Senior Safety and Risk Management Executive, Outdoor and Adventure Practice

• Dec 2017 - Present

As Sr. Safety and Risk Management Executive, I report to the President. Working directly with clients, I serve the unique safety, risk management, and insurance needs of the outdoor and adventure industry, global, and experiential education institutions, Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, and conservation organizations. I bring 20+ years of experience in organizational risk management and a proven track record of safely managing high-risk activities. Many outdoor and adventure organizations… Show more As Sr. Safety and Risk Management Executive, I report to the President. Working directly with clients, I serve the unique safety, risk management, and insurance needs of the outdoor and adventure industry, global, and experiential education institutions, Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, and conservation organizations. I bring 20+ years of experience in organizational risk management and a proven track record of safely managing high-risk activities. Many outdoor and adventure organizations will tell you obtaining the right coverage can be difficult. Underwriters often perceive the risk to be much greater than it is and don’t understand the professionalism with which these organizations conduct their operations. As a mountain guide, educator, international traveler, and nationally recognized authority in the outdoor and adventure industry, I’ve lived my client’s risks. I’m able to provide a fuller perspective of the industry that allows me to help my clients achieve their goals. Fred C. Church has provided insurance and hazard assessment services for 150+ years, building lasting relationships with clients, insurance partners, and the community. Our clients benefit from the tailored solutions our niche experts provide and from an invested and passionate employee group. We gratefully receive testimonials like this: "Fred C. Church is not just an insurance broker that you only see at renewal but a trusted partner that will work with us to help us align our insurance program with the organization’s strategic goals…" Dawn Barker, RiverWoods. Strengthening the outdoor and adventure community is my passion. From helping organizations attract and retain staff, to helping youth at risk through outdoor behavioral healthcare, to providing an unforgettable outdoor travel experience, I’m grateful for the opportunity to enable positive change. Please view the multimedia below to learn more. Outdoor & Adventure Programs | Global & Experiential Education | International Travel Show less As Sr. Safety and Risk Management Executive, I report to the President. Working directly with clients, I serve the unique safety, risk management, and insurance needs of the outdoor and adventure industry, global, and experiential education institutions, Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, and conservation organizations. I bring 20+ years of experience in organizational risk management and a proven track record of safely managing high-risk activities. Many outdoor and adventure organizations… Show more As Sr. Safety and Risk Management Executive, I report to the President. Working directly with clients, I serve the unique safety, risk management, and insurance needs of the outdoor and adventure industry, global, and experiential education institutions, Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, and conservation organizations. I bring 20+ years of experience in organizational risk management and a proven track record of safely managing high-risk activities. Many outdoor and adventure organizations will tell you obtaining the right coverage can be difficult. Underwriters often perceive the risk to be much greater than it is and don’t understand the professionalism with which these organizations conduct their operations. As a mountain guide, educator, international traveler, and nationally recognized authority in the outdoor and adventure industry, I’ve lived my client’s risks. I’m able to provide a fuller perspective of the industry that allows me to help my clients achieve their goals. Fred C. Church has provided insurance and hazard assessment services for 150+ years, building lasting relationships with clients, insurance partners, and the community. Our clients benefit from the tailored solutions our niche experts provide and from an invested and passionate employee group. We gratefully receive testimonials like this: "Fred C. Church is not just an insurance broker that you only see at renewal but a trusted partner that will work with us to help us align our insurance program with the organization’s strategic goals…" Dawn Barker, RiverWoods. Strengthening the outdoor and adventure community is my passion. From helping organizations attract and retain staff, to helping youth at risk through outdoor behavioral healthcare, to providing an unforgettable outdoor travel experience, I’m grateful for the opportunity to enable positive change. Please view the multimedia below to learn more. Outdoor & Adventure Programs | Global & Experiential Education | International Travel Show less

