Re-Introducing PRIMA’s New President, Scott Kramer MBA, ARM

BY CLAIRE HOWARD

NO STRANGER TO THE ROLE AS PRIMA’S PRESIDENT, Scott Kramer’s initial term was in 2019. Having worked in this industry for more than 30 years and being a member of PRIMA since 2004, Kramer has seen what the risk management industry valued before the pandemic and how focuses are shifting now that things are steadily returning to normal.

Kramer began his career working for Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS as an Assistant Risk Manager. Over the years, his responsibilities grew and he was tasked with managing and designing the healthcare plan for the 13 unions, overseeing the third-party administrator handling workers comp for the 15,000 employees, as well as handling the liability insurance for the fleet of vehicles.

In 2003, he became the Risk Manager of Montgomery County Commission. During his tenure, Kramer was able to create a successful onsite primary care and wellness clinic for the employees, retirees and dependents. Currently Kramer is the Autauga County Administrator with a responsibility of 210 employees, 60,000 residents and 7 departments including risk management.

Leaving his mark with every title he’s held over the years, Kramer is determined to reach back to the incoming risk management community as he embarks on his 2022-2023 term as President of PRIMA.

WHAT SKILLS DO RISK MANAGERS NEED TODAY THAT THEY DID NOT NEED IN THE PAST?

Understanding the differences of different generations.

WHAT CAN PRIMA DO TO SUPPORT THE NEW CHALLENGES RISK MANAGERS FACE?

Continue to be the go-to association for training and education with our annual conference and on-line tools and training programs.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES RISK MANAGERS FACE IN THE NEXT YEAR? IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

If there is one thing we learned as risk managers during the pandemic, it is to be adaptable to the challenges that we experience. Processes may have to be changed with remote learning. Cybersecurity will continue to be a growing challenge as we move to keep our data secure.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOUR OWN ENTITY HAS FACED IN THE LAST 5 YEARS? The biggest benefit I have experienced with PRIMA is networking with my peers. It is so beneficial to bounce a particular scenario off one of my peers with a similar experience and receive their expertise. “

Without a doubt, trying to maintain operations through the pandemic and mitigate and minimize exposures to our personnel has been my biggest challenge.

HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?

Having a good staff to research the protocols established by the CDC and follow the guidance that a Covid-19 PRIMA task force shared to its members assisted us in addressing our concerns.

DID BEING A MEMBER OF PRIMA HELP YOU?

Absolutely, the tips and resources to manage through the Covid-19 pandemic were extremely useful. The webinars that the Covid-19 task force provided members timely advice in the ever-evolving pandemic.

PLEASE TELL US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU’VE HAD TO PIVOT IN THE LAST YEAR DUE TO THE PANDEMIC AS WELL.

The Autauga County Commission was able to continue to provide services by rotating the staff over several weeks. But it did require us to purchase resources to ensure that employees had the tools to accomplish getting their respective work completed remotely. I remember one of the biggest challenges we experienced was to maintain the social distancing of our inmates in a jail that was already at capacity. We contracted with another neighboring county with space in their jail to accomplish this goal.

WHAT CAN PRIMA MEMBERS DO TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR PRIMA MEMBERSHIP?

I am always wanting to stay ahead of the trends by staying informed of what my peers are experiencing. The Public Risk Magazine and the Public Risk newsletters are great resources to stay informed on the industry concerns. The annual conference provides many opportunities for relevant educational sessions that will assist you in doing a better job. In addition, the annual conference provides opportunities to network with your peers to determine how they address certain issues that arise in risk management.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST THINGS PRIMA OFFERS ITS MEMBERS?

• Networking • Cybrary • Podcasts

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE SECOND TERM OF YOUR PRESIDENCY?

After experiencing the pandemic, the last couple of years, I want to focus on: • Enjoying this experience of getting back together and re-connecting after COVID • I would like to see us reinstitute our outreach program of attending other conferences to attract new members and communicating the value of risk management. • The current Board leadership has made good strides in attracting university students to share our excitement with risk management, and I want to continue this trend. • I want us, as an industry, to start really considering the selection of our replacements, succession planning

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

My intent is to continue being a County Administrator and looking for opportunities to share my experience and learn from others in the industry.

