Placer County Risk Management Division receives second statewide award for innovation and excellence

Published Nov. 6, 2023


Placer County’s Risk Management Division has received one of six statewide EAGLE Awards for “Innovation & Excellence in Development & Implementation of Risk Management Programs.” The prestigious award was presented to the Risk Management team for its project “Road Show” by Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management, or PRISM, the county’s risk management solutions provider.

This marks the second EAGLE award the organization has granted the division—the first being in 2019 for “Best Practice.” Rick Bush, chief member services officer at PRISM, presented the custom stained-glass award before the community during the Oct. 31 Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“The EAGLE Award is a way for PRISM to recognize our members and best practices for putting together incredible programs,” Bush said. “You are one of six entities that won an award out of 2,100 agencies. It is kind of a big deal.”

In 2022, Risk Management’s award-winning “Road Show” provided over 700 county employees with training in best practices for vehicle accident avoidance and prevention.

“It’s a neat program,” said Assistant Risk Manager Jim Kotey, a key player in the project’s success. “It’s exciting and dynamic. We’re trying to be proactive rather than reactive… and now we’re seeing the benefits from it.”

Since implementing the program, Placer County has experienced a decrease in at-fault accidents over the last three years.

“What we’re trying to do is meet and greet all employees in the county…, building those bridges from the onset,” Kotey said.

Handmade by a PRISM family member, the department’s new “Innovation and Excellence” award depicts a bridge spanning turbulent waters, symbolizing recent challenges in the insurance industry. With the image comes a reminder of the need for communication.

“This award is rewarding because our 20-minute spiel is making a lasting impression. We’re paying it forward and going out to the departments,” Kotey said.

“I wanted to acknowledge all your hard work. Risk Management is one of the most important teams that any agency can have,” said District 4 Supervisor Suzanne Jones. “I know how important the work you do is. You save the county a lot of money, and you solve a lot of problems. I want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication to the county.”

Amidst the recognition, the Board of Supervisors and Risk Management team took a moment to celebrate Kotey’s retirement after his 17 years of service to the county.

“Congratulations on your retirement!” said Cassandra Lashmett, liability analyst with the Risk Management Division. “You set the standard for the rest of us, and it won’t be the same without you. Enjoy your next chapter with your family!”

To learn more about the Risk Management Division, visit its webpage here.