Vice President, Safety

• Dec 2010 - Dec 2017

As Vice President, Safety, I reported to the Executive Director. I was primarily responsible for the safety management oversight of the national network of eleven separately chartered entities. Each year, we performed high adventure activities with over 30,000 students and 145,000 participants. Collaborating with 20+ safety directors, 11 executive directors, and the Board of Directors Safety Committee, I developed and managed the company’s organizational safety systems. I also led the… Show more As Vice President, Safety, I reported to the Executive Director. I was primarily responsible for the safety management oversight of the national network of eleven separately chartered entities. Each year, we performed high adventure activities with over 30,000 students and 145,000 participants. Collaborating with 20+ safety directors, 11 executive directors, and the Board of Directors Safety Committee, I developed and managed the company’s organizational safety systems. I also led the biennial safety audits of the national chartered entities and provided critical feedback. Outward Bound USA (OBUSA) is a non-profit organization providing experiential education through a network of schools, especially in wilderness settings. Its mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery with a vision for creating a more resilient and compassionate world, with more resilient and compassionate citizens. OBUSAs desired student outcomes include the development of self-awareness, self-confidence, leadership skills, and environmental and social responsibility. My most significant accomplishments include: ★ Developing and implementing a new root-cause analysis system for all field accidents. ★ Directing the revision of the National Safety Standards. ★ Revising national transportation practices resulting in the establishment of new vehicle standards. ★ Institutionalizing a peer-led national safety review process, and emergency response drill protocol. As a means to support my mission to enable organizations in the outdoor and adventure industry to thrive and grow, I left Outward Bound to pursue opportunities with Fred C. Church. Specialties: Safety & Risk Management Oversight and Governance | Safety and Risk Management Audits Show less As Vice President, Safety, I reported to the Executive Director. I was primarily responsible for the safety management oversight of the national network of eleven separately chartered entities. Each year, we performed high adventure activities with over 30,000 students and 145,000 participants. Collaborating with 20+ safety directors, 11 executive directors, and the Board of Directors Safety Committee, I developed and managed the company’s organizational safety systems. I also led the… Show more As Vice President, Safety, I reported to the Executive Director. I was primarily responsible for the safety management oversight of the national network of eleven separately chartered entities. Each year, we performed high adventure activities with over 30,000 students and 145,000 participants. Collaborating with 20+ safety directors, 11 executive directors, and the Board of Directors Safety Committee, I developed and managed the company’s organizational safety systems. I also led the biennial safety audits of the national chartered entities and provided critical feedback. Outward Bound USA (OBUSA) is a non-profit organization providing experiential education through a network of schools, especially in wilderness settings. Its mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery with a vision for creating a more resilient and compassionate world, with more resilient and compassionate citizens. OBUSAs desired student outcomes include the development of self-awareness, self-confidence, leadership skills, and environmental and social responsibility. My most significant accomplishments include: ★ Developing and implementing a new root-cause analysis system for all field accidents. ★ Directing the revision of the National Safety Standards. ★ Revising national transportation practices resulting in the establishment of new vehicle standards. ★ Institutionalizing a peer-led national safety review process, and emergency response drill protocol. As a means to support my mission to enable organizations in the outdoor and adventure industry to thrive and grow, I left Outward Bound to pursue opportunities with Fred C. Church. Specialties: Safety & Risk Management Oversight and Governance | Safety and Risk Management Audits Show less

National Director of Risk Management and Safety | Assistant Director of Risk Management

• Feb 2007 - Dec 2010

Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Programs, my primary responsibility as Director of Risk Management was leading the organization through 1.6 million hours of conservation service each year, coordinating 4400+ participants and field staff. Every day, the nation’s parks and natural resources become more and more depleted. I joined the Student Conservation Association as the Assistant Director of Risk Management as a means of realizing my passions for exploring the outdoors and for… Show more Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Programs, my primary responsibility as Director of Risk Management was leading the organization through 1.6 million hours of conservation service each year, coordinating 4400+ participants and field staff. Every day, the nation’s parks and natural resources become more and more depleted. I joined the Student Conservation Association as the Assistant Director of Risk Management as a means of realizing my passions for exploring the outdoors and for preserving our world. In less than one year, I was promoted to National Director of Risk Management and Safety. Young people who come to SCA gain adeptness and the ability to press beyond whatever challenge comes next. SCA’s mission is: To build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. Through the use of comprehensive incident simulations and targeted training, I led the organization to increase its level of competence and confidence in managing critical incidents. Other key accomplishments include: ► Leading the staff to produce and implement the “Mindful Leadership” curriculum for the training of field leaders. ► Coordinating training through FEMA and the National Organization for Victim Assistance, updating Emergency Response System protocols and conducting incident simulations. ► Leading the RFP process, and implementation of an External Operational Risk Management and Safety Review. ► Reduced the incidence of incurred vehicle losses. It’s gratifying to know I made a positive difference to the organization and the world, and also, for bettering the lives of others. It was an honor to receive the Excellence Award for Leadership. I left SCA to join Outward Bound USA in the position of Vice-President, Safety. Specialties: Conservation Service Work Show less Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Programs, my primary responsibility as Director of Risk Management was leading the organization through 1.6 million hours of conservation service each year, coordinating 4400+ participants and field staff. Every day, the nation’s parks and natural resources become more and more depleted. I joined the Student Conservation Association as the Assistant Director of Risk Management as a means of realizing my passions for exploring the outdoors and for… Show more Reporting to the Sr. Vice President of Programs, my primary responsibility as Director of Risk Management was leading the organization through 1.6 million hours of conservation service each year, coordinating 4400+ participants and field staff. Every day, the nation’s parks and natural resources become more and more depleted. I joined the Student Conservation Association as the Assistant Director of Risk Management as a means of realizing my passions for exploring the outdoors and for preserving our world. In less than one year, I was promoted to National Director of Risk Management and Safety. Young people who come to SCA gain adeptness and the ability to press beyond whatever challenge comes next. SCA’s mission is: To build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. Through the use of comprehensive incident simulations and targeted training, I led the organization to increase its level of competence and confidence in managing critical incidents. Other key accomplishments include: ► Leading the staff to produce and implement the “Mindful Leadership” curriculum for the training of field leaders. ► Coordinating training through FEMA and the National Organization for Victim Assistance, updating Emergency Response System protocols and conducting incident simulations. ► Leading the RFP process, and implementation of an External Operational Risk Management and Safety Review. ► Reduced the incidence of incurred vehicle losses. It’s gratifying to know I made a positive difference to the organization and the world, and also, for bettering the lives of others. It was an honor to receive the Excellence Award for Leadership. I left SCA to join Outward Bound USA in the position of Vice-President, Safety. Specialties: Conservation Service Work Show less

