California JPIA

Leadership Academy Instructors
Gordon Graham is a 28-year veteran of California Law Enforcement. His education as a risk manager and experience as a practicing attorney, coupled with his extensive background in law enforcement, have allowed him to rapidly become recognized as a leading professional speaker with multiple areas of expertise. Scott Winter, founder and principal of Winter Consulting, brings to the table over twenty years of experience in leadership and organizational development. He has developed numerous training programs and serves as a Senior Consultant and Master Facilitator with Franklin Covey's Global Speed of Trust practice. Jeff K. Bills is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, author, and facilitator known for his work on issues and topics related to integrity based leadership. He works with CEO's, Boards and executive leadership teams in developing leadership strategies that result in high levels of trust.

Steven Albrecht, Dr. Steve Albrecht, PHR, CPP
Steven Albrecht is the managing partner for Dr. Steve Albrecht, PHR, CPP, a San Diego-based training, coaching, and management consulting firm. He is internationally known for his work in high-risk employee behavioral issues, workplace security concerns, and the prevention of occupational violence. Dr. Albrecht holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of San Diego, a master's degree in Security Management from Webster University, and a doctoral degree in Business Administration (D.B.A.) from California Coast University. He has been a trainer for over 17 years and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Society for Human Resource Management; a Certified Protection Professional (CPP); and a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress (BCETS). He is board-certified as a Certified Hypnotherapist and has received over 48 hours training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).

Marissa Beyers, PhD, Trial Behavior Consulting, Inc.
Marissa Beyers is a social psychologist with special expertise in jury selection, voir dire, witness preparation, shadow jury research, courtroom communication and graphics, and developing winning trial strategies. She combines training in statistics with expert knowledge of qualitative research methods and analysis. She has selected numerous juries, interviewed hundreds of jurors, and conducted a wide range of pretrial and trial research including survey, focus group, shadow jury, and mock trial research. Marissa has also consulted on a number of high exposure cases where she has worked hand in hand with trial teams from the facilitation of pre-trial research extending through trial to a successful outcome. Working closely with counsel on voir dire, witness preparation, opening statement, closing argument and trial graphics has ensured that key themes and arguments are consistently communicated and received by jurors. Marissa works on a broad range of cases but has developed a special expertise in high damages personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, trucking accidents, fraud, contracts, sex-related crimes, securities, and health care litigation. Dr. Beyers received her Ph.D. from Brigham Young University, where she taught developmental psychology, statistics, research design, and general psychology along with conducting her doctoral research. Her research involved studies on how people's interpretations of evidence and judgments are biased by their frameworks of perception. Dr. Beyers has presented her research findings at both national and international meetings and was twice recognized for her research at the American Psychological Association's national convention.

Jeff Bills, Confidence Consulting
Jeff K. Bills is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, author, and facilitator known for his work on issues and topics related to integrity based leadership. He works with CEO's, Boards and executive leadership teams in developing leadership strategies that result in high levels of trust. Prior to establishing Confidence Consulting, Mr. Bills spent twenty seven years in health care administration. During that time he served ten years as president and chief executive officer of Saint Mary's Health, in Reno, Nevada, and seventeen years with Scripps Health, in La Jolla, California, where he was the chief executive at Scripps Memorial Hospital, the flagship hospital in the Scripps system. While leading both organizations, Jeff demonstrated the ability to build strong and effective teams and working relationships, resulting in outstanding quality and efficiencies. Both organizations were extremely successful. On two separate occasions, both Scripps and Saint Mary's received the highest employee satisfaction scores on nationally administered surveys. Jeff was raised on the peninsula in the State of Washington, is a graduate of Brigham Young University where he played baseball, was a David O. McKay Scholar and attended the Marriott School of Management. He and his wife Leigh Ann have been married for thirty two years and reside in Provo, Utah. They have three children and two grandchildren.

John Blacklock, Center for Regional & Continuing Education
John Blacklock, with 25 years of experience in state and local government, retired in 2001 after nine years as Butte County chief administrative officer. He remains active in his retirement as a government affairs consultant, and as president of the Butte College Foundation. He served as project consultant for the Local Government Leadership Institute at the University of California, Chico, during its formative stages.

Scott Burton, Safety Play, Inc.
Scott Burton travels the United States performing audits, teaching classes, and providing expert witness testimony in related legal actions. Scott is S.A.F.E. Certified by the National Program for Playground Safety and has performed almost 2,600 playground site audits. He also owned and operated Florida's largest playground and recreational equipment manufacturing company for 11 years, and has provided expert witness testimony in nearly 300 liability lawsuits. Scott is an active voting member of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), writes national standards for playgrounds, sports safety and amusement rides, and is on the National Safe Kids Subcommittee on Playground and Trampoline Safety.

Rebecca Cameron, Sunrise Physical Therapy Services, Inc.
Rebecca Cameron has been performing ergonomic evaluations, trainings, and equipment assessments with Sunrise Physical Therapy Services, Inc., and Sunrise Ergonomics, for eight years. She is a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. Sunrise provides approximately 1,000 ergonomic interventions and trainings each year to a variety of client companies including both private and public entities. Rebecca has been an integral part of the entire ergonomic division, including working with ergonomic equipment development, troubleshooting, and procurement. She works with office personnel, custodial, maintenance, grounds, transportation, and cafeteria/kitchen employees and assists with ergonomic needs. Prior to working with Sunrise, Rebecca had several years experience working as an instructor and trainer within the aeronautical industry.

