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SUMMIT SPRING

TECH SAVV Y, HR WI SE & FI SCALLY READY

AGENDA AT A GLANCE

DAY 1 – MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Hours

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Sponsor/Exhibitor Set Up

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Breakfast

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

– Puneet Behl, Finance Chair

– Nicole Montalvo, Technology Chair

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Opening Keynote: AI Possibilities in Pooling

– Ann Gergen, AGRIP

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Networking Break

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

A Deeper Dive into Financial and Actuarial Requirements in CAJPA Accreditation

– Jim Marta, James Marta & Co

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Benchmarking 2.0 - the Metrics Risk Pools Should Be Using – Dan Steele, ACWA JPIA

– Puneet Behl, PRISM

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

The Future of AI in Risk Pools: Strategy, Partnerships, and Beyond

– Feras S. Gharfeh, FPOV

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Networking Break

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Understanding Loss Trends & Risk Financing Alternatives

– Mike Harrington, Bickmore Actuarial

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Laying the Groundwork: Data Management for AI-Era Governance

– Christopher Wiseman, Sacramento County

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Networking Reception and Raffle

DAY 2 – TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration Hours

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Navigating the Many Types of Risk in Investment Portfolios

– Carlos Oblites, Chandler Asset Management

– Dan Byrnes, AAM

– Mallory Sampson, PFM Asset Management

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

AI Dos and Don’ts: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid

– Martin Ronquillo, ASCIP

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Networking Break

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Financial Closing Roundtable

– Ritesh Sharma, James Marta & Co

– Min Su, Sedgwick

– Alana Theiss, PRISM

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

ADA Compliance Regulations & Impacts

– John Northup, WebAIM

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Networking Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Real-World AI Applications in the Workplace

– Erik Kowalewski, ACWA JPIA

– Jose Tribuzio, Spear Technologies

– Dan Low, SIA

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Sponsor/Exhibitor Break Down

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM

Communication Tools for Productivity

– Karen Antunes, NBSIA

– Sam Adams, GSRMA

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Employee Engagement and How it Relates to Organizational Culture

– Karen Antunes, NBSIA

– Carrie Green, NBSIA

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM

Closing Remarks

– Puneet Behl, PRISM

– Nicole Montalvo, PRISM

DAY 1 – MONDAY,

MAY 19

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Registration Hours

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Breakfast

The Future of AI in Risk Pools: Strategy, Partnerships, and Beyond

Feras S. Gharfeh, MHA, Senior Consultant, FPOV

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it’s actively transforming how risk pools deliver value, manage operations, and prepare for the future. This session explores how AI can be strategically aligned with a risk pool’s mission and risk tolerance, while also addressing the practical realities of working with thirdparty AI tools and vendors. Beyond today’s applications, we’ll also take a look at what’s coming next: from the rise of multiagent systems (agentic AI) to the disruptive potential of quantum computing. Attendees will walk away with a strategic lens for evaluating AI opportunities and a clearer view of how the AI landscape will continue to evolve in the risk pool environment.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Networking Break

Loss Trends & Risk Financing Alternatives

Mike Harrington, President & Managing Partner, Bickmore Actuarial

Loss trends have been awful in recent years, particularly for liability and property coverages. In some cases, costs have increased quickly and significantly, putting cost levels on a completely different planet than before. Is the end in sight? Have we finally reached the new planet?? The insurance market has responded by raising premiums and restricting coverages. This session will discuss these adverse loss trends, insurance coverage changes, and how pools are funding for these changes. Come join the actuary in a trip to this crazy new planet!

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Laying the Groundwork: Data Management for AIEra Governance

Christopher Wiseman, Sacramento County

As AI adoption accelerates in the public sector, California’s Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) face growing pressure to modernize data practices while navigating stringent privacy laws and public expectations. This session explores how local agencies can build or enhance data management programs that support compliance, transparency, and ethical AI use. Through case studies and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to align with CPRA, HIPAA, and emerging AI regulations—while preparing for new risks like bias, surveillance, and over-automation.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Networking Reception & Raffle

Sponsored by Evident Location: Capitol Patio

(Must be present to win)

Connect with peers and exchange insights during the evening networking reception—one of the workshop’s most valued features. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and conversations with speakers. Don’t miss the 5:00 PM raffle drawing for a chance to win complimentary registration to CAJPA’s Fall Conference!

