am by what the risk community is accomplishing, it was equally as eye-opening to learn about the challenges they continue to face.   

No matter where I was, number one on that challenge list was: how do we demonstrate value. The key to showing value, is showing progress. For this, the RIMS Risk Maturity Model has undergone a facelift.  This resource, free for members, now reflects the strategic role risk professionals’ have taken-on, while giving them the power to assess their programs, improve its efficiency and benchmark progress. Take the complimentary assessment survey and see how your program stacks-up. Once you have the results, the opportunities to leverage RIMS resources to enhance your program are endless.  

The Risk Maturity Model focuses on five elements or pillars – strategy alignment, culture & accountability, risk management capabilities, risk governance and analytics – that will be cornerstones of the upcoming RIMS ERM Conference.  In a few short weeks – November 10 – 11 in Indianapolis – risk professionals will gather to share their experiences building ERM programs from the ground up. The RIMS community looks forward to hearing from the keynote Mark A. Pfister and general session speakers Karen Hardy, Nir Kossovsky and Carnell Jones, among others. Registration is open and I hope to see you there.

Next on that global challenge list was figuring out how risk professionals can make sure their voices are heard. RIMS External Affairs Committee is dedicated to that cause and the RISK PAC allows the Society to support elected officials who are vested in legislation that impacts our work. The RISK PAC trustees recently held a virtual meet-and-greet with Rep. French Hill (AR-02), the current Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance. Rep. Hill is a staunch supporter of a long-term National Flood Insurance Program extension and, as a result of RIMS advocacy efforts, he has invited the Society to share its perspectives on the program’s future.  

RIMS is giving members a greater voice to impact this profession’s future as well. RIMS Board of Directors adopted a series of bylaw amendments to improve the Society’s governance. Among the changes, starting this year, all RIMS professional members are invited to vote on the 2023 RIMS Board slate and the Nominating and Governance Committee members. An e-ballot will be sent to those members shortly and your responses are due by November 15, 2022. 

Lastly, there remains a global thirst for risk management knowledge and the challenge is to find it. I can tell you for certain that there is no better place to find that knowledge than RISKWORLD®.  Believe it or not, it’s already time to start booking your trips to Atlanta for RISKWORLD 2023.  With hundreds of education sessions, exhibitors and countless networking opportunities, this is your window to powerful risk management insight to take your program and careers to that next level. Be on alert: RIMS Member registration opens in the next couple of weeks. Registration for everyone opens in December.  Ask anyone, RISKWORLD is a can’t-miss event.

From Copenhagen to Toledo, the experience and learning was legendary. Now the real work begins…or should I say continues. 

I’m excited to share my experiences with the RIMS team to develop new resources and opportunities that help you meet and exceed expectations. Continue to engage with RIMS, explore its lineup of upcoming workshops and webinars, check out RIMS Risk Management Magazine and tune into a RIMScast podcast.  As always, I urge you to get involved and contribute. Let’s advance this profession together.

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling
RIMS President

RIMS, the risk management society®, and its members celebrated the extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) last Friday as the expiring legislation was included in Congress’ Continuing Resolution. The NFIP extension was a RIMS legislative priority and a key issue addressed during the more than 20 Congressional Office meetings held during RIMS Legislative Summit. The NFIP is extended until December 16, 2022.

The reauthorized NFIP bill provides critical financial support to coastal properties, as well as many commercial and residential properties located in flood zones across the United States. The extension not only allows these properties to remain financially protected, it also enables them to remain compliant with strictly enforced insurance mandates found in real estate contracts.

“Since 2018, every single U.S. State has experienced a flood emergency,” said RIMS President Patrick Sterling. “Risk professionals count on the National Flood Insurance Program to protect our organizations’ assets and to remain in good standing with our commercial real estate contracts. RIMS is encouraged by this bi-partisan effort and will continue to work with our partners on Capitol Hill to support the development of a longer-term extension in December.”

“The extension of the NFIP is a shining example of the value of RIMS advocacy,” said RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche. “Risk professionals from across the U.S. met at RIMS Legislative Summit and effectively voiced their concerns and priorities to their representatives. Working together, the RIMS community can impact change and empower risk leaders to help make the world safer, more secure, and more sustainable.”

RIMS Political Action Committee (RISK PAC) continues to solicit contributions to allow the Society to engage and support Members of Congress who have demonstrated their commitment to the reauthorization of the NFIP, as well as RIMS other legislative priorities. To learn more about RISK PAC or to donate, visit www.riskpac.org. To learn more about RIMS legislative priorities, visit www.RIMS.org/Advocacy.  

Advance your risk management expertise by attending a RIMS virtual workshop. Instructor-led by subject matter experts, our interactive workshops will help you reach your goals and promote value across your organization.

Upcoming Virtual Workshops:

Claims Management
October 10 – 11

Managing Cognitive Bias Risk – Recognition & Avoidance Essentials
October 11 – 12

Contractual Risk Transfer Canada
October 19 – 20

Captives as an Alternate Risk Financing Technique
November 2 – 3

Click here to view the workshop calendar.

