Spotlight on Technology Operations
The Technology Operations section of the Municipal Association's Risk Management Services implements and oversees risk management systems, web-based member portals and other initiatives that deliver information to the SC Municipal Insurance Trust and the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund members.
The technology operations staff consists of Amy Lindler, Technology Operations Manager; and Joy Gloster, Data and Training Analyst. Together they have more than 20 years of information technology experience.
The tasks completed by technology operations staff include monitoring and resolving issues submitted by Risk Management Services staff and members of the insurance programs. The work also includes daily system reporting to various entities such as Corporate Pharmacy Services and the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission, as well as working on various other IT projects. Technology operations receives an average of 730 issue tickets each year.
Although their specific job tasks involve overseeing risk management applications, it is not uncommon for Lindler and Gloster to handle technology issues related to computers, phones or other devices.
Technology Operations staff find it rewarding to know that the applications that they assist in implementing and managing can help risk management staff and its members complete their job tasks. Many of the implementations have made some manual processes more efficient and less time consuming. They also find it gratifying when technology operations staff are able to provide a resolution to an issue or problem submitted by staff or members.
Spotlight on Risk Management Services’ Board Members
SCMIT Board Member Iris Hill
Elected in 2017, Iris Hill has served on the SC Municipal Insurance Trust board for the past five years. She has been the town administrator for the Town of Edisto Beach since 2009. She has served in public service for more than 30 years in Florida and South Carolina.
Hill is a graduate of the College of Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina. She obtained a Master of Public Administration from Troy University and she is a Certified Public Manager. She is a member of SC Beach Advocates, International City/County Managers Association, SC City and County Management Association and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control Advisory Working Group. In her spare time, she likes gardening, reading and boating.
SCMIRF Board Member Natalie Zeigler
Elected in 2014, Natalie Zeigler has served on the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund board for the past eight years. She held the position of vice chair from October 2018 to September 2020. She has been the city administrator for the City of Goose Creek since 2020. She served as the city manager for the City of Hartsville from 2010 to 2020 and town administrator for the Town of Springdale from 2007 to 2010. Prior to 2007, she was a staff associate for affiliate services at the Municipal Association of South Carolina.
SCMIRF Board Member Natalie Zeigler (high-res image)
Zeigler is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and obtained a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. She is a member of the Municipal Association of SC Board of Directors, SC City and County Management Association and an International City/County Management Association member and credentialed manager. In her spare time, she likes to visit other cities and towns to take pictures and find inspiration. She also likes to visit Texas to spend time with family.
Public Works/Utilities Risk Management Training
In April, Risk Management Services held an in-person training geared towards public works staff in West Columbia. The training began with a short presentation on civility, a topic that is one of the top initiatives that has been included in the Municipal Association’s strategic plan. Public works and utilities staff are not immune to the negative effects of incivility. Attendees were provided a few suggestions to engage civilly with the public as well as coworkers.
Joseph Crow from SC Occupational Safety and Health Administration presented on fall protection and trenching during the morning session. The afternoon session was presented by Municipal Association staff John Ciesielski and Bethany Pendley as well as Lowell Arwood from the City of Clemson. Topics discussed included chainsaw safety, personal protective equipment, the MyCivic Identification App and how to initiate auto reviews.
April's Public Works/Utilities training focused on civility and various safety measures to implement to reduce risk. (high-res image)
Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures Training
Risk Management Services hosted a Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures training in Sumter on May 17. Chief Alonzo Thompson of the City of Spartanburg, Chief Kevin Cornett of the City of Isle of Palms and Chief Matt Hamby of the City of Greer made up the law enforcement staff panel. Jim Jolly, David Morrison and Drew Butler made up the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund defense attorney panel.
Each of the panels answered different topics currently affecting law enforcement agencies. Darren Norris and Matthew Fryman of MUR Strategic presented on law enforcement policy development. Attendees were presented valuable information on policy writing techniques, policy dissemination and accountability.
Risk Management Services held Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures training on May 17.
(high-res image)
Upcoming Cybersecurity for Leaders Training
Risk Management Services will host three in person training sessions on cybersecurity in Columbia. The training will be presented by Tom Scott of CyberSC. Attendees will be provided real-world cases to analyze. The sessions will be limited to 25 attendees each day. The sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 9 and 10. The brochure and registration are available online.
2022 Risk Management Services Training
Training courses are coming up for the SC Municipal Insurance Trust and SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund members.
Cybersecurity for Leaders Training [Risk Management Institute Elective Course]
SCMIT/SCMIRF
Employment Liability [Risk Management Institute Core Course] SCMIT/SCMIRF
RMS Annual Members Meeting [Risk Management Institute Elective Course]