wray ryback, mha, cphrm risk manager pomona valley … · 2020-05-19 · 2020 election - candidate...

2020 Election - Candidate Information

Wray Ryback, MHA, CPHRM

Risk Manager

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Board of Directors: Vice President/President-Elect

Ms. Ryback has been in the healthcare field for almost 30 years. Her most recent position is at Pomona

Valley Hospital Medical Center, a 412 bed non-profit medical center in the Inland Valley. As Risk Manager,

Wray manages all aspects of the Risk Management and Patient Relations Departments including, event

reporting, claims management, a $4 Million insurance portfolio and joint commission compliance, to name

a few.

In addition to her role as Risk Manager, Ms. Ryback is a Commissioner at Tri-City Mental Health Services,

the regional Mental Health Authority serving the Pomona, Claremont and La Verne communities. Her

most recent challenge is as Adjunct Faculty at the University of La Verne, teaching Current Trends in

Healthcare.

In her personal time, Wray enjoys all outdoor activities, reading, swimming and spending time with friends

& family.

Objectives: During this time of crisis, I would be honored to serve as your VP/President Elect in order to

advance the mission of our organization. I have served as Treasurer during the last two years and can

report that our financial status has improved drastically during my tenure. Due to excellent operations,

your organization is strong and will remain strong during this national emergency.

I plan to have an extraordinary 2021 Conference so that all members can participate in the informative

annual education program this organization offers along with the valuable networking that improves all

our professional relationships. In addition, I expect to provide our members additional opportunities to

expand your knowledge base through multiple online and in-person programs, resources and tools. I am

truly honored to be considered for this position and hope to have the opportunity to serve you well.


Joann Wortham, RN, MSN, JD, CPHRM, CPPS, CPHQ

Health System Risk Management, Clinical

UCLA

Board of Directors: Vice President/President-Elect

Joann Wortham has been a registered nurse for 25 years. In terms of clinical experience, her specialty is

neonatal/pediatric intensive care. Her nursing career includes being a front-line provider as well as a nurse

manager and house supervisor. For the past 12 years, Joann has held the positions of Patient Safety Officer

(5) and Risk Manager (7). She has worked in both the health care delivery and insurance industries. She

currently provides enterprise risk management consultation for the UCLA Health System, which includes

two hospitals, over 200 outpatient clinics/surgical centers and a school of medicine.

Joann graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University (BSN), Walden University (MSN) and William

Howard (JD). She is also a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM), a Certified

Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). She is a

contributor to the ASHRM Human Capital Playbook and author of the Culture STEPS webinar and

guidebook series. She speaks on a national and state level regarding both risk management and patient

safety issues. Most recently she was invited to conduct one of the first ASHRM pre-conference workshops

with a return invitation for 2020. Finally, she is the current culture of safety assessment consultant for

Yale Health.

Objectives: SCAHRM’s Mission is to provide its members with continuing education, networking

opportunities and professional enhancements within the health care community.

• Continuing Education: My colleagues and I take advantage of the many continuing education

opportunities that SCAHRM presents annually. The goal, in this instance, would be to continue the

current trajectory with added guidance from professionals who link risk mitigation with workplace

culture dynamics.

• Networking: SCAHRM has a strong networking core. Expanding on the top-notch services with

additional online sponsored events, including “TED Talks” for risk management may be an

interesting, additional (fun) option.

• Professional Enhancements: The members of SCAHRM are highly skilled. I would love to sponsor a

short “Fire Side Chat” series with some of our seasoned professionals. This would give them

another opportunity to share their knowledge while allowing member neophytes to gain critical,

bite-size insights into everyday enterprise risk management. This may also be another avenue to

engage members.


Terese (Terry) Hopper, CPHRM

AVP Healthcare Risk Manager

CHUBB

Board of Directors: Treasurer

Terry Hopper is the AVP of Chubb’s Healthcare Team based on the West Coast. Ms. Hopper provides

attainable risk management strategies, support and solutions to Chubb’s insureds across the county.

Terry brings nearly 30 years of experience in professional and general liability claims, and healthcare risk

management. Prior to joining Chubb, Ms. Hopper worked with Sedgwick CMS, BETA Healthcare Group and

Prospect Medical Holdings and is a member of ASHRM, SCAHRM, CSHRM and CHARM.

Objectives: As treasurer of SCAHRM it is my intention to responsibly manage and financially safeguard

SCAHRM’s activities by working closely with the board and its committees and to provide timely reporting

and disbursements as needed.