Throughout the year (and really since the beginnings of the Covid-19 pandemic), we have talked about business leaders’ focus on boosting risk management capabilities to address rapid change and future unknowns. It is critical that risk professionals ride this wave of momentum. It is on us to demonstrate our value and strengthen our skills to meet the challenges of this volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world.

The tides are definitely turning in risk professionals’ favor – or should I say “favour” – and we can’t wait to welcome risk professionals from across Canada to RIMS Canada Conference (September 11-14 in Halifax).  It’s been two years since our last in-person event there and we’re beyond excited to be back. Canadian risk professionals deserve it.

RIMS Canada will focus on this momentum and, the opportunities to keep it going.  The education agenda and keynotes are set. What I love most about risk professionals, is that no matter what is going on, they are compassionate and committed to keeping the people around them safe and well-taken-of.  For the first time, RIMS Canada Conference will hold the Jim Abernethy Challenge Run/Walk in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. It’s a great cause and I encourage all who are in town to take part.  

The wave keeps on rolling as RIMS members head to Washington, DC this month for RIMS Legislative Summit (September 20-22). There, you will learn the ins-and-outs of lobbying, about legislation impacting our profession and – in a group – meet with Congressional offices to make sure risk professionals’ voices are heard.  We are proud to welcome our keynote speaker Jim Ellis, a 35-year veteran of state and national politics and author of the renowned Ellis Insight report. Registration is now open. Come advocate for risk management with us.

Knowledge is going to be the key to riding this wave of success so make the RIMS-CRMP certification a part of your professional journey. RIMS is excited to announce the launch the new RIMS-CRMP exam on September 1^st to reflect the evolving role and the skills required to be a great risk professional. The five exam domains are the same, but we’ve adjusted the weight of each domain and included crucial topics such as assessing organizational resilience and multidimensional decision analytics. Join a RIMS webinar on September 22nd to review the changes and get some tips on how to earn the world’s only accredited risk management certification. The Society continue to work with its education partners – like UCLA, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University and so many more – to ensure their curriculums align with the exam’s most recent changes.

RIMS Annual Conference Programming Committee received a tidal wave of education submissions for RISKWORLD 2023 and they are ready to build a powerful education component for the conference. The ride to RISKWORLD 2023 continues this week as RIMS opens exhibition sales. If last year was any indication, RISKWORLD 2023’s Marketplace will be filled with the latest technologies, services and solutions to take our programs to the next level. To showcase your solutions, you can reserve your booth here.

Behind the scenes, RIMS members are volunteering their time to help coordinate events, share experiences and design our world-leading risk management education programs.  I can’t express enough how grateful RIMS is for their contributions. Let’s continue to invest in ourselves, this profession, and RIMS. Let’s ride this wave together.

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling
RIMS President

After a two-year break, risk professionals from across Canada will reconvene at RIMS Canada Conference, the country’s most expansive and impactful risk management event of the year.  Scheduled from September 11 to 14 at the Halifax Convention Center, the conference’s education program features nearly 40 diverse sessions that explore strategies to address a world of new and dynamic risks, strengthen organizational resiliency and empower innovation. Leaders in the profession will share their insight and experiences in sessions covering:

• Cyber Protection and Incident Response Strategies
• Environmental and Climate Concerns
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Opportunities
• Inflation Risk and Insurance Best Practices
• Property Valuation
• Merger & Acquisition Considerations
• Risk Professional Skill Development and Networking Opportunities, as well as
• Other Emerging Risks

“As the RIMS Canada Conference theme suggests, business tides are turning and it is up to risk professionals to transform recent adversities and uncertainties into game-changing opportunities for our organizations,” said RIMS President Patrick Sterling. “After a two-year hiatus, we are excited to welcome Canada’s risk management community back and deliver this thought-provoking experience for them to learn from the best and expand their networks.”

In addition to the nearly 40 educational sessions, RIMS Canada Conference welcomes a sensational line-up of keynote speakers that includes best-selling author and CEO Barb Stegemann, Janice Gross Stein, the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto and comedian, writer and actress Kate Davis.

On September 9^th, RIMS will host a “Risk Appetite Management” pre-conference workshop in Halifax. The workshop delivers best practices for identifying key metrics to build risk appetite and risk tolerance frameworks and statements. The workshop is separate of the conference.

To register for RIMS Canada Conference, visit www.rimscanadaconference.ca.  To learn more about RIMS Canada Council, the Society’s 10 Canadian chapters and additional resources for risk professionals, visit www.rimscanada.ca.  RIMS global website is www.RIMS.org.

Whether its regulatory changes, the introduction of new technologies, sudden turns in the economy or something we haven’t even thought of yet, risk professionals have an awesome responsibility to make sure our organizations are prepared. RIMS powerful community continues to contribute and deliver so that we have what it takes to stay at the top of our game.  

To stay at the top, sometimes you have to focus on yourself, and your own professional development. There is no time like the present to catchup on those Risk Management Magazine articles and RIMScast podcast that you never got around to or join a RIMS virtual workshop. And, we have several for you to choose from this July:   

• The Risk Appetite Management virtual workshop (July 13-14) will explore how a well-devised risk appetite framework can help you link strategy and risk management and, ultimately, strengthen your organization’s risk culture.
• Alternative risk financing is becoming an essential option that all risk professionals must consider. RIMS is excited to deliver one of its newest virtual workshops Captives As An Alternate Risk Financing Technique(July 13-14). This is a great opportunity for practitioners at all levels and at every step of the risk financing process.
• Claims Management (July 19-20) is fundamental to our risk management programs. This virtual workshop will look at best practices to analyze an organization’s vulnerabilities and tips for defining your organization’s attitude toward risk and claims.

