The South Carolina Municipal Insurance Trust and South Carolina Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund recognized 15 graduates of the Risk Management Institute. SCMIT provides self-funded workers’ compensation coverage to its member cities. SCMIRF provides all lines of property and casualty coverage, including tort liability and automobile coverage for its members. The Municipal Association sponsors both programs.
The institute is a continuing education program for municipal staff who have risk management responsibilities and work for cities and towns that are SCMIT and SCMIRF members. Its goal is to give employees who are responsible for risk management an opportunity to gain an understanding of their responsibilities, broaden their skills, expand their peer network and identify resources to help solve local challenges.
To complete the institute, attendees must attend eight classes — four core courses and four electives — within three program years. Course topics include defensive driving, crisis communities, employment liability, the basics of risk management, public works risk management and leadership.
The institute offers classes throughout the year. Based on the complexity of topics, attendees experience a mix of half-day seminars along with full-day workshops.
The recent graduates, recognized during the virtual Risk Management Services Annual Member Meeting: are Chantay F. Bouler, finance director, Town of Fort Mill; Chuck Denson, public works director, City of Goose Creek; Julie Emory, administrative coordinator, Town of Blythewood; Patrick N. Fortenberry, lieutenant, City of Greer; Larry Hall, equipment services manager, City of West Columbia; Debbie Hardin, human resources specialist, Town of Fort Mill; Dana Henderson, risk manager, Town of Mount Pleasant; J.D. “Jake” Mahoney, lieutenant, City of Aiken; Jacob McCauley, manager of human resources, City of North Augusta; Kevin L. Otte, fire chief, Town of Surfside Beach, Angela Roberson, human resource specialist, City of Walterboro; Thomas Smith, deputy chief, Town of Hampton; Troy E. Spann, safety and compliance officer, City of Aiken; Ross Vezin, battalion chief of training/education, City of Beaufort; and William Willis, police chief, Town of McCormick.
There is no fee for SCMIT and SCMIRF members to participate in the institute.