Culture is an organizational attribute that risk professionals frequently discuss. An organization’s culture is pivotal to implementing and advancing risk management. Without a corporate culture that includes leadership’s support, our work can be futile.
Culture is impacted by the customs, beliefs, traditions and, in our case, the business practices associated with different groups around world. As I stand here in the beautiful city of Dubai for RIMS’ second Risk Forum Middle East, and as our businesses continue to transcend borders, it has never been more apparent that to gain the recognition necessary for success in our profession, we must make this focus on culture a priority.
It is hard for me to believe, but we are just few short weeks away from my final day as RIMS President and I have learned so much over this year and the six previous years I've served as a member of the RIMS Board. It has given me a new perspective of the passionate professionals who join RIMS and contribute to the advancement of our profession…and it’s truly inspirational. I’ve also gained a new outlook on risk management practices and challenges around the world. Expanding the Society's presence globally will allow us to share greater international insights with our current membership - and also allow RIMS to execute on its mission of advancing risk management abroad.
And we have accomplished so much over the past year. The RIMS-CRMP certification took off this year and we confirmed our first 96 certification holders. We entered into new markets – China, Singapore, Colombia, South Africa – with hopes RIMS growth in these regions in the years ahead. The Annual Conference & Exhibition saw its highest attendance since 2003. On top of that, over 70 countries were represented by its attendees. We acquired the Risk Manager of the Year Award and are excited to continue honoring the best in class in the risk management profession with this award. All great accomplishments that add an inspiring perspective on just how great this Society is and will continue to be.
It seems like just yesterday we were all in San Diego and yet, this month, RIMS launched registration for RIMS 2017 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia on April 23 – 26. The conference will offer more than 160 education sessions, giving professionals a global perspective on a wide range of the most relevant risk management topics. Our keynotes are set – including the lovable, award winning actor Michael J. Fox – and the networking events are planned.
Some of the new features for this year’s Annual Conference include an Executive Leadership Track, a new educational track titled, “Technology and Risk” that will focus on the business impact of new technologies, the first presentation of the RIMS Risk Management of the Year Award and a Wellness ZENter to make sure our attendees have the most rewarding, comfortable and healthy experience at RIMS 2017. To attend RIMS 2017, register at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2017.
A big part of the conference is recognizing the great work that YOU do. The Society is currently accepting nominations for its chapter awards, individual honors and the Risk Management Hall of Fame by January 13th. The Risk Manager of the Year Award – our newest honor – requires nominations to be submitted by December 21st. To learn more about RIMS awards program or to submit a nomination, visit www.RIMS.org/awards.
To gain better perspective on our work and the work of our peers, we proudly released the 2016 the J.D. Power Large Business Commercial Insurance Study. The annual report measures risk professionals’ satisfaction with commercial insurers and insurance brokers. Congratulations to Lockton and XL Catlin for receiving top honors. The complete survey is available through J.D. Power and the report’s highlights can be found in RIMS Risk Knowledge library.
RIMS global initiatives remain a priority and are key to gaining new perspectives. While I spoke in front of a crowd of 400 attendees at RIMS Risk Forum Middle East just last week, RIMS Board Director Robert Zhang met with students at Peking University in China. During his lecture at Peking University, Robert had the opportunity to share his career experiences and the advantages of being a part of this Society. RIMS continues to lead the way. We continue to produce the highest quality and most relevant resources and conferences. We bring together the world’s risk management community, enhancing each of our perspectives and profoundly advancing our ability to achieve our goals.
This year has also given me the opportunity to see first-hand RIMS staff's commitment to excellence in executing on the vision of the board. The work that RIMS CEO Mary Roth and her team do on a daily basis to ensure that RIMS remains the best in business is outstanding. Their passion for the Society and the profession is inspiring and I want to thank them for everything that they do.
The Society’s Board of Directors is made up of some of the most dedicated professionals with whom I have had the privilege to work. I can’t express enough how amazing you all are and how important your support has been throughout my presidency.
Finally, I’d like to thank YOU, our members. Thank you for sharing your experiences, your insight and, most importantly, your time. Your stories have provided RIMS and your fellow practitioners with invaluable perspective and are the reason the Society continues to thrive.
We’re looking forward to bringing you more great opportunities in the year ahead. It has been my pleasure to serve as RIMS 62nd President - and I'm excited about what the next year holds as our new executive committee prepares for 2017!
Happy and healthy holidays and New Year!
Sincerely,
Julie C. Pemberton
RIMS 2016 President