John Chino, ARM-P, CSRM, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co
Mr. Chino has over 26 years of risk management experience, all with Arthur J. Gallagher. He has assisted with the formation of sixteen public agency pools and, currently, serves fourteen pools in six states. In his role as a member of The Leadership Team of Gallagher's Public Entity and Scholastic Division, John is responsible for the development of Public Agency Risk Management Programs. His expertise includes program design, marketing, self-insurance administration and account oversight. Mr. Chino is also the OCIP Project Director for the Orange County office where he has designed and implemented several public agency Wrap-Up programs including one of the largest ROCIP's for school districts in California. A graduate of the University of Southern California, John has a B.S. in Finance and Business Economics. In addition, he holds an Associate in Risk Management with the Public Entities Designation (ARM-P) and is a Certified Scholastic Risk Manager (CSRM). John is an instructor for the Insurance Institute of America/CPCU (AICPCU) RMPE course and ARM 56, and was awarded "Outstanding Course Leader" in 2009. He recently became a faculty member of The National Alliance and teaches the CSRM course. He is invited frequently to be a speaker for AGRiP, CAJPA, CASBO, PARMA, PRIMA, PRIMA Institute and STRIMA. John received the So. Calif. Chapter of PARMA Associate Member of the Year award in 2006. He was also named as Public Sector Power Broker in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by Risk & Insurance magazine.

Richard Clouse, Cihigoyenetche, Grossberg & Clouse
Richard R. Clouse is one of the founding partners of Cihigoyenetche, Grossberg & Clouse. The focus of Mr Clouse's practice has included the defense of employment discrimination and civil rights matters in both state and federal courts. Mr. Clouse has lectured on civil and administrative liability at the Frank Bland Regional Training Academy and has frequently presented in service training modules on matters including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Hostile Work Environment Liability and related issues. Mr. Clouse has earned the highest (A-V) Peer Review Rating, and was named among the Inland Empire's Top Lawyers in 2008. Mr. Clouse holds a Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and has a Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University. He also has earned a Level II Certification from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, as well as a Range Safety Officer Certification from the National Rifle Association.

David M. Cumberland, Esq., Adamski Moroski Maden & Green LLP
Mr. Cumberland graduated summa cum laude from California State University at Fresno (CSUF) in 1975, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in History. He attended law school at the University of Pepperdine and received his Juris Doctorate in 1980. Upon entering law school, Mr. Cumberland clerked at the firm of Stearns & Nelson in Los Angeles, which specialized in handling civil litigation claims by and against various public entities, business entities and the self-insured. After passing the bar in 1980, he was hired as an associate attorney at Stearns & Nelson and practiced with the firm until 1982. From 1982 to 1983, David worked for the firm of Goethals & Swanson in Orange County, a civil litigation firm. In 1983, after deciding to return to the Central Coast where he grew up, he accepted a position with the firm of Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel in San Luis Obispo, another civil litigation firm, where he worked until 1987. In 1987, Mr. Cumberland was a founding principal in the San Luis Obispo law firm of Radovich & Cumberland, again, specializing in defense of commercial and insurance claims, as well as the defense of public entities. The firm became known as Radovich, Cumberland & Coates when Greg Coates joined the firm as a principal in 1989; it became Cumberland & Coates in 1995; and Cumberland, Coates & Duenow LLP, when Chris Duenow became a principal in 2002. In 2009, Mr. Cumberland joined Adamski Moroski Madden & Green LLP as a partner in their Avila Beach office. From 1987 to the present time, Mr. Cumberland has specialized in the defense of commercial and private clients, as well as the defense of public entities. During his career, Mr. Cumberland has tried over 100 cases to verdict including matters involving environmental contamination, professional negligence, breach of contract, premises liability, wrongful termination, gender and age discrimination, wrongful hiring, failure to supervise and/or train, sexual harassment, real estate and construction disputes, as well as personal injury claims alleging wrongful death and serious brain injuries. Mr. Cumberland is currently a member of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel for Northern California. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and is admitted to practice in all the courts of the State of California and both the California Northern and Central Districts of the Federal Court and the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. Mr. Cumberland has also served as a court appointed arbitrator, discovery referee and judge pro tempore. Mr. Cumberland is married, has two adult children, and resides in Arroyo Grande. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, basketball, and other sports. Mr. Cumberland has also coached numerous athletic teams in the Santa Maria Valley and Arroyo Grande areas. He grew up in nearby Santa Maria and was selected as Santa Maria Valley Athlete of the Year in 1970, the year he graduated from Santa Maria High School. Mr. Cumberland attended UCLA and CSUF on baseball and basketball scholarships, and while attending UCLA, was a member of the "Walton Gang", which was led by Bill Walton, a future member of the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame. He also played minor league baseball with the San Francisco Giants after graduation from CSUF.

Steve Damewood, Damewood Consulting Group
Steve Damewood is an independent consultant for both private and public agencies. He has more than 30 years of experience in occupational safety and health. He has served as a safety manager with a local oil refinery and a large construction company. Steve is a designated expert witness in both civil and workers' compensation courts, a registered safety administrator, and has a certificates in Occupational Safety and Health from Orange Coast College, and Personnel Management from UC Irvine.

Timothy Davis, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Timothy Davis is chairman and partner of the Labor and Employment Law Practice Group of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP, and a member of the Trial and Advocacy Practice Group. Tim has tried to verdict several employment cases in federal and state courts and conducted over 60 employment arbitrations. Tim routinely defends employers in litigation matters in actions involving state and federal law. He has represented both public and private clients in claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and constitutional rights violations. Tim has also negotiated numerous labor agreements between cities and their employee groups, including police, fire, general employees and management groups. He received his B.A. degree cum laude in Integral Studies from Saint Mary's College of California in 1992 and his J.D. degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1995.