In addition to workshops, we have a wide range of online courses to choose from.  Visit the Society’s education portaland pick one to strengthen your game.  

The education doesn’t stop at your computer screen.  After a two-year hiatus, we are excited to welcome Canada’s risk management community back. RIMS Canada Conference is scheduled for September 11-14 in beautiful Halifax and we have a great line-up keynote speakers. So, in addition to the game-changing education, attendees will get to hear from best-selling author and CEO Barb Stegemann, Janice Gross Stein, the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto and comedian, writer and actress Kate Davis. Registration is open.  We can’t wait to, literally, see you.  

I know it seems like we just got home from RISKWORLD 2022, but it’s time to start planning for next year. RIMS will accept session submissions for RISKWORLD 2023 in Atlanta starting July 11 and, later this month, the exhibition participation process will begin (links to both will be added when they open). Speakers, attendees, volunteers and our attendees all play a big role in making RISKWORLD the leading risk management event in the world. Learning from others is the key to elevating your risk management game.  We can’t wait to see and hear what our global community has in store for RISKWORLD 2023.

Around the world, our RIMS leaders continue to demonstrate this community’s unrivaled expertise. Enterprise Singapore awarded RIMS with the Enterprise SG-SSC/SAC Commendation Award for our contributions to the development and adoption of Singapore’s official ISO 31010 risk management standard. I want to congratulate all the volunteers who took part in this initiative including Roland Teo, the head of the RIMS Singapore/ASEAN Regional Advisory Group, who will accept the honor at the 2022 Quality & Standards Partners Appreciation Event this month.

Lastly, I would like to celebrate the lives of two influential risk management leaders who, during their lifetimes, committed their hearts and souls to advancing the profession. As RIMS Executive Director, Jack Hampton demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growing knowledge and professionalism in our community.  RIMS is so grateful for his service and is committed to carrying-on his legacy.

Dan Kugler was a RIMS and Spencer Educational Foundation Board Director who devoted much of his professional life to risk management education. He led numerous courses at universities, engaging students and promoting this amazing profession. Spencer has established the Dan Kugler Memorial Risk Manager on Campus Grant in his honor. To learn more or to contribute, you can visit the grant’s webpage.  

It continues to be an amazing honor to lead RIMS and to share all of these game-changing and skill-sharpening resources. I sincerely thank all of the risk professionals who share their experiences – as session submitters and speakers, as exhibitors, as chapter leaders, as standard setters, as authors and as engaged members.  You allow us all to stay at the top of our game.

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling
RIMS 2022 President

Due to limited resources and security infrastructures, cybercriminals often consider small- to medium-sized businesses more attractive targets, according to the newly published RIMS Executive Report “Getting Started on Cybersecurity.”

Authored by members of RIMS International Council, the report explores the latest trends in cyberattacks against small- to medium-sized businesses, as well as the following five areas of consideration that allow businesses to more effectively address, mitigate and prevent cyber-related incidents:

1.     Identifying Important Information

2.     Scenario Planning

3.     Proactive Response Planning

4.     Employee Policies and Guidelines

5.     Monitoring and Building Cyber Support Teams

“As the world has made dynamic strides in digitizing many strategies and process, we have in turn created a much larger attack surface for cybercriminals,” according to the report.  “With the increased proliferation of cyberattacks every year, it is of paramount importance that every small- and medium-sized business identifies and better understands their threat profile and vulnerabilities.”

The “Getting Started on Cybersecurity” report, located in RIMS Risk Knowledge library, is available to members only for the first 60-days. For additional information about the Society’s global initiatives, resources and educational programming, visit RIMS Global at www.rims.org/community/global-professionals. 

Awareness is a cornerstone of risk management. In order to mitigate the negative impacts of risks, it is critical for risk professionals to be aware of their surroundings, their competitors, employees, processes and the business world around them. That awareness not only allows us to avoid crisis, it empowers our organizations to remain resilient, it keeps our employees safe and our goals within reach.  

In addition to the business advantages of being aware, being socially aware is equally as important. I want to start this President’s Message by recognizing the recent horrific and senseless attacks in New York, Texas and Tulsa that took the lives of innocent people and that will forever change the lives of countless others. Unfortunately, these events are becoming more and more prevalent, while the questions about the motivation and audacity are endless, and the answers to end them seem further and further out of reach. While we can’t change the past, we can certainly learn from it and I strongly believe that risk professionals can be a big part of the solution.

Last month, with the help of RIMS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, we created awareness about aggressions toward Asian Americans and the heritage of Pacific Islanders.  In the U.S. we celebrated the thousands of veterans who sacrificed their lives for their country and, in June, we recognize Pride Month and Juneteenth to celebrate individuals who continue to face so much adversity.  I encourage RIMS members to take notice of these celebrations, to share their personal experiences, as well as opportunities for the Society to recognize other groups.  Addressing social issues is a learning process and RIMS relies on our members to help us continue to take strides in this area.

