Ashley Rogers joined the Town of Smithfield four years ago as their director of human resources. Working for a small town, Rogers has utilized many of the consulting services VRSA has to offer, including those of VRSA Director of Human …
Christopher Himes, Assistant to City Manager at the City of Manassas Park, began his career with the city in June of 2019. He previously worked in private industry and as a naval officer and aviator in the United States Navy. …
Read More › “City of Manassas Park utilizes VRSA grant funds for continuing education”
Like many local governments, The Town of Herndon – up until December of 2019 – utilized staff from various positions throughout their organization to tag-team the duties associated with risk management. In Herndon, finance managed property loss, human resources managed …
Read More › ““People are my purpose.” – Meet Roxann Fox Simkins, Herndon Risk Manager”
Nationally nearly 80,000 cars ran school bus stop arms each day, according to a study conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services. Not only is this illegal, but it can also lead to serious injury …
Read More › “Chesapeake Public Schools implements program to reduce stop arm violations”
Local political subdivision leaders make decisions every day that impact their diverse communities, yet often these decisions are being made by leadership bodies that have not focused on cognitive diversity, and who do not reflect the diversity of their citizens. …
It is estimated that one in four girls and one in six boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. “Child abusers tend to gravitate toward places that provide easy access to children, so schools are often their preferred …
In accordance with the Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA) bylaws, we are notifying the membership of the annual election for the Members’ Supervisory Board to be held at the VRSA Annual Meeting on May 7, 2021, and soliciting nominations for …
Many bills introduced that could impact the risk management landscape Uncertainty equals risk, and VRSA members are facing considerable uncertainty in the current legislative session. Risk can be positive or negative depending how the legislation impacts your organizational goals and …
By Tina Stevens, VRSA Director of Human Resources I began my career in the early 1980’s at a life insurance company where there was a very strict dress code. All the men wore suits or sports coats AND ties. If …
Last year the Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA) partnered with member Prince William County Schools (self-insured for workers’ compensation) to share in the cost of hiring defense counsel to file an amicus brief with the Virginia Supreme Court. Ralph Whitt, …
Read More › “VRSA partners with members to file amicus brief with Virginia Supreme Court”
A new look to the VRSA member home page is coming on Feb. 1! Currently, the global navigation for VRSA’s public website remains at the top of the page after logging in to the member website. Member only resources are accessed through the …
Read More › “Member home page navigation changes coming Feb. 1”
By Hollie S. Cammarasana, VRSA Director of Communications A 2018 Pew Research Social Media study showed that 68 percent of American adults received their news through social media. Add to that, social media is the top source for breaking news, …
Read More › “Creating impactful standby statements in crisis communications”
Each year VRSA sponsors a holiday drive for a local nonprofit. This year, the Employee Engagement Committee chose Worthdays for this annual event. Worthdays, who just celebrated their fifth anniversary, helps children feel special by remembering and celebrating the special …
The following courses ranked as the top ten VRSA Online University courses utilized from Oct. 1 – December 31, 2020. Security Awareness Defensive Driving Cyber Security Best Practices Winter Driving Safety VOSH Emergency Temporary Standard The Power of Respectful Language …
Read More › “Winter 2021: Top ten VRSA Online University courses used!”
As customary, VRSA will be sending out a request for renewal information by the end of January. The request will come directly to your entity’s underwriting contact. The information will be accessed through a link as opposed to logging in …
Each quarter, the Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA) publishes the Gold Star List. The list recognizes members that have had workers’ compensation claims during the previous quarter and reported them within three days of injury. Late reporting is a major …
The requirement that employers provide paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) expired on Dec. 31, 2020. Please visit the Wage and Hour Division’s FFCRA Questions and Answers page to learn more …
Read More › “FFCRA Leave Requirements Expired Dec. 31, 2020”
Like many of you, VRSA started 2020 with big plans. 2020 marked the pool’s 40th anniversary – one we planned to celebrate by easing what worries our members so they can focus on what matters most – serving their communities. …
Virginia winters can be unpredictable. From December to March, the Commonwealth averages from eight inches of snow near the coast, to upwards of 25 inches in the mountains. Some areas near the Appalachians receive even more. In addition to snow, …
Read More › “Winter Weather Preparedness – Town of Strasburg’s Snowplow Rodeo”
Bridgewater Police Chief Joe Simmons began his career with the town in 1998. By 2011, he was serving as chief of police. “I want everyone in my department to know we are a team here to perform a public mission …
Read More › “Bridgewater Police Department Utilizes VRSA’s Public Safety Services”
VRSA Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock began his VRSA career as a law enforcement specialist in 2006. Previously, Bullock spent 14 years in law enforcement with his last position at the Henrico County Police Department. “One of the …
Read More › “Meet VRSA Director of Education and Training Thomas Bullock”
Many times, organizations make plans that are progressive, forward-thinking, and well-intended. Often, plans are changed or cancelled due to a varying number of issues and circumstances. Often, putting ideas into action can take months or even years of planning. That …
Read More › “VML 2020 Local Champion Award in Risk Management presented to Town of Vinton”
The Pink Patch Project originated in 2013 with the Seal Beach Police Department in Southern California, who wore pink patches on their uniforms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. VRSA member law enforcement agencies from Poquoson, Williamsburg and Middletown also participate …
Read More › “Citizen Engagement and The Pink Patch Project with the Middletown Police Department”
COVID-19 has had an impact on every part of our daily lives – and holidays have been no exception. While many localities have made the tough decision to cancel or hold virtual events, the Town of Vinton has taken a …
Read More › “Town of Vinton’s 2020 Reverse Christmas Parade”
Like many school systems today, Martinsville City Schools provides technology to students to enhance their learning. And, like many school systems today – Martinsville City Schools is relying on these devices heavily as instruction has moved online due to COVID-19. …
Read More › “Virtual Learning and Martinsville City Schools”
Save up to 93% on training costs and travel time for your staff through the VRSA Online University today over traditional instructor-led courses.