Butch DeFillippo, PlaySafe, LLC
Sam "Butch" DeFillippo is the managing partner for PlaySafe, LLC, an international recreation consulting firm. He has more than 18 years experience working in the recreation field for municipal government. While working for the City of Rio Rancho, he has been in the unique position of working in a department from its creation. He has held almost every position within the department from lifeguard to department director. Butch holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in Recreation Administration from the University of New Mexico. He also has the following certifications: NPSI Certified National Playground Safety Inspector, National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Certified Recreation & Parks Professional (CPRP) and Stranco Public Pool Operator Certification.

Sharon Douglas, RWI
With a focus on California Workers' Compensation, Sharon Douglas has held numerous claim management positions in the insurance industry over the past 25 years. She is certified by the Department of Industrial Relations, Self-Insurance Plans, as a Workers' Compensation Administrator. Sharon has earned a reputation for being one of the leading "trainers" in the industry as she conducts regular sessions for the clients of RWI and the industry at large, including RIMS, PARMA, PASMA, California JPIA, COSPIA, DWC, Council on Education in Management, and the Association of Insurance Professionals. Sharon was instrumental in developing the Insurance Educational Associations' (IEA) Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) curriculum and certification program coordinated with San Diego State University, and taught all three courses for the IEA. She is co-author of the book, "Building a Modified Duty Return-to-Work Program." Sharon's IEA certifications include CPDM and Workers' Compensation Claim Professional. As co-owner and CEO of RWI, Sharon actively guides those in the workers' compensation community in the development of managed care programs to include utilization review, medical case management, return-to-work programs and compliance with the ADA & FEHA. RWI is a Certified Women Business Enterprising serving employers throughout California and Fortune 100 companies.

Bernadette Edwards, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley
The University of California Institute of Transportation Studies Technology Transfer Program provides training for persons who are responsible for designing traffic control zones and directing traffic through construction and maintenance work sites. Workshop instructors have extensive experience with maintenance and construction projects on the state's streets, roads, and highways.

Sunrise Ergonomics, Sunrise Ergonomics, a Division of Sunrise Physical Therapy Services, Inc.
Jamie Mason, Sunrise Ergonomics, a Division of Sunrise Physical Therapy Services, Inc. Jamie Mason is a registered physical therapist with 15 years of clinical experience, along with injury prevention expertise. She is the owner and practicing clinician at two physical therapy clinics in Ventura County. Jamie provides injury prevention programs for numerous companies and organizations in highly diverse settings that include public works, schools, health care facilities, manufacturing/processing, kitchens, offices, maintenance facilities, and newspaper companies.

Steve Filarsky, Filarsky & Watt LLP
Steve Filarsky is a partner in the law firm of Filarsky & Watt, LLP. The firm specializes in representing public sector employers statewide in all matters pertaining to employment relations. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/Public Administration, graduating magna cum laude, from Loyola University of Los Angeles. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University School of Law, graduating with honors. Before becoming an attorney, he was responsible for the labor relations program of the City of Garden Grove for 3-1/2 years. Prior to that, he was employed by the City of Manhattan Beach. His experience includes representing management in labor-related cases before the California Supreme Court, the California Courts of Appeal, California Superior Courts, the U.S. District Court, U.S. Ninth Court of Appeals, The National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Department of Fair Employments and Housing, and various local government administrative hearing bodies and hearing officers.

Stan Ford, Desert Recreation District
Stan Ford, General Manager of the Desert Recreation District in the Coachella Valley, has been in the field for over 35 years. Prior to his present position, Stan was director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Bakersfield and director of Parks and recreation for the City of Rio Ranch, New Mexico. Currently his organization is partnered with the Disney Institute to bring the Disney Keys to Excellence to the Valley and works with the Ken Blanchard Companies (the One Minute Manager) as they continue to pursue their goal of being the "Employer of Choice." Stan has a bachelor's degree from New Mexico State and a master's degree from the University of New Mexico.

Edward Godwin, Riverside Community College
Ed Godwin is the Director, Administrative Services for Riverside Community College District. RCCD is a 3-college district along with 5 educational centers. The District has over 30,000 students and 4,000 employees and a budget of approximately $250 Million. RCCD has its own POST-certified police department. The Districts offers not only a nursing program but physician assistant, EMT and dental programs. It operates several charter schools for local school districts and has its own teacher training program. It offers cosmetology and dental hygiene services to the indigent and is a major player in the Cal Works program. Ed's main responsibilities include risk management, litigation, group benefits and purchasing in addition to being the chief negotiator for the District with the California School Employees Association bargaining unit. He also is involved in contract management, construction management, redevelopment and conflict of interest matters. His background includes being the claims manager for a major insurance company and the Vice President, Risk Management for a major construction service company. Ed holds a MPA degree from California State University, San Bernardino and has received the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter, the Associate in Claims and the Associate in Risk Management designations from the Insurance Institute of America. He is an instructor for Riverside Community College District, the San Diego Community College District, the Insurance Educational Association and the UCR Extension. He teaches in the MBA program at California Baptist University. Ed is a past president of the Orange Empire Chapter of the Risk and Insurance Management Society. His professional associations include California Association of School Business Officers, the Western Association of College and University Business Officers, the Public Risk Management Association, the Society of Insurance Trainers and Educators and the Orange County Employee Benefits Council.

Elizabeth Gonia, Robin, Carmack, Gonia, LLP
Elizabeth Gonia has been a partner in the Pasadena offices of Robin, Carmack and Gonia LLP since 1994. She has specialized in workers' compensation defense for Southern California employers and their agents since 1980. Elizabeth has worked extensively with public sector employers throughout Southern California. As a result, she is very knowledgeable of the specialized and unique laws which govern public entities and their employees. Her list of clients include local governments, municipalities, public agencies, joint powers authorities, industrial and commercial organizations inclusive of school districts, hospitals, department stores, universities and temporary employment agencies. She has worked with and represented the California JPIA and its members since 1996. Elizabeth is a graduate of Pepperdine University and Loyola University Law School. Elizabeth maintains membership in Workers' Compensation Section of the State Bar of California, the California Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney Association, the L. A. County Workers' Compensation Section, PARMA, COSIPA, and SCIA. She has served as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.

