California JPIAThe California Joint Powers Insurance Authority’s (California JPIA) dedicated, knowledgeable employees are key differentiators that set the Authority apart as a leader in the self-insurance pooling community. This month, the Authority celebrates four employees who received promotions and new responsibilities in recognition of their commitment to providing exemplary service to the Authority and its member agencies.

The Authority is pleased to announce the promotions of Nikki Salas from human resources manager to administrative services director, Ryan Thomas from training and loss control specialist to senior training specialist, and Maria Daniels from office assistant to administrative assistant. Training Manager Joe Eynon will retain his title while assuming a new leadership role within the training division.

“This recognition honors individual growth and advancement within the Authority,” said Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “As Nikki, Joe, Ryan, Maria, and others on the Authority staff expand their roles, they will be able to support our members with an even deeper understanding and experience.”

As administrative services director, Salas will add four direct reports, including Management Analysts Abe Han and Courtney Morrison and Administrative Assistants Edith Avina and Lyndsie Buskirk.

“My new responsibilities will focus on additional internal support for the Authority,” said Salas. “I’m excited to work with a new functional work team, including Abe, Courtney,

 Edith, and Lyndsie, because of the opportunity to better understand the internal flow of both member services and public affairs.”

“I’m thrilled about reporting to Nikki,” said Han. “She’s very responsive and proactive about removing hurdles or barriers to achievement.”

Training Manager Joe Eynon, who joined the Authority in 2005, oversees all aspects of the training program. During his tenure, training has played an integral role in supporting

 risk management and good governance, while technological advancements have enabled an innovative learning management system and enhanced training delivery resources. In addition, Eynon now has assumed formal and functional management of the training team, including Senior Training Specialist Ryan Thomas, Training Coordinator Michelle Aguayo, and Administrative Assistants Denise Covell and Maria Daniels.

“Now, in addition to managing the development of content and resources, Joe will be responsible for supervising employees,” said Salas. “He is phenomenal at connecting withemployees, identifying and responding to needs, and quickly and effectively making things happen.”

Senior Training Specialist Ryan Thomas, whose municipal experience includes roles with the cities of Bellflower, Costa Mesa, and Paramount, excels in curriculum development, learning, and training. As the integration of new, virtual learning environments has extended his expertise in broadcast technology, webinar, and teleconferencing platforms, he will continue to grow and expand the Authority’s digital presence and multimedia resources.

“Over the past few years, the Authority has enhanced its curriculum development efforts, in terms of both scope of trainings—such as adding more public safety, supervisory, and human resources training programs—and modes of training,” said Thomas. “With a new learning management system and studio, we can supplement traditional, classroom-based training with online, video-based training for our members based on their preference and needs.”

“What I love about this model,” said Salas, “is that every member will have their training delivered to them in the format that works best for them.”

Administrative Assistant Maria Daniels, who supports training operations, commemorated five years with the Authority in November 2021. Daniels will continue to flex her exceptional customer service skills at the training division’s help desk while also engaging in more substantive projects.

“I’m so excited for Maria,” said Salas. “She is the voice of the Authority, the front-facing person on the phone when members call with technical issues. This promotion recognizes her hard work and passionate support of our members.”

According to Salas, these promotions and realignments optimize talent and workload and streamline internal operations, ensuring the integrity of the Authority’s responsiveness and service to members: “It’s about continuity and consistency, rejuvenating our good work,” she said. “Everyone’s out there, doing what they were trained to do, shining in their individual areas, and building strong skills for the future.”

The California JPIA congratulates Nikki, Joe, Ryan, and Maria as they take on their new responsibilities!

Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 40 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 120 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at cjpia.org.