In August 2023, George Hills, a third party administrator specializing in claims administration for public entities, partnered with Tripepi Smith. Initially, the focus was to secure support on Request for Proposal (RFP) responses. The project included reviewing existing RFPs and identifying opportunities for improvement including copyediting, copywriting, organizing content, updating typography, refining colors and designing infographics. Tripepi Smith delivered a comprehensive template with refreshed language and enhanced visuals to create an easily accessible and compelling RFP to serve as a foundation for future bid submissions.
This spring, Tripepi Smith Principal Katherine Griffiths, Business Analyst Cailyn Thompson, Junior Business Analysts Kendall Lowrey and Kara Cato successfully completed the George Hills Claims University Public Entity Claims Professional (PECP) Certification Program. Following the principles of the program— “Learn. Teach. Repeat.”—the course offers training on the fundamentals of the public entity claims process and teaches participants how to evaluate insurance claims related to public entities.
“First-hand knowledge guides strategic communication,” said Katherine. “By immersing ourselves in the nuances of public entity claims through the lens of George Hills University, our team has not only demonstrated authentic interest in our new client, George Hills Company, but also refined our ability to craft authentic messages on behalf of the organization.”
George Hills launched the Claims University in January 2020 with an eye on building and sustaining an educational platform for training a new generation of adjusters. Initially, it was important to focus on providing a detailed education program for its current employees, future employees and future matriculation. GHCU prepares individuals to effectively navigate California’s public entity claims administration process.
GHCU includes three levels of training ranging from entry-level to specialized. The first level consists of eight progressive lessons delivered through multiple media formats, including videos, audio narration and interactive PowerPoints. Topics include public entity basics, third-party administration, common vs. statutory law, and the California Tort Claims Act. More advanced coursework delves into coverage, liabilities and immunities, settlement procedures, unique exposures, and Joint Power Authorities. Successful completion earns the designation of the Public Entity Claims Professional (PECP) and accompanying certification.
Upon completion of each lesson, Katherine, Cailyn, Kendall and Kara each passed a summative quiz: a prerequisite for advancing to the next module. After finishing all eight courses and their respective evaluations, they completed a final assessment to receive certification. The final exam, spanning 75 questions over four hours, consisted of questions analyzing the team’s grasp of public entities’ claims through real-world scenarios. All four Tripepi Smith teammates passed the exam, earning their certification as Public Entity Claims Professionals.
The Tripepi Smith team completed the certification program over a four-week period, meeting semi-weekly to review the curriculum and discuss the takeaways and lessons learned within each module.
“Working with Katherine, Cailyn and Kendall throughout this course was not only a bonding experience but also an essential element of the learning process,” said Kara. “Our collaborative calls provided a valuable platform for discussing the more complex elements of the claims administration process. Through these discussions, we ensured that each person maintained a comprehensive understanding of the lesson and the real-world applicability of the various scenarios.”
The Tripepi Smith team will leverage this certification and enhanced comprehension of public entity claims to continue to support George Hills’ marketing and communications initiatives.
As GHCU has evolved, since 2020, George Hills recognized the need for basic claims knowledge for all public entities and many of their departments. In response, George Hills created basically a Claims 101, a ‘nuts and bolts’ of tort claims, processes, laws and reporting. This self-study course is available to all George Hills clients, at no cost and for a nominal fee for non-clients.
For more information on the GHCU please contact Shari Huff at shari.huff@georgehills.com.
About George Hills
As a third-party administrator for the past 70 years, George Hills has gained invaluable experience, and has led the way with public entities. George Hills specializes in Claims Administration serving primarily public entities including cities, counties, education institutions, transit/rail authorities, Joint Powers Authorities and Special Districts, as well as private companies, non-profits and insurance carriers.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Duarte, City of Grover Beach, City of Santa Paula, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Napa, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Learning Center and Climatec.