As our world has become even more connected than ever before, it is important that we are globally aware as well.  RIMS worked with AXA XL’s team to produce the “Managing Global Geopolitical Risk in 2022 and Beyond” RIMScast discussion that focused on the present and long-term risk management implications of the Russia/Ukraine war. Our podcast series have become an awesome resource and I encourage you to tune-in and listen to how global risk leaders are tackling some of the world’s most challenging issues.

We must also be politically active and aware. This month, a small group of volunteers from RIMS External Affairs Committee will head to Washington, DC to effect change.  There, they will meet with legislative offices – ahead of RIMS Legislative Summit that is scheduled for September 20 -22 – to generate awareness about the Society’s legislative priorities…priorities that have a direct impact on our members’ work.  If you have interest in government affairs and want to learn how lobbying works, the Summit is a great place to get a taste of the action on Capitol Hill. Visit RIMS Advocacy to learn more about our legislative initiatives.

Lastly, part of being aware is having a pulse on best practices.  Recently, RIMS published a new report titled,“Navigating the Complexities of Emerging Risks,” that is available to members only.  Based on survey findings, RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Council explored lessons learned from the pandemic and outlined effective practices to proactively address and leverage emerging risks.  The report and so many other risk management resources are available in the Risk Knowledge library.

RIMS is a community made up of professionals from all walks of life and from all over the globe. This Society feels a responsibility to create awareness about social issues that impact our communities and to celebrate with our members as they achieve milestones and break through barriers. The Society has developed resources about active shooter preparedness, inequities in the workplace, social issues and mental health concerns. However, our efforts to strengthen global awareness about important social, professional and political issues is far from over.

Together, we must continue on this path, committing our risk management skills to the development of even more thought-leading knowledge and do our part to build a better world.  Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling
RIMS 2022 President

RIMS, the risk management society®, has announced the addition of its 80^th chapter in Louisville, Kentucky. RIMS Board of Directors reviewed the formal application, submitted by local risk professionals, and voted unanimously to establish the RIMS Greater Bluegrass Chaptereffective immediately.

RIMS Greater Bluegrass Chapter’s inaugural Board of Directors includes: President – Erica Kiefer (YUM!); Vice President of Administration – Dave Orberson (Churchill Downs); Vice President and Treasurer – Cindy Pherigo (Lexmark); Vice President of Communications – Britt Embry (Baptist Health); Vice President of Membership, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Mark Miller (Kentucky League of Cities); Board Seat – Evan Garmon(Gallagher); and Board Seat – Jeremy Stephens (AEGIS Insurance Services).

“The risk management profession is enjoying a boom, with organizations recognizing its value and dedicating resources to ensure their organizations are prepared for the next big risk,” said RIMS President Patrick Sterling. “RIMS chapters continue to be excellent sources for best, local practices and even better for building networks to help us meet increasing expectations. I am so proud to announce that my hometown now has a RIMS chapter and am confident that this group of legendary risk executives will lead it to great success.”

RIMS Greater Bluegrass will hold a strategic planning meeting on June 9, 2022 to develop goals, programming and a schedule for the remainder of the year and 2023. Risk professionals can visit the local chapter’s website at http://greaterbluegrass.rims.org/home.

With the addition of RIMS Greater Bluegrass Chapter, the Society now has 80 official chapters. Sixty-five of those chapters are located in the United States, 10 in Canada and one each in India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Australasia. In addition to its chapters, RIMS provides support and resources for risk professionals around the world. For a complete listing of RIMS chapters, visit https://www.rims.org/membership/Pages/ChapterWebsites.aspx.

Integrating emerging risk considerations into an ongoing risk management program is necessary to avoid future surprises, achieve strategic objectives and deliver long-term value, according to the newly published RIMS Executive Report “Navigating the Complexities of Emerging Risks.”

Based on the findings from a recent survey, members of RIMSStrategic and Enterprise Risk Council explored lessons learned from the pandemic and outlined effective practices to further support risk professionals as they work to proactively address and leverage emerging risks.

“In the face of so much uncertainty and volatility, business leaders around the world have challenged their risk management teams to identify, assess and deliver solutions to prepare the organization for the impacts of emerging risks,” said RIMS President Patrick Sterling. “And, while the scope and speed of those risks are hard to gauge, there are common practices risk professionals can integrate to empower decision-makers, demonstrate value and steer the organization in the right direction.” 

KEY SURVEY FINDINGS

·       95% reported that the trigger for recategorizing a risk from emerging to active or ongoing status is understanding its impact;

·       Yet, only 27% address the impact of emerging risks in their risk assessments, while less (23%) capture the likelihood of these potential unknowns;

·       When scanning the horizon for future risks, only 24% look three to five years ahead; and

·       Only 34% consider emerging risks during the strategy setting process.

COMMON PRACTICES

The report details the following common practices used by risk professionals to mitigate or respond to emerging risks:

·       Developing risk response strategies;

·       Identifying more specific emerging risk scenarios and related response plans;

·       Identifying leading risk indicators for ongoing monitoring; and

·       Separately considering emerging opportunities and plans.