Scott Kramer will be sworn in as president at PRIMA’s 2022 Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX.

Claire Howard, Manager of Marketing and Communications, PRIMA

THE IMPACTFUL RETURN OF PRIMA’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE

BY CLAIRE HOWARD

Join Us in San Antonio, TX June 5-8 2022

ON SUNDAY, JUNE 5, IN SAN ANTONIO, TX, PRIMA’s 2022 Annual Conference will take place over the span of four days at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. PRIMA is honored to bring the Annual Conference back in-person for the first time since 2019. If you work in the public sector—state government, local community, special district, intergovernmental pool or a municipality—and risk management is a part of your daily routine, you should be at PRIMA22!

We are aware that there are still some concerns when it comes to COVID-19, and as such, we are committed to the safety and well-being of all conference attendees, exhibitors, staff and guests. All participants must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 OR an official negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving at registration.

PRIMA has partnered with Health Pass by Clear, a free mobile app that provides a secure and digital platform to upload your COVID-19 health status. By downloading the Health Pass by Clear in advance, Annual Conference registration processing time will sure to be a breeze.

On Sunday, find your way to our newly created Fireside Chat sessions highlighting “Innovation in Law Enforcement Risk Management” and “Using Social Media for Growth, Transparency, and Influence.”

INNOVATION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT RISK MANAGEMENT | 3:45 – 4:45 PM

Sponsored by Join us for an informative and interactive session sharing the latest advancements and best practices in law enforcement risk management. Our panel of public safety and risk management experts will share knowledge and lessons learned from their work to identify risk and implement loss control programs that address escalating severity for law enforcement liability and workers comp / PTSD.

USING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GROWTH, TRANSPARENCY, AND INFLUENCE | 3:45 – 4:45 PM

Sponsored by A discussion around the proper use, pitfalls, and stories for social media to create growth, foster transparency, and boost engagement with your community.

MONDAY GENERAL SESSION | PIVOT POINT: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE OF RISK MANAGEMENT

SHAWN RHODES | 8 AM – 9:30 AM | STARS AT NIGHT BALLROOM B1 & B2

In the world of business, the best plans may not always work out as planned. To address the constant challenge of planning for change and ensuring plans achieve results, TEDx speaker and nationally syndicated columnist Shawn Rhodes will share how the best teams and organizations across industries pivot to leverage change when it occurs, build engaging cultures and ensure the experience of senior leaders doesn’t leave when they do. Sponsored by

TUESDAY GENERAL SESSION | LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!

TRACI BROWN | 8 AM – 9:30 AM | STARS AT NIGHT BALLROOM B1 & B2

Learn to read fraudsters like a book with renowned body language expert Traci Brown. You can quit second guessing your instincts and immediately tell fact from fiction when Traci teaches the nine telltale signs someone is lying, how to quickly uncover the truth and how to keep nefarious people from making you a victim. Sponsored by

WEDNESDAY KEYNOTE LUNCH & LEARN | SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC RISK MANAGEMENT JOURNEYS: HOW DID WE GET HERE?

CARLEEN PATTERSON, TERRI EVANS, AMY LARSON, MICHAEL FANN, DAN HURLEY | 11: 30 AM – 1:30 PM | STARS AT NIGHT BALLROOM B1 & B2

Moderated by Alliant's First Vice President Public Entity, Carleen Patterson, join this panel of industry experts in the field of public risk management sharing their professional journeys. Attendees are afforded the opportunity to learn about successes and challenges from respected practitioners in the profession. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by

Kick off the first night of the conference with a bang—join your risk management peers at the Welcome Reception on the San Antonio River Walk, sponsored by Munich RE. Famous for encompassing shopping, sightseeing, rich history, food and fun on a 15-mile urban waterway, The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, is a San Antonio treasure and the largest urban ecosystem in the nation. Open only to PRIMA conference attendees and their guests, enjoy a lively reception and a few special guests! Feel like you won’t have enough time to explore the River Walk during the Welcome Receptions? No worries, we’ve partnered with Visit San Antonio for the exclusive conference program, Show Us Your Badge. Select restaurants and attractions have will offer discounts and free items in exchange for simply showing your PRIMA22 conference badge. To receive easy access to this list of participating businesses from your mobile device, text: “VSA Meet” to 415-528-7403. This year’s general sessions are jam packed with heavy hitters such as Shawn Rhodes, Traci Brown, Carleen Patterson, Terri Evans, Amy Larson, Michael Fann and Dan Hurley. With a combined experience of more than 75 years, these industry experts will discuss the future of risk management, navigating the ins and outs of nefarious people trying to blindly make you a victim and insider tips on building a successful risk management career.

