I could ask any questions, learn from the best industry experts, get to know and befriend so many wonderful colleagues and peers! Some of these colleagues are still active members of the Chapter and either serve on the Board and various subcommittees, or just continue attend and support our events and educational sessions. Among them are Dale Lindstrom, Troy Hull, Jackie Kamstra, Eric Machado, JP Agnesse, Melissa Wirthlin, Donna Tyner, Nick Warren, Victoria Nolan, Shon DeVries – just to name a few! They were and continue to be my role models and mentors. I am learning a lot from the newer members too – Bryan Aalberg, Michael Gateway, Lauren Mauer, Laura Henri, Casey Kuhnhausen, Alex Galvan, Jennifer Dorner; these leaders and many other members are the Chapter’s rising stars!

Of particular importance to RIMS and the Chapter are young people who are just entering the world of risk management (e.g., Rising Risk Professionals or RRP’s). Among them are students, risk specialists, brokers, underwriters, consultants, attorneys, and accountants – enormous potential for our profession. Bring a RRP guest next time you attend our event! I hope that you will be willing to serve as mentors and create conditions for effective dialogue and exchange of experience and opinions between seasoned and aspiring professionals.

Our Chapter is a learning and growing organization. One of the biggest changes we’re proposing this year is to allow Associate members to serve on the Executive Branch of the Chapter’s Board of Directors – check the latest version of the Bylaws on the Chapter’s website. In addition, be on the lookout for the first Board member to be nominated for the Dale Lindstrom Outstanding Board Member of the Year Award! If you remember, this award was established last year in honor of our very own Dale Lindstrom who epitomizes exceptional professionalism, mentorship, dedication and leadership within the Chapter.

Overall, this year promises to be big, don’t miss it! In addition to our traditional annual events which are in person and include a full day of education, E-Day, we are hosting the Western Reginal Conference this fall in Sunriver, OR. Please register if you have not done so; a few scholarships for the RIMS professional members are still available. I look forward to seeing you at our events! Feel free to reach out to me or any other Board member at any time.