The “Navigating Complexities of Emerging Risks” report, located in RIMS Risk Knowledge library, is currently available to members only. To access RIMS thought-leading ERM and SRM content, resources and tools, visit RIMS Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center and RIMS Risk Management Magazine. 

That was fun!  The RIMS team couldn’t be more thrilled with the results from our very first RISKWORLD™. After months of difficult planning – and late nights worrying whether our dream of an in-person meeting would actually become reality – it came together beautifully and exceeded all expectations.

Risk professionals from far-and-wide hopped on the road again and showed up in San Francisco.  RIMS was proud to welcome nearly 8,500 attendees to this world-renowned risk management experience. What I loved about RISKWORLD was the overwhelming focus on the future.  From sessions and keynote speakers to the animated conversations in our Marketplace and at the social events, future trends and ensuring our organizations are ready for them dominated the conversations. RIMS Show Daily Magazines gives a great recap of each day’s happenings.

We successfully delivered a hybrid RISKWORLD as well, making our event more inclusive for new attendees to engage with the Society. Our in-person and hybrid RISKWOLRDs were amazing learning experiences – for both attendees and staff – that we know will lead to even greater success in the future. Planning is already underway for RISKWORLD 2023 in Atlanta from April 30 – May 3. Mark your calendars.

Focused on the future, a new era for RIMS was announced shortly after the conference. The Society is excited to share that Gary LaBranche FASAE, CAE will serve as RIMS next CEO.  Beginning June 1, Gary will bring his wealth of association leadership experience to RIMS and will no doubt inspire and create opportunities for staff, volunteers and the greater risk community. At the same time, we wish RIMS CEO of 18 years Mary Roth an outstanding and well-deserved retirement and sincerely thank her for her invaluable contributions to advancing our profession.

To find the road to future success, risk professionals need to know where their risk programs stand today. At RISKWORLD, we proudly relaunched the modernized RIMS Risk Maturity Model (RMM)®. The completely revamped model is a guide for strategic risk professionals to identifying their risk program’s maturity level, target areas for improvement and track its progress over time. The model was created by risk professionals, for risk professionals and, for now, the complimentary tool is available to everyone.  

While we didn’t have to hit the road for it, the first-ever RIMS-WTW Asia Pacific Virtual Risk Conference was also a resounding success and will positively impact the Society’s global development efforts in the region.  A big thank you to WTW and all of the amazing risk professionals who shared their professional journeys and experiences.  I know our team is looking forward to working with WTW on several RIMS-CRMP certification opportunities for business leaders in the area so stay tuned.

A great sign of progress is growth and RIMS is growing.  Just down the road from me, the Society announced its 80^thchapter.  The Greater Bluegrass Chapter – now my hometown chapter – was confirmed by RIMS Board of Directors in April. The confirmation is a testament to the outstanding and dedicated local risk leaders who deserve all the credit for making this happen. Chapters are so important to RIMS.  It is where great ideas are born and great relationships are made. The Society now has 65 chapters in the United States, 10 in Canada and five outside of North America (Australasia, India, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand).  To find a chapter near you, check out this interactive chapter map.

The fun continues in the second half of the year and I’m looking forward to getting on the road again for an outstanding lineup of RIMS regional events and workshops. And, for those that can’t make the trip, I encourage you to check out all of the new online education that RIMS has added in recent months.

Again, I can’t express enough how great it was to see the RIMS community in-person. The energy and the passion we witnessed at RISKWORLD was legendary. I’m genuinely optimistic about our profession’s future. Thank you for your continued support and engagement with RIMS.

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling

RIMS 2022 President 

RIMS, the risk management society®, has announced Gary LaBranche, FASAE, CAE as the Society’s new Chief Executive Officer. LaBranche will succeed longstanding RIMS CEO Mary Roth who announced her retirement in late-2021 after 37 years of service with RIMS. LaBranche will assume his new role on June 1, 2022.

Since March 2017, Gary LaBranche has served as President & CEO of Virginia-based NIRI: The Association for Investor Relations. NIRI’s members represent 1,600 publicly- traded companies with a combined market cap of $9 trillion.

Previously, LaBranche has served as CEO for the Association for Corporate Growth, the Association Forum of Chicagoland and two other organizations. In addition, he was a senior executive at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. At the Forum and ASAE he was responsible for identifying, developing, and sharing best practices, models, and innovation in association management. At ASAE he produced the 6,000-person ASAE Annual Meeting.

ASAE named him the Key Award winner for 2007, the highest award in the association management profession. He was also named the 2012 National Association Executive of the Year. The Association Forum named him the 2019 recipient of the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Executive Achievement. He is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100 and is past chairman of the Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management. He was named an ASAE Fellow (FASAE) in 1995.

A graduate of The Ohio State University and resident of Evanston, Illinois, LaBranche has authored more than 300 articles, podcasts and columns, as well as the book, “The Association CEO Succession Toolkit” published by ASAE in 2018. Additionally, he has consulted and presented to over 300 associations.