Gordon Graham, Graham Research Consultants
Gordon Graham is a 28-year veteran of California Law Enforcement. During his tenure as a police professional, he was awarded his Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach. He was later graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master's Degree in Safety and Systems Management. Subsequent to this he was graduated from Western State University with a Juris Doctorate. His education as a risk manager and experience as a practicing attorney, coupled with his extensive background in law enforcement, have allowed him to rapidly become recognized as a leading professional speaker with multiple areas of expertise.

Jody Gray, Southern California Risk Management Associates, Inc.
Jody Gray has over 16 years experience in the workers' compensation claims industry. She is experienced in managing and coordinating the workers' compensation claims administration programs for both private and public insured and self-insured entities. Jody is currently President of SCRMA, Inc., a workers' compensation third-party administrator.

Jim Gross, California JPIA
Jim Gross is the senior risk consultant at the California JPIA. Jim has 20 years of experience in risk management, and has an expertise in both the occupational and non-occupational disability arenas. Jim worked for various insurance carriers and brokers prior to his 12-year tenure as corporate risk manager in the private sector. Jim holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Scott Grossberg, Cihigoyenetche, Grossberg & Clouse
Scott Grossberg is a founding partner in the California law firm of Cihigoyenetche, Grossberg & Clouse providing, among other things, legal services and advice to public entities and their employees. He holds a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Theatre Arts from California State Polytechnic University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of La Verne College of Law. He is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of California, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Scott is a favorite presenter among law enforcement clients including the Department of the Navy, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the San Bernardino and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departments. He has been a featured speaker for the California JPIA on numerous topics including design immunity, handling tort claims, and police civil liability.

Scott Haith, Law Offices of Scott C. Haith & Associates
LAW OFFICES OF SCOTT C. HAITH & ASSOCIATES Scott C. Haith & Associates is an AV rated civil litigation firm that specializes in governmental tort liability and liability involving self insured clients. The firm is located in Valencia, California, and has received the highest rating from Martindale and Hubbell for its legal skills and ethics. The firm specializes in various aspects of insurance defense litigation, including construction defect, personal injury, professional negligence, government tort liability and products liability. The firm also has significant experience in the handling of insurance coverage and bad faith matters. The firm has represented CALIFORNIA JPIA member cities for over twenty years. Scott C. Haith was counsel of record for the City of Irwindale in the Court of Appeals case of Grenier v. City of Irwindale, a case which is frequently quoted in appellate decisions involving issues related to the design immunity. Its members are admitted to practice law before all of the state and federal courts in California, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Members of the firm are also members of the American Bar Association, the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Charles Hayford, Esq., Hayford & Felchlin, LLP
After receiving his Juris Doctorate at the University of Notre Dame Law School, Charles began practicing general civil liability, employment litigation, and workers' compensation. His area of emphasis in general civil liability included premises liability and products liability. In the employment field, his emphasis has been in Workers' Compensation defense, wrongful termination, sexual/racial harassment and discrimination, and cases falling under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He has practiced in both the State and Federal Court and has litigated jury trials in State Court. Charles has been a guest speaker at West Los Angeles College and has in the past also taught at Insurance Education Institute a weekly Workers' Compensation class training claims adjusters.

Diana Henderson, The Henderson Group
Diana Henderson is an independent consultant for the Henderson Group. She has been involved in the area of workers' compensation and integrated disability management since mid-1980. Prior to starting her own consulting practice, she worked in the insurance brokerage and corporate communities. Diana holds a bachelor's degree in Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of La Verne.

Antoinette Hewitt, Kutak Rock LLP
Antoinette Hewitt is a partner with Kutak Rock LLP in litigation and corporate department. Antoinette has nearly 10 years experience representing municipalities in various areas of litigation in association with Ed Richards. This representation has included litigation relating to catastrophic wildfires, landslides, dangerous condition of public property, civil rights, zoning, recreational accidents, and inverse condemnation. Antoinette has represented, among others, the cities of Lake Elsinore, Claremont, Dana Point, Palos Verdes Estates, and Rolling Hills Estates. She recently achieved a full dismissal of a matter against Palos Verdes Estates via summary judgment. She also has experience in transactional issues and mass torts as well as commercial litigation. She attended UC Davis Law School, from which she obtained her J.D. in 1995. Prior to that, she graduated from Pomona College in Claremont in 1992. She is a member of the Orange County and Los Angeles Bar Associations. She is also active in the Hispanic National Bar Association and serves on her firm's National Diversity Committee.

Sandra Holt, 4th Street Seminars
For over 20 years, Sandra Holt has enjoyed coaching and encouraging writers -- from junior high through graduate school, law school, and beyond -- on ways to get going with a writing project and ways to improve their writing once they have begun. She has a master's degree and bachelor's degree in Literature with an emphasis in Composition, from California State University, Fullerton. She has been the director of two university writing centers. She is a Fellow of the University of California Irvine Writing Project and President of 4th Street Seminars.

Michael Josephson, Joseph & Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics
Michael Josephson is founder and president of the Joseph & Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics and of the CHARACTER COUNTS! youth character education program that reaches 5 million children across the country. He is one of the nation's most sought-after ethicists who, in addition to being quoted widely and featured in the media, regularly consults with and conducts programs for leaders in an array of fields. His daily radio commentary is heard on over two dozen U.S. radio stations and in more than 180 countries around the world, and he is the author of several books, most recently The Best Is Yet to Come. A former businessman and law professor, he now works as a fulltime volunteer and all monies from his programs and services go to support the nonprofit Josephson Institute.