DAY 2 – TUESDAY, MAY 20

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Registration Hours

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Breakfast

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Navigating the Many Types of Risk in Investment Portfolios

Carlos Oblites, Chandler Asset Management

Dan Byrnes, AAM

Mallory Sampson, PFM Asset Management

This panel discussion will examine the different risks pools have faced in the past, managed in the present, and planned for in the future. Looking back over the last 50 years, we will examine the best and worst calendar years for pools and how they may have navigated their ways through them. Ww will discuss the risks of today that may add more pressure to the liquidity and return objectives of portfolios as we are seeing more geopolitical risk as well as risk related to what different pools may cover. In order to prepare for additional risk, we will discuss how pools are now exploring the use of captives for a portion of their investment portfolios. Captives have systemic and un-systemic risks that we will segment into those that can and cannot be diversified away.

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

AI Dos and Don’ts: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid Martin Ronquillo, Director of Cyber Risk, ASCIP

In this session, we’ll explore the key dos and don’ts of AI implementation, helping organizations navigate ethical considerations, compliance, and best practices. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI responsibly, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring transparency, security, and fairness in AI-driven decisionmaking. Whether you’re integrating AI into risk management, operations, or customer service, this session will provide practical guidelines to maximize benefits while mitigating risks.

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM Networking Break

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Financial Closing Roundtable

Ritesh Sharma, Accounting Manager, James Marta & Company LLP

Min Su, Finance Director, Sedgwick

Alana Thiess, Director of Financial Operations, PRISM

Drawing on their combined 50-plus years of experience, the speakers will discuss best practices and potential pitfalls in closing and financial reporting for public entity risk pools.

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

ADA Compliance Regulations & Impacts

John Northup, Director of Evaluations, WebAIM

An overview of accessibility laws, principles, guidelines, and techniques in the context of last year’s ruling from the Department of Justice.

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Networking Break

GENERAL SESSIONS

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Real-World AI Applications in the Workplace

Erik Kowalewskii, IT Manager, ACWA JPIA

Jose Tribuzio, Spear Technologies

Dan Low, Business Systems Engineer, SIA

This panel will explore how organizations are beginning to incorporate artificial intelligence into their operations to improve efficiency, support decision-making, and enhance communication. The session will begin with an overview of key considerations for getting started with AI, including the importance of policy, training, and responsible use. Presenters will share examples of how AI is being tested or piloted in different contexts, along with brief demonstrations of potential workplace applications. The session may also include highlights of how AI is being integrated into existing systems and processes, as well as early lessons learned around governance and implementation. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of practical use cases and things to consider when exploring AI within their own organizations.

12:30 PM– 1:15 PM Lunch

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Sam Adams

While Sam’s formal education is in Computer Engineering, he has worked in the pooling industry for 6 years, currently as the IT Manager for GSRMA and NCSDIA pools. Sam also serves as the vice chair on the Technology Committee for the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA).

Karen Antunes

Karen Antunes is the Human Resources/Operations Manager at North Bay Schools Insurance Authority (NBSIA). She has over 25 years of human resources experience in the private and public sectors. Karen’s experience includes benefits, payroll, employee relations, training and development, and recruitment. Karen graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a B.A. in Business Administration Management and holds her HR certificate through the HR Certification Institute.

Puneet Behl

Puneet is a senior finance executive with 24 years of multinational experience across various business sectors, with a focus in insurance and risk management. Prior to joining CSACEIA, she worked with Bickmore for fourteen years with heavy focus on operations and finances of California Joint Powers Agencies. Ms. Behl, a masters in accounting and finance, CPA and an ARM, is an expert in financial analysis and reporting for government entities, internal controls review, risk assessment, GAAP & GASB compliance, policy development and business process reengineering.

Dan Byrnes, CFA

Dan is a Principal and President at AAM with 22 years of investment experience. Dan is responsible for constructing portfolios based on client-specific objectives, constraints, and risk preferences. He is also responsible for communicating market developments and portfolio updates to clients. Dan oversees these processes across the firm. Prior to joining AAM, he worked as an accountant at CNA Insurance. A CFA Charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Chicago, Dan earned a BS in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.