QUOTES

RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche

“Risk management makes the world safer, more secure and more sustainable,” said RIMS newly appointed CEO Gary LaBranche. “I am honored to be asked to help advance that important work and pave the way for this dynamic professional community’s continued success. I appreciate all that Mary Roth and the RIMS team have accomplished and look forward to partnering with RIMS leaders and this Society’s powerful and engaged community to continue that legacy.” 

RIMS Board President Patrick Sterling

“Recent events have elevated risk management expectations and, as we approached this executive search, we were determined to identify a leader with the skills and experience to help RIMS meet risk professionals’ evolving needs,” said RIMS Board President Patrick Sterling. “Gary LaBranche brings a world of knowledge and a proven track-record as an association management leader. Throughout his career he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to lifting his staff up, creating opportunities for them to grow and, in turn, achieving impressive results for his previous associations. We look forward to learning from him and are proud to welcome him into the global risk management community.”

RIMS Outgoing CEO Mary Roth

“My RIMS journey has been remarkable,” said Mary Roth. “Starting in the Society’s Research and Education department and advancing to its CEO, I am so proud of the progress we have made, the barriers we have broken and all the milestones we have achieved. I am eternally grateful for all the exceptional RIMS staff members, volunteers and risk leaders who have contributed to our success.  Most importantly, throughout my RIMS career I have made some wonderful friendships that I know will carry-on long into my retirement. I want to congratulate our executive search team for their excellent work. Gary LaBranche will add tremendous value to RIMS and this amazing risk management profession.”

About RIMS
RIMS, the risk management society®, is a global professional association committed to advancing the practice of risk management throughout the world. We bring networking, professional development, certification, and education opportunities to our membership of 10,000 risk management professionals in over 60 countries. Founded in 1950, the Society represents more than 3,500 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and government entities throughout the world. To access RIMS Risk Knowledge resource library and for additional information about the Society, visit www.RIMS.org.

Risk professionals from around the world will participate in the 14th annual RIMS Community Service Project, an initiative that provides RISKWORLD™ attendees with the opportunity to give back to the local community. Sponsored by ESIS (a Chubb business unit), this year’s project invites attendees to assemble hygiene kits and snack packs for homeless families in San Francisco via the Hamilton Families charity organization.

Hamilton Families is a non-profit organization that has worked to end family homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years. Each year, more than 800 families rely on Hamilton Families for shelter, temporary, and permanent housing. Due to the organization’s tireless efforts, over 200 families receive permanent homes each year.

RISKWORLD attendees can participate on Monday, April 11 and Tuesday, April 12 on-site at the Moscone Center. A designated Hamilton Families station will be setup outside of the entrance to the RIMS Marketplace. Those who would like to donate financially, can do so here: https://givebutter.com/risk-world-2022

“Hamilton Families is proud to provide opportunities to families in our community who are struggling to survive and who do not have a place to call their home,” said Kyriell Noon, Chief Executive Officer at Hamilton Families. “We are so grateful to RIMS and the risk management community that is coming to San Francisco for RISKWORLD for taking time out of their conference to recognize this dire problem and show support for our mission of ending family homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area.”

“RISKWORLD attendees lean heavily on our host city’s dining, hospitality and even transportation amenities and it is important that RIMS support the community that plays such an important role in shaping our attendees’ conference experience,” said RIMS CEO Mary Roth. “On behalf of risk professionals far-and-wide, I want to thank Hamilton Families for this opportunity to support such a noble cause and commend them for the wonderful work they do helping those in need.”  

In 2007, RIMS was one of the first entities to host a large convention in post-Katrina New Orleans.  RIMS first Community Service Day was initiated during that conference to support local families and rebuild infrastructure devastated by the natural disaster.

Those interested in getting more involved after RISKWORLD, Hamilton Families has many opportunities including: in-person teaching or tutoring, providing virtual e-mentoring, creating diaper bag and school supply kits, knitting children’s clothes, purchasing items from the Hamilton Families’ online store and more. Visit www.hamiltonfamilies.org/volunteer for more information.

About RISKWORLD

Launched in 1963, RIMS annual conference, now RISKWORLD, has routinely attracted some 10,000 risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate educational and networking experience. In past years, the four-day event has offered more than 160 educational sessions, keynote presentations, special events and an expansive Marketplace Exhibit Hall with nearly 400 exhibitors. To learn more about RISKWORLD or to register, visit www.RIMS.org/RISKWORLD.

RIMS, the risk management society®, presented 36 students with a 2022 Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program grant. The program, sponsored by The Spencer Educational Foundation, recognizes the achievements of outstanding undergraduate and graduate risk management and insurance students. The students will receive complimentary registration and funds for travel and accommodations to attend RISKWORLD™, the premier risk management and insurance conference in the world scheduled for April 10 – 13 in San Francisco.

The ABSIP continues to recognize exceptional risk management and insurance undergraduates from outside of North America. The 2022 international group includes six students. One from Lingnan University in Hong Kong; three from the National Insurance Academy in India; and two from Universidad EAFIT in Colombia.

“As business leaders around the world demonstrate a greater commitment to strengthening their risk management capabilities, it is critical that RIMS commits its resources to building a pipeline of talented professionals to meet those expectations,” said RIMS President Patrick Sterling. “Through the ABSIP, we give these dynamic students a first-hand glimpse at the world of opportunity waiting for them as risk professionals. We are proud to work with Spencer to offer this valuable learning experience.”