Craig Kelsey, PlaySafe, LLC'
Craig W. Kelsey, Ph.D. has a doctorate degree in Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Planning and has been the principal on hundreds of parks and recreation planning projects. He is the author of several text books on Master Plan Development, Feasibility Analysis, Economic Impact Study Methodology and Citizen Assessment that are used by both universities and community planners. He is the creator of ENVIROPLAN, one of the nation's leading environmental assessment and planning models and is noted nationally for his work using Q-SORT model focus groups to generate neighborhood specific citizen perspectives. Craig received his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, his master's degree from the University of Maryland, and his doctorate degree from the University of New Mexico.

Elizabeth M. Kessel, Esq., Kessel & Associates
Elizabeth M. Kessel is a founder and owner of Kessel & Associates, a law firm established in 1990 in Los Angeles. Ms. Kessel specializes in public entity defense litigation, including employment/labor law (generally, discrimination/harassment/retaliation claims under Title VII and/or FEHA); constitutional and civil rights violations, (generally, first, fourth, and fourteenth amendment issues. Section 1983 violations, and Monell claims), violations of federal law (FHA, ADA, FHA, IDEA, Medicaid Act, etc.); and child abuse/ secual abuse and child-related litigation. She practices in the California Superior Court, U.S. District Court, and before the California Court of Appeal. Ms. Kessel's career began as a special librarian in New York City for Advertising Age magazine, where she created its first published annual index of past articles. She then took a position as Director of Story Control for the National Enquirer newspaper in Florida, where she created its first computerized index of past articles. After testifying on behalf of the National Enquirer in a lawsuit brought by Carol Burnett, she decided to become a lawyer. Ms. Kessel received her undergraduate degree from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and her J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. She is presently licensed to practice law in the states of California, Washington, and Missouri.

Lee Losee, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
Lee Losee retired in July 2003 from the California JPIA where he was the general liability claims manager for the past nine years. Lee has over 30 years experience handling General and Auto Liability Claims with Travelers Insurance Company prior to his tenure with the California JPIA. He is a graduate of California Polytechnic University, Pomona, California with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He is enjoying his retirement golfing with his wife, Jan.

Richard Marque, Carl Warren & Company
Richard graduated from Southwestern Law School in 1975 and performed law clerk duties for a law firm during his 4 year period of legal studies. He worked full time in the day and went to school at night. Following graduation, he worked at the Travelers Insurance Company for a few years handling legal malpractice claims. Thereafter, after working for a few insurance companies handling a variety of personal lines claims from 1977 thru 1980, he commenced working for a third party claims administrator in 1980. He began working for Carl Warren & Company in its San Bernardino office exclusively handling public entity claims but primarily those relating to school districts and continues to do so from its Orange County office but now exclusively handles claims for the members of the CJPIA. He supervises eight other adjusters/administers.

Jamie Mason, Sunrise Ergonomics, a Division of Sunrise Physical Therapy Services, Inc.

Robert May, California JPIA
Robert C. May is currently a risk consultant for the California JIPA. Robert has over thirty years of public safety experience. Robert holds a Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Science in Laws and Associate in Science degree. Robert holds two California teaching credentials. Robert has conducted training in the areas of Organizational Behavior, Labor Relations, Strategic Planning, and career development.

Marsha McNamara, American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides certified instructors who receive standardized instructor training and are highly qualified. The handout materials used by the instructors for training are developed in collaboration with leading educational and medical authorities and reflect the most current information and techniques.

Robert Nagle, RJN Investigations, Inc.
Robert Nagle is the founder and president of R.J.N. Investigations, Inc. The firm was founded in 1987 and exclusively handles insurance defense related investigations throughout California. In 1994, he established an S.I.U. Division to assist small to midsized insurance clients, as well as self-insured clients in developing a pro-active approach to workers' compensation fraud. He has been a guest speaker for Southern California Fraud Investigators Association; California Association of Licensed Investigators; Council of Self-Insured Public Agencies, American Society of Safety Engineers; and The Insurance Educational Association. He has also conducted in-house fraud training for Travelers Insurance, Golden Eagle Insurance, The Vons Companies, Sysco Food Corporation, Springfield Insurance , and Southern California Risk Management Associates. He is an active member of the National council of Investigation and Security Services: American Society for Industrial Security; California Association of Licensed Investigators; Southern California Fraud Investigators Association; and the Insurance Educational Association.

Traci Park, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Traci Park is an Associate in the firmÕs Labor and Employment Law and Litigation Practice Groups, based in the firmÕs Los Angeles office. Ms. Park represents public and private sector clients in labor and employment law matters. Traci represents and advises employers on matters involving numerous federal and state law claims, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, unfair competition, trade secrets, contract disputes, wage and hour and civil rights. In addition, she has an extensive counseling practice, focusing on preventive measures of employment law. Ms. Park also trains Human Resource professionals and managers regarding proper investigation techniques and preventing discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Traci received her B.A. degree in American History in 1997 from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and DeanÕs List. She received her J.D. Degree in 2001 from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. She was a member of the Moot Court Honors Board and the National Moot Court Team.

Sharon Perlstein, City of West Hollywood
Sharon Perlstein is a California registered professional civil engineer with 25 years of practice in Public Works. Her experience has involved the design, construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of highways, sewers, storm drains, traffic signals, and street lighting; management of municipal compliance with environmental programs such as NPDES and AB939; as well as plan checking and permit construction for private developer and utility company projects impacting public right-of-way infrastructure. For the past 18 years, she has been the City Engineer for the City of West Hollywood. Her earlier experience was with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. She holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California at Davis.