Risk Management Consultant

• Jun 2009 - Jul 2010

Taught hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation strategies to the staff of international trip leaders. Worked with senior staff to develop protocols for risk management of educational trips in dynamic environments worldwide. Taught hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation strategies to the staff of international trip leaders. Worked with senior staff to develop protocols for risk management of educational trips in dynamic environments worldwide.

Consultant - Indoor Rock Climbing Wall Design Consultant and Construction Manager

• Jun 2008 - Sep 2009

Director, Wilderness Skills Program; Science Teacher

• Sep 1995 - Feb 2007

As the Director, Wilderness Skills Program and a science teacher, I reported to the School Head and Science Department Chair. My responsibilities included developing and leading the program, and creating lesson plans and teaching anatomy & physiology/wilderness medicine and biology. Founded in 1886, White Mountain School is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The outdoor program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity needed for a safe and enjoyable… Show more As the Director, Wilderness Skills Program and a science teacher, I reported to the School Head and Science Department Chair. My responsibilities included developing and leading the program, and creating lesson plans and teaching anatomy & physiology/wilderness medicine and biology. Founded in 1886, White Mountain School is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The outdoor program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity needed for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience by utilizing experiential methods. Students nurture a love for the outdoors and achieve proficiency in “leave no trace” practices, various modes of wilderness travel, first aid, and other backcountry skills. Small-group dynamics and healthy student interactions also play a vital role in the process. My earliest memories are of trying to ice-climb using the little hammers that my father gave to me. I have loved being in the outdoors my entire life. I also love being an educator. The White Mountain School was an exciting opportunity to bind together and share two things I love with future generations. The Wilderness Skills program was in its infancy when I joined the school. Through my leadership, it grew into a nationally recognized program that became fully integrated into the academic curriculum despite some initial doubt of its validity. My accomplishments include: ✺ Developing a best-in-class Wilderness Skills Program from ground-up. ✺ Directing the American Mountain Guides Association reaccreditation process to remain the only non-guide service in the country with an accredited rock climbing, ice climbing, and backcountry ski program. ✺ Managing 20+ faculty and administrators on 40 expedition trips annually. ✺ Integrating a program assessment tool with a rigorous academic program. ✺ Leading the planning, development, and construction of a 3000 sq. ft indoor climbing gym. Specialties: Program Development & Management | Curriculum Design | Teaching Show less As the Director, Wilderness Skills Program and a science teacher, I reported to the School Head and Science Department Chair. My responsibilities included developing and leading the program, and creating lesson plans and teaching anatomy & physiology/wilderness medicine and biology. Founded in 1886, White Mountain School is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The outdoor program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity needed for a safe and enjoyable… Show more As the Director, Wilderness Skills Program and a science teacher, I reported to the School Head and Science Department Chair. My responsibilities included developing and leading the program, and creating lesson plans and teaching anatomy & physiology/wilderness medicine and biology. Founded in 1886, White Mountain School is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The outdoor program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity needed for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience by utilizing experiential methods. Students nurture a love for the outdoors and achieve proficiency in “leave no trace” practices, various modes of wilderness travel, first aid, and other backcountry skills. Small-group dynamics and healthy student interactions also play a vital role in the process. My earliest memories are of trying to ice-climb using the little hammers that my father gave to me. I have loved being in the outdoors my entire life. I also love being an educator. The White Mountain School was an exciting opportunity to bind together and share two things I love with future generations. The Wilderness Skills program was in its infancy when I joined the school. Through my leadership, it grew into a nationally recognized program that became fully integrated into the academic curriculum despite some initial doubt of its validity. My accomplishments include: ✺ Developing a best-in-class Wilderness Skills Program from ground-up. ✺ Directing the American Mountain Guides Association reaccreditation process to remain the only non-guide service in the country with an accredited rock climbing, ice climbing, and backcountry ski program. ✺ Managing 20+ faculty and administrators on 40 expedition trips annually. ✺ Integrating a program assessment tool with a rigorous academic program. ✺ Leading the planning, development, and construction of a 3000 sq. ft indoor climbing gym. Specialties: Program Development & Management | Curriculum Design | Teaching Show less

Adjunct Professor of Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Sep 1992 - Sep 1995

Lecturer and laboratory instructor for collegiate Human Anatomy and Physiology course. Lecturer and laboratory instructor for collegiate Human Anatomy and Physiology course.