“Spencer is proud of our long-standing partnership with RIMS and appreciates the opportunity to support student involvement at all RIMS conferences,” said Spencer Executive Director Megan Miller. “The ABSIP program is pivotal for students, not only providing them with the funds to experience the conference but it also creates genuine excitement on their campuses about the opportunities and rewards of entering into the risk management and insurance industries.”

This year’s ABSIP students are:

• Abby Daunt, Florida State University
• Alexis Rossilli, University of Akron
• Alfonso Tello, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Aliyah Abdullah, University of Hartford
• Anne Bowen, Indiana State University
• Bailey Bennett, Troy University
• Claudia Matilda Vevera, Florida State University
• Daniel Landaverde, University of North Texas
• Emily Giles, University of North Texas
• Emily Jung, University of Calgary
• Emily Selenis, Illinois State University
• Ethan Flynn, Ball State University
• Geoffrey Fong, University of Southern California
• Hawreen Rawanduzy, University of Colorado Denver
• Joshua Rose     , Missouri State University
• Juan Carlos Pedroza Sanchez, EAFIT (Colombia)
• Katherine Alexander, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Kristian Marino, St. John's University
• Kristy Fugel, University of Calgary
• Madeline Lang, University of Alabama
• Maroun Harb, St. Mary's University (Texas)
• Natalia Pérez Muñoz, EAFIT (Colombia)
• Nathan Chandler, University of North Carolina-Charlotte
• Nicole Sabin    , Illinois State University
• Rachel Balz, University of Georgia
• Rebecca Leigh, Georgia State University
• Rudrawar Prasad Pandurangrao, NIA Pune (India)
• Sophia Marcum, University of Akron
• SRI PRIYA VARSHINI, NIA Pune (India)
• Sumeet Hiralal Prajapati, NIA Pune (India)
• Tanvi Yadav, University of Southern California
• Tiffany Li, University of Georgia
• Victoria Pommells, Georgia State University
• Zane Smith, St. Mary's University
• Zixin Chen, Lingnan University (Hong Kong)
• Zoie Walters, Olivet College

Initiated as a pilot program at the 1978 RIMS Annual Conference, the program recognizes exceptional students involved in the study of risk management, and has grown into a differentiating part of the RIMS Annual Conference and Exhibition. The program became known as the Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program in 1997 to honor Ms. Benedetti's commitment to developing the next generation of risk professionals.

For more information about opportunities and resources developed for risk management students, visit RIMS Student Resource Center at www.rims.org/community/students.  For more information about Spencer, visit www.Spencered.org.

The Spencer Educational Foundation

The Spencer Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funding the education of tomorrow’s risk management and insurance leaders through scholarships, grants, internship opportunities, on and off campus experiential learning, and support of risk management/insurance curricula. Since Spencer was founded in 1979, we have awarded nearly $9 million in scholarships and over $7 million in grants to universities and professional institutions impacting an estimated 70,000 students through our programming. For more information, please visit us at www.spencered.org.

About RISKWORLD

Launched in 1963, RIMS annual conference, now RISKWORLD, has routinely attracted some 10,000 risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate educational and networking experience. In past years, the four-day event has offered more than 160 educational sessions, keynote presentations, special events and an expansive Marketplace Exhibit Hall with nearly 400 exhibitors. To learn more about RISKWORLD or to register, visit www.RIMS.org/RISKWORLD.

Risk professionals tend to be brought in to manage our organizations’ most challenging situations, and the last few years there has been no shortage of those. We must be emotionally strong and approach each new risk with optimism. Despite all odds, the risk management success stories have been abundant, and we all deserve to celebrate what we have accomplished.

That celebration begins at RISKWORLD™, April 10-13 in San Francisco. More than 300 speakers have signed up to share their experiences during the more than 250 education sessions. The key to successful risk management is learning from others and we know our speakers’ contributions will help pave a way for the RIMS community to enjoy future success.

It’s time to celebrate in-person learning again. After halting all in-person professional development workshopssince the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, the Society will resume offering in-person learning opportunities starting immediately before and after RISKWORLD. Here’s a list of the upcoming workshops in San Francisco.

We all learn differently. RISKWORLD will feature a variety of different learning experiences from hour-long sessions to 20-minute sessions in the Marketplace.  Learning hubs have been created that will focus on specific areas that include: Thought Leader Theater, the Global Studio, Wellness ZENter, Innovation Hub, and DE&I Lounge.  For those that can’t make it to San Francisco, RISKWORLD will be the first RIMS annual conference to offer virtual access. There are no excuses not to join the fun.

The RISKWORLD Marketplace is the center of it all. Hundreds of exhibitors will line the exhibition hall’s walkways, giving our attendees the inside track on the latest solutions, technologies and services.  These amazing providers not only support risk professionals during RISKWORLD, but are valued RIMS partners year-round. We sincerely thank them for their support and can’t wait to see what they have in-store for us this year. A complete list of our 2022 RISKWORLD exhibitors is available here.  