John Perry, Human Productivity Systems
John Perry is President of Human Productivity Systems (HPS), a consulting company specializing in helping organizations and its leaders create a future of their choice by assessing, harnessing, and focusing human energy. He developed the JPEA to help gather information about key work-related perceptions and preferences, translating the results into an assessment of human energy in the workplace. For more than 2 years prior to founding HPS, John was employed by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center as an aerospace engineer, physicist, engineering manager, project manager, financial manager, and management systems consultant. John has a MBA in Management Decision Systems from the University of Southern California and a BS in Mathematics from Florida A&M University.

Melanie Poturica, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Melanie Poturica has been with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore since the firm's inception in 1980. She has been its Managing Partner since 1996. Her responsibilities include the overall management of the firm's financial, legal, training, and personnel activities. She also oversees the firm's strategic planning. Melanie is a vigorous litigator with an extensive background in lawsuits involving discrimination and harassment, as well as disciplinary and due process issues, and other employment law topics. She has successfully represented many clients (including cities, school and special districts) in arbitrations, and in administrative hearings before arbitrators, hearing officers, personnel boards and civil service commissions. Also, she has been instrumental in developing nationally renowned training programs. Melanie received her law degree at the University of Southern California, where she distinguished herself as a finalist in Oral Advocacy in the Hale Moot Court program. She received her bachelor's degree in History from the University of California, San Diego, graduating with highest honors. Melanie is currently serving on the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Executive Committee of its Labor and Employment Law Section. She also co-chairs the public sector section of the Labor and Employment Law Section, and serves as a member of the Labor and Employment Law Symposium Committee.

Ron Rakich, CPCU, ARM, Ron Rakich & Associates
Ron Rakich is an independent consultant. Ron began his risk management career as a loss control representative in a school transportation fleet. Later, he became the risk manager for the fourth largest U.S. Public School System. From public agency risk management, he joined the emerging pooling movement. He became risk management services director of a group self-insurance pool with more than 1,100 member entities and over $200 million in annual contributions. He has been a risk management consultant since 1985, serving a wide variety of client companies and industries, but specializing in public entities. Ron holds the Charted Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations. He is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Houston.

Diana J. Rich, California JPIA
Diana J. Rich has over three decades of multi-faceted risk and insurance management experience, including a comprehensive knowledge in all areas of workers' compensation programs for California. She has worked as a claims adjuster and supervisor, account executive for a large regional insurance brokerage, and manager of legal assistants for a workers' compensation defense firm. She has been in risk management since 1992 for employers in the publishing, hospitality and temporary staffing industries, and public agencies. Diana has been involved with the Orange County Chapter of RIMS as a board member and past president, and as a speaker at national and local RIMS conferences.

Edwin J. Richards, Kutak Rock, LLP
Edwin Richard's practice is concentrated in the area of employment litigation and civil litigation, including cases involving public entity liability (roadway design, inverse condemnation, police liability, and civil rights litigation), premises liability, business torts, product liability, construction accidents, construction defects, university sports liability, and intellectual property issues. He has represented cities in cases involving public property, public works and utilities issues; constitutional issues including commercial zoning and first amendment matters; and code enforcement issues. As a member of the American Board of Trail Advocates (ABOTA), he has tried to verdict nearly 100 jury trials, including over 50 superior court civil cases.

David Royer, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley
David Royer is a professional engineer with more than 44 years experience in traffic and highway engineering. David has been an instructor for the University of California Berkeley, Institute of Transportation Studies for 30 years, worked with the City of Los Angeles in traffic and highway engineering for 32 years, and has been an engineering consultant for the past 12 years. David has a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. He received a certificate in Engineering Management for Public Works from the University of California at Los Angeles, a certificate in Transportation System Management from the University of California at Irvine, and a certificate in Management for Technical Personnel from the University of California at Los Angeles, Anderson School of Business Management.

Monica Sanchez, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Monica Sanchez is an associate in the Los Angeles office of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP. She is a member of the firmÕs Labor and Employment Law and Education Law Practice Groups and has represented and advised employers on matters involving numerous state law claims, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, labor negotiations, and wage and hour. Ms. Sanchez has developed sexual harassment and employee handbook training seminars and presented to numerous companies and human resources directors in both English and Spanish. Ms Sanchez graduated from UCLA in 2000 with a B.A. in Sociology and a Specialization in Business Administration. While at UCLA she interned at the United States Department of Education, in the Office of the Secretary, in Washington D.C. Ms. Sanchez received her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2004. While in law school, Ms. Sanchez was the secretary for Phi Delta Phi, a legal honor fraternity, and the Secretary for the Hispanic National Bar Association, Law Student division. While in law school, Ms. Sanchez studied at the USD Institute of International and Comparative Law in Barcelona, Spain and Oxford, England. Ms. Sanchez is admitted to practice in the State of California.

Carl Sandstrom, California JPIA
Prior to joining the California JPIA, Carl worked in the field of risk management in the finance industry for 17 years. He has been a valuable member of the California JPIA's team since 2003. Carl holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from San Diego State University and the Associate in Risk Management - Public Entities designation.

Jonathan Shull, California JPIA
Jon Shull is Chief Executive Officer of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority. His responsibilities with the California JPIA include general administration, policy development, member communications, and marketing. Jon has focused his career in the public sector. Prior to joining the California JPIA in 1995, he worked in the city manager's office of the cities of San Luis Obispo, Cerritos, and Signal Hill, California, and the Mayor's Office in Syracuse, New York. He earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University in 1986 and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 1985. He received his Associate in Risk Management designation from the Insurance Institute of America in 1997.