Ann Gergen

Ann oversees AGRiP operations, governance, and member service delivery. She has twenty-five years of direct public sector employment and experience in local government management, emergency services, risk management, primary and reinsurance claims, pooled insurance services and operations. Ann has both direct and service administrator experience in multiple local government and public pooling environments. She was associate pool administrator (P/C and work comp), program manager (employee benefits pool), and director of technology at the League of Minnesota Cities and League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. She also served as director of the Arizona Municipal Risk Retention Pool (AMRRP) and director of the Social Services Contractors Insurance Pool (SSCIP), also in Arizona. Ann’s background includes reinsurance and commercial industry experience. She was Vice President of Claims and Loss Control at NLC Mutual, and was the first Director of NLC-RISC in a combined staffing structure with NLC Mutual. Ann was Managing Director of the Alternative Markets Division of Berkley Risk, a W.R. Berkley company, where she served a variety of public and not-for-profit pools and self-insured groups. Ann is an attorney licensed in the State of Minnesota and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. She teaches risk management to public safety graduate students and is herself a former EMT.

Feras S. Gharfeh, MHA

Feras S. Gharfeh, MHA is a senior consultant at FPOV specializing in artificial intelligence, supply chain management, lean operations, acquisitions, and multimillion dollar profit and loss management. He has over fifteen years’ experience in nationally acclaimed healthcare systems where he was committed to revolutionizing the industry by integrating artificial intelligence to dismantle disparities and eliminate barriers in medical services. Feras has worked with elite practices such as Baylor Scott & White, Allergy & Asthma Care, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Carrie Green

Carrie Green serves as a key member of the NBSIA team, where she has spent over five years supporting a wide range of member programs, and plays an integral role in coordinating with the Board of Directors and member agencies to promote effective communication and responsive service.

In addition to her work at NBSIA, Carrie brings more than a decade of experience in public education governance. She currently serves as a Trustee for the Winters Joint Unified School District and is a former member of the Yolo County School Boards Association, demonstrating her longstanding commitment to supporting California’s public schools.

Mike Harrington

Mike has over 30 years of experience in both the insurance industry and consulting, the majority of which is with public entities. He specializes in reserve and rate analysis for selfinsured public entities and risk pools for all property and casualty coverages. Mike has presented at numerous conferences including CAJPA, PARMA, AGRIP, and PRIMA, and is known for his informative and down-to-earth presentation style, with some good “actuarial humor” thrown in. He enjoys Microsoft Excel, the Dallas Cowboys, Ford Mustangs, and pretty much any buffet meal!!

Erik Kowalewski

Erik Kowalewski has worked in the technology field for 28 years, with the past 22 focused on the pooling industry. He currently serves as the IT Manager for the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA JPIA), where he leads IT strategy and operations. With a background in Accounting, Erik brings a unique blend of financial insight and technical expertise to his role.

James Marta, CPA, CGMA, ARPM

James Marta is the Managing Partner of James Marta & Company LLP, a CPA firm headquartered in Sacramento California. James has degrees in Accounting and Finance Law. In addition, Jim earned his associate in risk management (ARM) and an associate in pool management (ARPM) and is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He taught the ARM courses and is the author of the Pool Manager Course. He speaks annually at various pooling conferences on pool management, analysis and finance issues. His firm performs financial consulting, accounting, audit and tax work for over 40 insurance pools and captives in eight States. Jim also is the Accreditation Manager for the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities.

Dan Low

Dan has over 10 years of experience in the IT Department at Schools Insurance Authority (SIA). He is currently serving as a Business Systems Engineer designing and implementing technology solutions for the organization. Prior to joining the IT Department, Dan filled many roles within SIA giving him an intimate understanding of the organization and allowing him to implement technology solutions that empower the pool and its members.

Nicole Montalvo

With over 22 years of experience in the pooling industry, Nicole excels in web development, software implementation, administration, and support, while also driving process improvements and digital transformations. Her journey began in the mortgage and investment sectors, leading her to embrace continual learning and earn notable certifications. Outside of work, Nicole and her family love camping, amusement parks, and traveling to new destinations.

