CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY - Key Persons


Aaron Webb

Job Titles:
  • Data and Underwriting Analyst
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.

Abraham Han

Job Titles:
  • Management Analyst
Abe joined the California JPIA in 2015. He provides analytical support to risk management and manages technical member resources. Abraham also coordinates the sidewalk maintenance and ADA assistance programs.

Alex Mellor

Job Titles:
  • Senior Risk Manager Region 4
Alex joined the California JPIA in 2012. He manages member relations, including training, risk management, claims, and finance for members in South Orange County, San Diego County, and Inland Counties. Alex consults on complex issues of risk, analyzes contracts and manages member action plans.

Alexander Smith - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
Alexander joined the California JPIA in 2009. He oversees board relations, general administration, policy development, member communications, marketing, and external relations.

Carl Sandstrom

Job Titles:
  • Business Projects Manager
Carl joined the California JPIA in 2003. He manages implementation and support of technology projects, including hardware, software, and telecommunications.

Chris Yanonis

Job Titles:
  • Facilities Specialist
Chris joined the California JPIA in 2007. He oversees building maintenance and facilities operations. Chris is also responsible for campus security.

Courtney Morrison

Job Titles:
  • Management Analyst
Courtney joined the California JPIA in 2014. She assists with website resources and content, social media and related sites, and external communication.

Denise Covell

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Denise joined the California JPIA in 2014. She provides member services support to risk management, training, data management, and claims.

Edith Aviña

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Analyst
Edith joined the California JPIA in 2002. She provides analytical support to risk management, member services, and the executive management team.

Grazyna Buchowiecki

Job Titles:
  • Senior Accountant
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.

Habib Ali

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Specialist
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.

Jason McBride - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Finance Director
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.

Jeff Rush

Job Titles:
  • Workers' Compensation Program Manager
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.

Jennifer Torres

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
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.

Jim Thyden

Job Titles:
  • Insurance Programs Manager
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.

Joseph Eynon

Job Titles:
  • Training Manager
Joe joined the California JPIA in 2005. He oversees the training program, including learning management, curriculum development, and course development.

Lucy Brockmeier

Job Titles:
  • Senior Risk Manager Region 3
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.

Lyndsie Buskirk

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Analyst
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.

Maria Daniels

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
Maria joined the California JPIA in 2016. She provides administrative support to training operations.

Maria Galvan

Job Titles:
  • Senior Risk Manager Region 5
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.

Melaina Francis

Job Titles:
  • Senior Risk Manager Region 1
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.

Michelle Aguayo

Job Titles:
  • Training Coordinator
Michelle joined the California JPIA in 2008. She coordinates training, academies, special events, and manages instructor logistics and standards.

Nikki Salas

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Services Director
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.

Olga Berdial - CCO

Job Titles:
  • Communications Director
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.

Paul Zeglovitch

Job Titles:
  • Liability Program Manager
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.

Ryan Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Senior Training Specialist
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.

Tim Karcz

Job Titles:
  • Senior Risk Manager Region 2
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.

Toni Consolo

Job Titles:
  • Senior Risk Manager Region 7
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.

Tony Leite

Job Titles:
  • Senior Risk Manager Region 6
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.

Veronica Ruiz

Job Titles:
  • Agency Clerk
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.