Steven M. Siegel, Esq., Siegel, Moreno & Stettler
Mr. Siegel, a longtime resident of San Diego, after graduating in 1973 with a B.A. in Administration, entered California Western School of Law, graduating and passing the bar in 1976. Following graduation from law school in 1976, he commenced his practice with Mission Insurance Company running the subrogation department, handling general liability and workers= compensation matters throughout Los Angeles. In 1983, he joined McCormick & Mitchell and became a full partner in 1986. While at McCormick & Mitchell, his practice focused on workers' compensation, subrogation and general liability with an emphasis on fraud. He has tried actions before all State courts and argued Appellate matters. In founding Siegel, Moreno & Stettler, the goal was to become specialized in defending employment related claims. Mr. Siegel has continued to handle a wide variety of insurance defense matters as well as ADA and fraud. He specializes in representing municipalities, school districts and self-insureds. He enjoys the challenge of the municipality claims involving safety officers. Such claims require a special expertise in medical issues. Over the years however, Siegel, Moreno & Stettler has centered in on workers= compensation fraud including, the medical mills. It was once thought SB899 would eradicate the mills but they continue to flourish. Working hand in hand with District Attorney=s and SIU departments, Mr. Siegel and his firm have been able to lessen their impact in workers= compensation matters. Siegel, Moreno & Stettler handle all aspects of workers= compensation matters including serious and willful misconduct, 132a, coverage, subrogation and appellate matters. Mr. Siegel was the past president of the Workers' Compensation Defense Attorney's Association. He has been a pro tem Judge and Arbitrator. Has taught Trial practice and is a present member of the San Diego Defense Attorney's Association and the Insurance Adjusters Association. He has lectured extensively on various issues endemic to workers' compensation. the firm practice includes Southern and Northern California.

Kim Silbert, B.S., Trial Behavior Consulting, Inc.
Kim Silbert has a background in general psychology studies and women's studies. Now an associate consultant, she began at Trial Behavior as a research associate, organizing mock trial research, coordinating jury selection and other trial work, analyzing mock trial data and assisting with juror questionnaire evaluation and in court jury selection. She has built upon her research experience to develop top level skills in post trial interviewing, jury research design, witness preparation, and trial strategy. Kim was the coordinator and a primary researcher for a shadow jury in a four-month long, high stakes fraud trial in Texas that was named as one of the top defense wins of 2005. She has extensive experience in personal injury, trucking, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases but enjoys working on a wide range of both civil and criminal cases, particular cases where individual emotional responses and family emotional dynamics play a key role. Kim received her B.S. in Psychology from Guilford College in North Carolina with a concentration in women's studies. She also studied criminal justice and organizational development. During a college internship, Kim designed a curriculum to teach life and parenting skills to female prisoners for an innovative alternative to prison for women with children.

Katharine Spaniac, Cihigoyenetche, Grossberg & Clouse
Katharine Spaniac is a partner with Cihigoyenetche, Grossberg & Clouse, and her trial practice has covered a wide range of personal injury issues including construction and premises liability, breach of security, use of force, wrongful death, foster family agency liability, and catastrophic injury. Prior to joining Cihigoyenetche, Grossberg, & Clouse as a partner in 1999, Katharine was a partner with the litigation firm of Hagenbaugh & Murphy, and managed their Inland Empire office. She received her undergraduate degree at Pomona College, Claremont, CA, and received her Juris Doctorate from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento. Other post graduate studies have included a fellowship in comparative law at Brasenose College, Oxford, UK, and post graduate work at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. In addition to her legal work, Katharine has enjoyed exhibiting, and promoting, the American Paint Horse breed, and has several national, state, and regional titles to her credit.

Bob Sprague, California State University, Chico
Bob Sprague is a lecturer in the College of Business and the College of Communication and Education at California State University, Chico. His areas of focus include self-leadership, servant-leadership, and leadership as they relate to organizational dissent, complexity, and dialogue. Bob is an experienced trainer with a special interest in facilitating team growth and leadership development. Currently, he is working on his doctorate at Gonzaga University.

Bill Stainton, Ovation Consulting
Bill Stainton is a multiple Emmy Award-winning TV producer, writer, and performer; an author; a business humorist; and an internationally-recognized Beatles expert. He blends the business smarts he learned from twenty years in corporate management with the show biz sparks he gleaned from working with people like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jay Leno to create entertaining and enlightening presentations enjoyed by audiences around the world! As the executive producer of SeattleÕs legendary comedy TV show, Almost Live!, Bill led a talented and highly creative team to unparalleled success: a #1 rating for ten straight years, and over 100 Emmy Awards (29 of which went to Bill). At the same time, he also owned his own corporate training company, authoring nine training programs in subjects ranging from Offi ce Politics to Customer Service to Team Motivation. From Maine to Malaysia, Bill is committed to helping his audiences achieve their highest potentialÑ while maintaining a sense of fun along the way!

Forrest Story, Public Sector Excellence
Forrest Story is principal consultant for Public Sector Excellence (PSE), an organizational development and training firm founded in 1991 that specializes in helping public sector employees, supervisors, managers, and leaders build excellence in their organizations and in the services they provide. He helps clients address the unique opportunities and challenges that public sector organizations face. Prior to founding PSE, Forrest spent 23 years working in the public sector, 20 of which were in managerial and supervisory positions. Forrest holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in Criminology from California State University, Long Beach. He also serves on the adjunct faculty at Santa Ana Community College.