AWARD-WINNING IDEAS AND LESSONS FROM PRMYS

IGNITING NEXT GEN TO RISK MANAGEMENT & INSURANCE CAREERS

WHERE HAVE ALL THE RISK MANAGERS GONE?

SPEAKERS: JOHN BURKHOLDER, MEGAN A. DAMATO, JOSE PERALTA

KAREN CATERINO, JULIE MILEHAM

DEAN COUGHENOUR, DAN HURLEY, SARAH PERRY

Monday, June 6 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Tuesday, June 7 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Wednesday, June 8 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM Room 221 B

Room 225 A

Room 221 C

Since 2020, almost every career professional has had to pivot and re-evaluate the way in which their work flow affects their personal life. While many are still figuring it out, others have rightfully mastered the art of adapting to change and flourishing while doing so. This year, during the PRIMA Awards Luncheon, we are thrilled to honor the individuals and entities that have excelled in their risk management professions in the categories of: Public Risk Manager of the Year (Sponsored by AON), Achievement Awards, Chapter Recognition Awards and Chapter Service Awards. Directly following the program, PRIMA will host a Dessert Reception in the Business Exchange where you’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with award recipients and peers.

PRIMA is known for bringing hot topic sessions to its conference on things that will impact all risk managers. This year, join us for a panel of PRIMA Public Risk Managers of the Year (PRMY) who will discuss implementable strategies with million dollar impacts that can make you a superstar in their organization. You’ll also have the opportunity to strategically address the growing talent gap while creating your own succession plan road map. Last but not least, are you many of your employees aging out of the workplace? If so, don’t miss our session focusing on a companies’ smooth transition between retirees and new-hires.

PRIMA prides itself in being the #1 source of networking for public risk management professionals. In addition to the many education sessions we offer, check out the listing of networking events during PRIMA22.

Important to Note: Never underestimate the power of networking, you never know, your next job referral tip or mentor may be in one of these rooms!

WELCOME RECEPTION

SUNDAY, JUNE 5 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM | LDR & GROTTO (LOWER LEVEL, RIVERWALK)

Sponsored by Munich RE, this year’s Welcome Reception is one you won’t want to miss. Open only to PRIMA conference attendees to enjoy a lively reception, open bar and a few special guests!

HEADSHOT LOUNGE

MONDAY, JUNE 6 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM & 2:00-3:00PM | HALL 1 TUESDAY, JUNE 7 | 9:00 AM-1:30 PM | HALL 1

NEW! Join your friends at Midwest Employers Casualty to get an electronic professional headshot. Perfect for social media accounts, resumes and creating the perfect brand, YOU.

PRIMA'S AWARDS LUNCHEON

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 | 12:15 PM-1:15 PM | STARS AT NIGHT BALLROOM

Join us as we celebrate the top risk managers within the profession, including the 2022 Public Risk Manager of the Year. Dessert reception in the Business Exchange to follow. PRMY Sponsored by AON

DESSERT RECEPTION

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 | 1:15 PM-2:15 PM | HALL 1

Let's Eat Cake as we toast to our industry's top influencers.

PRIMA SIGNATURE SOCIAL EVENT

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM | SOUTHBANK RIVER WALK

The Southbank River Walk has something for everyone. From pulling up a barstool, to dancing the night away or just lounging by the riverwalk. PRIMA's signature event is one you can't miss. Sponsored by Euclid Public Sector | Genesis *Shuttle Service Available

PRIMA'S KEYNOTE LUNCH & LEARN

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 | 11:30 AM-1:30 PM | STARS AT NIGHT BALLROOM

Join PRIMA and a host of industry experts as we discuss top industry topics that are affecting risk management professionals everywhere! Sponsored by Alliant

THANK YOU PRIMA 2022 SPONSORS

PLATINUM