Staff - California JPIA

LEADERSHIP

Alexander Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Alexander joined the California JPIA in 2009. He oversees board relations, general administration, policy development, member communications, marketing, and external relations.

CLAIMS AND INSURANCE

Paul Zeglovitch

Claims and Insurance Director

(562) 467-8786
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Paul joined the California JPIA in 2008. He manages all aspects of the liability protection program including activities of the program’s third-party administrator and defense panel attorneys. Paul also manages the Authority’s employment assistance and intervention program.

Jeff Rush

Workers’ Compensation Program Manager

(562) 467-8707
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Jeff joined the California JPIA in 2012. He manages all aspects of the workers’ compensation program including the activities of the program’s third-party administrator and defense panel attorneys. Jeff also manages cost containment programs including the medical provider network.

Jim Thyden

Insurance Programs Manager

(562) 467-8784
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Jim joined the California JPIA in 2007. He manages the property program and commercial insurance programs and services, and placement of excess and reinsurance. Jim also manages evidences of coverage and coverage documents.

Kelly Trainer Policky

Employment Practices Manager

(562) 467-8781
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Kelly joined the California JPIA in 2021. She manages the Employment Hotline and works with member agencies on employee relations issues.

Edith Aviña

Administrative Analyst

(562) 467-8776
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Edith joined the California JPIA in 2002. She provides analytical support to risk management, member services, and the executive management team.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Alex Mellor

Risk Services Director

(562) 631-0814
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Alex joined the California JPIA in 2012. He guides the efforts of risk management staff as they perform risk assessments, evaluate municipal operations, develop action plans for exposure reduction, and communicate regarding programs, services, claims, and training opportunities.

Melaina Francis

Senior Risk Manager Region 1

(562) 631-1040
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Melaina joined the California JPIA in 2013. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in Palos Verdes Peninsula & Harbor and Central & South LA County. Melaina consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

Tim Karcz

Senior Risk Manager Region 2

(562) 631-9782
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Tim joined the California JPIA in 2018. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in Northern Ventura County, Central Coast, Monterey County, and Marin County. Tim consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

Lucy Brockmeier

Senior Risk Manager Region 3

(562) 455-6573
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Lucy joined the California JPIA in 2020. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in North & South Orange County. Lucy consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

Abraham Han

Senior Risk Manager Region 4

(562) 467-8778
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Abe joined the California JPIA in 2015. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in San Diego County and Inland Counties. Abe consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

Maria Galvan

Senior Risk Manager Region 5

(562) 631-2261
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Maria joined the California JPIA in 2013. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in the San Gabriel Valley, West Los Angeles, and the Pomona Valley. Maria consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

Tony Leite

Senior Risk Manager Region 6

(562) 484-8226
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Tony joined the California JPIA in 2020. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in East Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and the Eastern Sierras. Tony consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

Toni Consolo

Senior Risk Manager Region 7

(562) 455-5024
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Toni joined the California JPIA in 2020. She manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in Coastal & Northwest Los Angeles County and South Ventura County. Toni consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

TRAINING

Joseph Eynon

Training Manager

(562) 467-8785
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Joe joined the California JPIA in 2005. He oversees the training program, including learning management, curriculum development, and course development.

Ryan Thomas

Senior Training Specialist

(562) 467-8775
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Ryan joined the California JPIA in 2016. He assists in the development and implementation of the training curriculum, including designing courses, evaluating current training, and managing instructors and consultants.

Michelle Aguayo

Training Coordinator

(562) 467-8777
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Michelle joined the California JPIA in 2008. She coordinates training, academies, special events, and manages instructor logistics and standards.

Denise Covell

Administrative Assistant

(562) 467-8771
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Denise joined the California JPIA in 2014. She provides member services support to risk management, training, data management, and claims.

Maria Daniels

Administrative Assistant

(562) 467-8773
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Maria joined the California JPIA in 2016. She provides administrative support to training operations.

ADMINISTRATION

Nikki Salas

Administrative Services Director

(562) 467-8722
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Nikki joined the California JPIA in 2021. She manages employee relations, including human resources policies and programs, the performance management process, and professional development opportunities for staff. Nikki also oversees the Authority’s safety committee.

Veronica Ruiz

Agency Clerk

(562) 467-8736
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Veronica joined the California JPIA in 2018. She manages the agenda review process and preparation of agendas, records management program, conflict of interest and Statements of Economic Interests, and response to public records requests.

Jennifer Torres

Administrative Assistant

(562) 467-8734
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Jennifer joined the California JPIA in 2022. She provides administrative and clerical support to members of the executive management team and the administrative services director.

FINANCE

Jason McBride

Finance Director

(562) 467-8729
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Jason joined the California JPIA in 2021. He directs the finance functions of the Authority, which includes preparing financial statements and reports, developing the Authority’s budget, and providing administrative financial support to the Executive Management Team.

Grazyna Buchowiecki

Senior Accountant

(562) 467-8728
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Grazyna joined the California JPIA in 2003. She maintains the general ledger, produces financial statements and statistical reports, and provides accounting support to the Finance Director.

Aaron Webb

Data and Underwriting Analyst

(562) 467-8725
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Aaron joined the Authority in 2020. He collects payroll and loss data for underwriting, performs annual contribution calculations and retrospective adjustment computations. Aaron also coordinates actuarial studies, develops cost indications for prospective members, and provides data analysis and support for a variety of projects.

Habib Ali

Accounting Specialist

(562) 467-8726
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Habib joined the California JPIA in 2016. He processes accounts payable, reconciles invoices, and provides technical and clerical assistance to the Finance Director and finance staff.

TECHNOLOGY

Carl Sandstrom

Business Projects Manager

(562) 467-8718
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Carl joined the California JPIA in 2003. He manages implementation and support of technology projects, including hardware, software, and telecommunications.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Olga Berdial

Communications Director

(562) 467-8719
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Olga joined the California JPIA in 2021. She manages communications, including strategic marketing, social media, print media, and program campaigns. Olga also provides marketing and media support to all departments.

Courtney Morrison

Management Analyst

(562) 467-8779
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Courtney joined the California JPIA in 2014. She assists with website resources and content, social media and related sites, and external communication.

Lyndsie Buskirk

Administrative Analyst

(562) 467-8732
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Lyndsie joined the California JPIA in 2015. She provides analytical support to executive and administrative operations and assists the Chief Executive Officer, Administrative Services Director, and Communications Director.

FACILITIES

Chris Yanonis

Facilities Specialist

(562) 467-8730
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Chris joined the California JPIA in 2007. He oversees building maintenance and facilities operations. Chris is also responsible for campus security.

Garret Marchese

Maintenance Worker

(562) 467-8731
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Garret joined the California JPIA in 2024. He works on maintenance projects around the Authority campus including electrical, plumbing, and janitorial services. He also prepares meeting spaces for training events, workshops, and other special purposes.