The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is proud to announce the promotion of Nikki Salas to the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Throughout her tenure at the Authority, Salas has applied her vast human resources, risk management, and city management expertise to her work, contributing significantly to the team’s ongoing growth and success.
“Nikki has been an invaluable asset to our team,” said Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “She is very good at what she does, and her extensive public sector background provides her with unique insight that will support the Authority as we continue to strengthen our internal operations and member services.”
Salas’s journey to CAO reflects her dedication to public service and her proactive approach to team development. She began her career in human resources, transitioning from corporate roles in healthcare to county and city government, where she eventually served as director of human resources, risk management, and information technology for the Town of Apple Valley—a California JPIA member agency. Her people skills and experience with intentional team building eventually led her to the assistant town manager role. While at Apple Valley, Salas collaborated with her regional risk manager, embracing risk management as an essential skill and earning the California JPIA’s Capstone Award in 2015.
Following her time at Apple Valley, Salas leveraged her leadership experience and subject matter expertise as the director of human resources for Napa County. She then took on a new role as city manager for the City of Barstow, guiding the team through the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic before joining the California JPIA as a human resources manager and, later, administrative services director.
“I’ve always been open to taking on new challenges and growing in different roles,” said Salas. “The Authority has given me the chance to come full circle and return to a place where my human resources, public administration, and risk management skills can truly make a difference.”
As CAO, Salas will lead the Authority’s administrative operations during a time of growth. “I feel like I’m the center to my team’s quarterback — clearing any hurdles so the plays can get moving,” Salas said. “My goal is to support our staff and empower them to excel in their roles, which in turn supports our 126 member agencies.”
Salas will oversee several departments, including human resources, fleet management, training, IT, and communications, alongside her administrative responsibilities. Her leadership style prioritizes collaboration, fostering teamwork to achieve success.
“Everything we do, we do as a team,” she said. “When we accomplish something, it’s not just one person’s effort—it’s the entire group working together to make it happen.”
In her new role, Salas will maintain her focus on staff development, team cohesion, and inter-department collaboration. “Nikki has done a fantastic job overseeing large projects and providing a fresh perspective on team building,” said Smith. “Promoting her to CAO will only further our service to members.”
With her proven leadership skills, dedication to public service, and commitment to fostering excellence, Salas is well-positioned to support the California JPIA through a new chapter of organizational growth and enhanced member support.
Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 45 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 125 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.