The pandemic and the economy are presenting various challenges for risk management teams across the nation, including difficulties within the insurance marketplace, emerging risks and the challenges associated with changing business operations.

The recent virtual conference, Elevate, presented by Out Front Ideas with Kimberly and Mark, hosted a panel of risk management professionals discussing the array of issues they face. Guests included:

• Melora Copeland — Director of Insurance, Compass Group USA
• Kelly Oyler — Senior Director, Insurance Risk, Walgreens Boot Alliance
• Jane Sandler — Vice President, Global Risk Management, McKesson
• Dawn Watkins — Director, Integrated Disability Management, LAUSD

Risk transfer programs & renewals

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is largely self-insured and represents the second-largest school district in the nation. LAUSD faced challenges before the pandemic began, with most of its students below the poverty line. For some students, the lunch they received during their school day might be their only meal of the day, creating a significant crisis when schools were shut down over the pandemic. Seeing an ultimate need, LAUSD launched a food program, offering a meal to anyone in need, providing over 100 million meals in the process. Other parts of their program have provided school supplies, diapers, and COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.