What are your primary job responsibilities?

I am the head management of the univeristy’s global insurance portfolio, including general liability, cyber risks, international exposures, medical malpractice, student health insurance, workers’ compensation and property/specialized coverages. I oversee claims management, including third party, cyber and health care liabilities, employment practices (EEO matters) and workers’ compensation. In collaboration with the patient safety director, I organize and implement risk management programs, including risk identification, analysis, loss prevention and claims management activities for clinical care. I serve as a university representative on the board of directors of Pinnacle Risk Retention Group (Vermont based RRG) and manage all business aspect of the risk retention group. I also oversee the operations of MFA-PIC University’s medical malpractice captive (Cayman Island-based). I also perform continuous operational assessment, lead or serve on various university standing and ad hoc committees, including compliance, safety, student activities, International travel, EH&S, emergency management, recovery task force and cyber security. I currently lead the university’s COVID-19 recovery efforts in regards to grants via the Cares Act and FEMA for further assistance. 

Why did you choose the MS-RMI Program at FSU?

I had previously attained a number of industry credentials and needed to round out my formal academic knowledge with a master’s degree from a nationally accredited traditional university and RMI program. Also, the online feature made this ideal, and it was a tremendous ease for me to attend classes and succeed in the program. 

How did your graduate education help shape your professional experiences?

I had a wonderful experience in the MS-RMI program. I developed and advanced specialized professional skills, especially in data analytics which eventually opened the door to higher level positions and opportunities. I was also introduced to professionals from a variety of backgrounds and industries, as well as some of the best and brightest professors. This has proven to be an invaluable network. 

How has working in your industry changed the way you look at the world?

My poor kids….I am a risk manager 24/7/365. Working in risk management at a major university forces you to be consistently analytical and to assess issues from all sides before drafting a recommendation. This experience has really influenced my perspective on world events. I never take a report or headline at face-value until I can dig into it…who, what, why, when and follow the money. 

How have you stayed connected to the FSU MS-RMI Program?

I stay connected via the FSU-RMI program via the web, social media and the FSUBiz electronic newsletter. 

Who do you look to for inspiration?

While I deeply respect and admire a host of great individuals – some past and living – the sphere of people who truly influence and inspire me is quite narrow. My parents, Herman and Iris Smith, are two. My dad was a migrant farm worker, who worked in the sugar cane fields of Florida. My mom was a domestic worker. Next, I look to my siblings – my brothers, Errol and Oliver, and my sister, Monica. Each of them has inspired me in so many ways and continue to do so. They are my greatest influencers, and they have forged in me an indelible love for humanity. 

What keeps you awake at night?

As a university risk manager, my greatest concern is serious physical injury to a student on campus or as a result of university operations – be it from an athletic event, campus fire or study abroad trip. These types of events have significant impact on the student, their families and the university community. In my 16 years as a higher education risk manager, I have dealt with many difficult and troubling events, but this is what keeps me awake at night. 

If someone asked you to teach for an hour about any topic at a moment’s notice, what would you choose?

For a professional audience, I would teach on the principles of risk management.  However, from a community advocate perspective where I mentor young people, I would teach on life skills. This is a topic I have taught for more than 20 years to hundreds of young people whom I have had the pleasure of mentoring. The major focus includes responsibility, people skills, home skills, life navigation skills, time and space organization, money management, healthy lifestyles skills, healthy minds, decision-making and spiritual habits. Mastering these skill sets are crucial, especially for young people in life management.