Jeffrey Thompson, Declues, Burkett & Thompson, LLP
Jeffrey Thompson is a partner at Declues, Burkett & Thompson, LLP and heads the Labor and Employment Department in that office. Since graduating from law school his practice has focused on representing employers in all aspects of employment and labor law, with particular emphasis on advising clients with respect to all aspects of employer-employee relations and representing employers in employment-related litigation, including wrongful termination, discrimination, and sexual harassment actions. He holds a bachelor's degree from Claremont McKenna College and received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. He is also a frequent speaker on employment-related topics and conducts seminars and in-house workshops for both private and public employers.

Jim Thyden, California JPIA
Jim Thyden is the Insurance Programs Manager at the California JPIA. He has 18 years of experience in risk management and has worked for an insurance carrier, third party administrator, and most recently the City of Costa Mesa for five years. Jim earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.

Linda Tomlinson, WCCP, SCRMA
Linda Tomlinson is a branch manager with Southern California Risk Management Associates, Inc. and is responsible for management oversight of the California JPIA account. She has over 19 years of workers' compensation claims administration experience, working with both public and private sector clients. She began her career with a private sector organization, overseeing their risk management program. She is certified by the Insurance Education Association as a Workers' Compensation Claims Professional (WCCP) and by the State of California as a self-insured claims administrator.

Kelly Trainer, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Kelly Trainer is an associate of the firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP's Labor and Employment Law and Trial and Advocacy Practice Groups, based at the firm's Orange County office. She represents public and private sector clients in labor and employment law matters. Kelly has represented and advised employers on matters involving numerous federal and state law claims, including discrimination, harassment, family and medical leave, wrongful termination, union issues and labor negotiations, wage and hour issues, freedom of speech and association, HIPAA, and employees' rights of privacy. In addition, her practice includes representation of public employers in areas unique to public employment such as issues involving the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights, disciplinary procedures, and constitutional matters. Kelly graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston in 1998. She received her Juris Doctorate in 2001 from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She also received a Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Gender and the Law.

Nancy White, Ph.D., CPRP, PlaySafe LLC
Nancy White is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership in Hospitality and Leisure Services at California State University, East Bay, and also a member of the planning team for PlaySafe, LLC. She has been teaching recreation in higher education for 8 years, and has 20 years of experience working in the field of recreation. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, Certified Pool Operator, Aquatic Facility Operator, National Playground Safety Inspector, Trax 2000, and an Instructor Trainer for the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, Water Safety, and Emergency Response.

Scott Winter, Center for Regional & Continuing Education
Scott Winter, founder and principal of Winter Consulting, brings to the table over twenty years of experience in leadership and organizational development. Building upon his educational foundation in Organizational Communication and Psychology, Scott has developed numerous training programs for corporations, governments, non-profits, and schools. As an expert facilitator, Scott has lead, trained, and directed leadership programs for organizations throughout Russia, Taiwan, Portugal, Japan, Australia, and the United States. In addition, Scott serves as a Senior Consultant and Master Facilitator with Franklin Covey's Global Speed of Trust practice, leading on-site workshops as well as facilitator training sessions on trust for organizations both large and small.

Lee Wood, Bohm Matsen Kegel & Aguilera, LLP
Lee Wood is a trial attorney specializing in police action and city litigation cases. He has been practicing law since 1973 and extensive trial experience litigating cases involving civil rights violations, dangerous conditions of public property, wrongful termination, police excessive force, real estate, contract, and extensive property damage.

Michael Wroniak, Collins, Collins, Muir & Stewart LLP
Michael L. Wroniak is an Associate with the law firm of Collins, Collins, Muir & Stewart, LLP. Mr. Wroniak's early career focused exclusively on defending liability claims against public entities. Since joining Collins, Collins, Muir & Stewart, he has continued to work with public entities by providing pre-litigation guidance and counsel to the Risk Consultants for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority and also represented a variety of clients in construction disputes and general civil liability matters. By proactively addressing liability issues commonly facing public entitles, Mike strives to set in place the tools necessary to address, attack, and defend the issues. In so doing, he works directly with the JPIA to ensure member needs are met and their legal interests are protected. Mike and the firm have represented a wide variety of public entities and their various agencies including law enforcement, public works, family services, fire departments, water districts, and public housing as well as handling employment litigation and appellate work for these same clients. Mike obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach in 1997. He attended Chapman University School of Law, graduating cum laude with his Juris Doctor Degree in 2000.

George Yore, The Human Edge Health & Safety Consultants
George M. Yore, Ms, CSCS, CWCE, is an exercise physiologist who has specialized in spinal injury prevention and rehabilitation since 1985 and has been in private practice as a health and safety consultant since 1987. He is the co-founder of SPINESAFE , a consulting practice dedicated to the prevention, mitigation, and elimination of spinal injury among professional fire-fighters. Yore has lectured at regional and national scientific conferences addressing spinal rehabilitation, topics as well as at FDIC 2000; Fire Rescue West 2000; and the Phoenix Fire Department 12th Annual Health, Fitness and Safety Symposium.

Paul Zeglovitch, California JPIA
Paul Zeglovitch is a twenty year claims professional that began his career in insurance claims as an Adjuster and Special Investigations Unit Investigator for Transamerica Insurance and American States Insurance. Thereafter Paul spent 15 years with Third Party Administrator, Carl Warren & Co. on their successful County of Los Angeles account, serving as a Claims Analyst, Client Relationship Manager and a Supervisor. This experience proved to be invaluable and provided a well rounded education in government entity claims including dangerous conditions, inverse condemnation, employment, foster care, civil rights, police liability and other areas. In December 2008 Paul was selected as the new Liability Program Manager for the California JPIA. Paul is now managing the 1,500 claim per year general liability program that is serviced by Carl Warren & Co. While actively monitoring Carl Warren's claim activities and directing the high exposure cases, Paul also engages in the considerable loss prevention efforts of the California JPIA. Paul is currently completing his ARM designation.