As they do every year, our keynote speakers will inspire as each of them brings a little something different to the table. Michael C. Bush will kick things off at the Opening General Session where he will share the power of building an inclusive corporate culture. Rachel Sheerin, our Awards & Leadership Luncheon speaker, will dissect the perils of burnout, giving us a chance to reflect on our mental health and the mental health of those around us. Last but not least, Peter Leyden will close things out at the Conference Finale. He’s futurist … but an optimistic one.  It’s going to be great to hear and learn from these award-winning speakers.

How can we talk about the future, without celebrating the people who will one day lead in it?  Building a strong pipeline of talented risk professionals is critical to this profession’s future and, at RISKWORLD, we are excited to welcome students from around the world to experience this profession first-hand. The Society recently announced the eight final university teams that will compete in this year’s Spencer-RIMS Risk Management Challenge. And, our Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program will give 36 exceptional risk management students grants to travel to RISKWORLD.

A lot to be excited about but tops on that list is celebrating being back together. It’s been too long since RIMS has been able to welcome the world’s risk management community to one place.

Get ready to build relationships, strengthen skills and elevate this profession. Let’s celebrate our past achievements by focusing on our future ones.  See you in San Francisco.

Sincerely,

Patrick Sterling
RIMS 2022 President

WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, announced today that it is partnering with RIMS, the risk management society®, to advance the practice of risk management for organizations in Asia Pacific (APAC). The three-year collaboration aims to promote the development of risk professionals in the region and equip them to succeed in an evolving and challenging landscape.

Kicking off the partnership is the launch of the first RIMS-WTW Asia Pacific Risk Conference 2022. Jointly organized by RIMS and WTW, the inaugural conference will be held virtually from 26 to 28 April. It will bring together risk management professionals, business strategists and government officials, as well as executives responsible for managing organizations’ risk portfolios from across APAC. Themed “Risk Resilience Reimagined”, the Risk Conference will offer insights and ideas that are innovative, bold and achievable for business leaders and risk professionals so that they can augment their capabilities to build robust risk management, enabling their business to thrive in this region.

Simon Weaver, Head of Corporate Risk & Broking, Asia and Australasia, and Head of Australasia, WTW, said: “As the coronavirus becomes endemic, a broad set of societal risks have become ever-present in business decision making for all organizations today. High impact risks such as climate, geopolitics, health, financial, supply chain, technology/cyber and human capital are likely to continue to increase in frequency and with simultaneous occurrence. Business leaders and risk managers need to stay vigilant, rethink their approach and raise their game in being able to respond to both threats and opportunities in an agile and timely way while continuing to maintain core business operations.”

“It is important for organisations in APAC to adopt a culture of adaptability and be ready to act decisively when these events happen, minimizing disruptions to their businesses as risk becomes a mainstream element of business decisions. We are therefore delighted to be partnering with RIMS on a series of events, research and skillset development for the risk management community in this region to equip them with a broad array of capabilities to strengthen oganizational resilience and transform tomorrows.”

RIMS President Patrick Sterling said: “Organizations around the world have witnessed the undeniable value of strong risk management capabilities and will continue to lean on their risk teams to set strategies, support initiatives and drive innovation. As expectations rise, it’s critical for risk professionals to build upon their skills and knowledge to effectively establish resilient corporate cultures. RIMS is proud to enter into this strategic partnership with WTW and is looking forward to exploring risk management trends, best practices, challenges and opportunities at our inaugural event.”  

For more information on the programme of RIMS-WTW Asia Pacific Risk Conference, visit: https://www.wtwco.com/en-SG/Insights/campaigns/asia-pacific-risk-virtual-conference

Eight university risk management teams will compete in the 2022 Spencer-RIMS Risk Management Challenge during RISKWORLD™, RIMS rebranded annual conference and exhibition. Given a case-study that was developed by the risk executives at Starbucks Corporation, the student teams will present their strategies in front of an esteemed panel of risk professionals.

The winner will be announced at a Spencer reception held during RISKWORLD in San Francisco on April 11^th.  The eight university teams chosen to compete are:

• Appalachian State University
• Fudan University (China – presenting virtually)
• Peking University (China – presenting virtually)
• St. Mary’s University (Texas)
• University of Hartford
• University of Southern California
• University of Georgia
• University of Wisconsin

For more information about opportunities and resources developed for risk management students, visit RIMS Student Resource Center at www.rims.org/community/students.  For more information about Spencer, visit www.Spencered.org.

The Spencer Educational Foundation

The Spencer Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funding the education of tomorrow’s risk management and insurance leaders through scholarships, grants, internship opportunities, on and off campus experiential learning, and support of risk management/insurance curricula. Since Spencer was founded in 1979, we have awarded nearly $9 million in scholarships and over $7 million in grants to universities and professional institutions impacting an estimated 70,000 students through our programming. For more information, please visit us at www.spencered.org.

About RISKWORLD

Launched in 1963, RIMS annual conference, now RISKWORLD, has routinely attracted some 10,000 risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate educational and networking experience. In past years, the four-day event has offered more than 160 educational sessions, keynote presentations, special events and an expansive Marketplace Exhibit Hall with nearly 400 exhibitors. To learn more about RISKWORLD or to register, visit www.RIMS.org/RISKWORLD.