John Northup

John has worked in web development since 2000, in roles including design, coding, usability, and accessibility. He thrives on the challenge of facilitating delightful, engaging experiences for aural and visual users alike. He holds a master’s in information science from the University of Michigan School of Information and an undergraduate degree in mass communications from Goddard College. He has also earned a CPACC certification from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.

Carlos Oblites

Carlos is responsible for building and maintaining client relationships with public agencies along with participating actively in the portfolio management process. Carlos has 28 years of investment and financial experience, focused largely on managing short-term fixed income and pension strategies for governmental and institutional non-profit clients. Carlos currently serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Multi Asset Class Committee.

Prior to joining Chandler, Carlos served as the Administrative Services Manager at Central Marin Sanitation Agency (CMSA) and was responsible for all aspects of the Agency’s financial, human resources, administrative support, and information systems activities. He also has significant expertise in serving California public agencies, healthcare, and insurance clients through his roles as Director at PFM Asset Management, and as a Principal at Wells Capital Management. Carlos holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University.

Martin Ronquillo

Martin joined ASCIP in 2010, as the Information Technology Manager supporting ASCIP staff and providing guidance in cybersecurity. Martin is currently the Director of Cyber Risk, leading the support for all members by providing guidance in all cybersecurity related matters. Prior to ASCIP, Martin spent over 10 years as an information technology professional at various organizations. Martin holds a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance, and Bachelors of Science in Business Information Systems. In addition, Martin, completed Certificates in Chief Risk Officer Program and Chief Information Security Officer from Carnegie Mellon University and has obtained certifications as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM).

Mallory Sampson

Ritesh Sharma

Ritesh has 20 years of experience in accounting, audit, consulting and strategic planning. Ritesh provides CFO services for several Joint Powers Authorities and is a resource to his clients. Ritesh has provided executive leadership, accounting system design, risk management and board responsibilities. He is a participating member of the finance and technology committee of CAJPA (California Association of Joint Powers Authorities) as well as a regular presenter at the conferences.

Dan Steele

Dan has served 11 years in the Finance Department of ACWA JPIA, overseeing accounting operations as Senior Accountant, eventually being promoted to Finance Manager in 2020. He has also served on the CAJPA Finance Committee since 2016. Dan’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Sacramento State University, along with a master’s in business administration with a concentration in Accounting.

Min Su

As a member of the Sedgwick Pooling division, Min serves as the finance manager for several joint powers authorities in northern California. He brings over 13 years of accounting and finance experience from various industries, including public and private expertise, to public entity pooling. Min recently assisted with creating a captive for an excess liability pool and led the implementation of a new accounting software across Sedgwick’s three national pooling offices.

Alana Thiess

Alana Theiss is a CPA and currently PRISM’s Director of Financial Operations. She previously worked in public accounting providing individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and governments with audit, accounting, and consulting services. Alana has worked with 30 different risk pools since entering the industry nearly 20 years ago.

Jose Tribuzio

Jose Tribuzio is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, including more than 18 years focused on enterprise solutions for the Property & Casualty insurance industry. As the Co-Founder and CTO of Spear Technologies, Jose leads the company’s product innovation and AI initiatives, driving the development of modern, intelligent solutions that optimize claims and insurance operations.

Prior to Spear, Jose founded Systema Software, where he served as CEO for a decade. Under his leadership, the company developed an awardwinning claims system, experienced rapid growth, and was successfully acquired by Insurity. Throughout his career, Jose has built and scaled multiple software ventures by combining deep industry knowledge with a passion for advanced technologies, including AI, low-code platforms, and Agile methodologies.

Mallory is a director and member of the investment advisory team at PFM Asset Management, a division of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management, Inc. She is responsible for managing institutional fixed income and multi-asset class relationships across the nation with a focus on government, captive insurance and higher education entities. She is a frequent speaker at various industry conferences and contributes to thought leadership within the firm. Outside of work, Mallory is involved in the animal welfare community across Texas.

Christopher Wiseman

Christopher is a Information Security Analyst with Sacramento County. With deep experience in privacy law, AI governance, and data security, he supports HIPAA/CPRA compliance, oversee SHIE initiatives, and develop cross-sector frameworks for ethical AI and risk management across California’s public-sector systems.

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