Timothy Scanlan, II

Structured Settlement Specialist

Summit Settlement Services

Board of Directors: Treasurer

Tim Scanlan’s primary focus is on evaluating claims and constructing settlement plans that bridge the gap

between the available settlement dollars and the needs and financial objectives of the plaintiff. Tim

currently holds a California life insurance license (#0K68870) and is a member of the National Structured

Settlement Trade Association and the Society of Settlement Planners.

He provides educational seminars on settlement planning to attorneys and claims professionals. He works

alongside Dorothy Stevens at Summit Settlement Services in their Long Beach office since 2015. He is also

a contributor to a newsletter entitled “The Structured Settlement Report.”

Objectives: As in my previous experience with taking over a Treasurer position for a non-profit, the

immediate goal is to align with the process that has been in place from the previous years. By working

with past Treasurer/s I can maintain the system while inquiring into what new goals and objectives are

desired for the coming year. After a smooth transition, my goal would be to maintain transparency,

availability, and diligence in regard to the finances of the association.

My role as a structured settlement professional is to always be ‘on-point’ with the numbers as they relate

to tax-free annuities to resolve disputed claims. I will bring that same attention to detail and focus to my

responsibilities as acting Treasurer.


Lindy Hardman, CPHRM, RPLU+, ASLI

Regional Manager

Ironshore Insurance Services

Board of Directors: Board Member at Large

My career in the insurance industry is going on 42 years (with no plans to retire!). I have been (and am

currently) on the Underwriting side as well as having held regional leadership and marketing positions

with AIG, Reliance, Zurich, Crum & Forster and Beazley. I have been at Ironshore Insurance Services since

July 2015, where I have a dual role within our West Region of underwriting physician groups for medical

malpractice and in marketing our many IronHealth products.

I am a licensed P&C Agent and hold the CPHRM, RPLU+ and ASLI designations.

Objectives: My objectives are to assist SCAHRM in any way possible in order to maintain a vibrant and

dynamic continuing education program and to facilitate our social networking opportunities to make our

chapter a leader in collaboration and connectivity, which will enable us to further increase membership.


Sherri Horowitz

VP Business Development and

Relationship Management


For several decades I have enjoyed a healthcare career in Risk Management, Patient Safety and Quality

and Infection Control software within several Fortune 100 companies including Marsh & McLennan,

McKesson and Xerox.

My volunteer service includes years of serving on the SCAHRM board as an ambassador orienting new

members, and the educational and nomination committees. I currently serve on the board of Healthcare

Executives, hold the leadership position of Area Director for Toastmasters International and enjoy

membership at HFMA and CSHRM. Simplifying healthcare is a passion.

My diversity offers capacity and breadth for SCAHRM.

I am looking forward to working with you to help grow our educational offerings for all. Thank you for

your vote!

Objectives: Passionate. Motivated. Invested. Determined to ensure we continue as a prestigious

organization by offering the website digital educational platform, tidbits of information, and quick reads

about current issues. Offer timely and relevant informational items which encourages additional

members to join in and share their knowledge basis.

My goals are

1. Continue to build the enhanced and vibrant SCAHRM website that includes additional links and

webinars for educational components for hospital, legal and brokerage firms.

2. Promote additional resources to members.

3. Create a blog to continue sharing the SCAHRM philosophy and educational feedback.


Reeta Kumar

Director, Patient Services/Risk Management

San Antonio Regional Hospital, Upland


I have been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years and with experience in medical, surgical and critical care

nursing units, case management, quality and risk management. I have served in quality and risk

management areas for the last 20 years in acute care settings ranging from small community hospitals to

academic centers. Last year I served on the risk management committee for the Optima Healthcare

Insurance Services and brought a “boots on ground” perspective and provided input for education and

training. Currently, I am enrolled in the Intensive Practice Program (IPP) at MARC, UCLA with a goal to

receive Training in Mindfulness Facilitation (TMF) and apply mindfulness teachings and principles in

healthcare settings. In my current job, I serve as a HCRO (Health Care Reliability Organizing) guide team

member from last four years of our organization’s journey to make care highly reliable. I have recruited

four Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) and two of them are focused on our organization’s initiative to learn

and teach communities about the opioid crisis. Our most recent event hosted Dr. John Sorboro, Chief

Medical Officer on Behavioral Health, HSAG HIIN program, with over 20 organizations participating in the

learnings.

Objectives: Part of SCAHRM’s mission is to provide its members with continuing education, networking

opportunities, and professional enhancements within the healthcare community. This resonates with me

at many different levels as I have grown immensely professionally with SACHRM and been able to provide

my organization and care team members with the support they need in real time.

My objectives for next year will be to establish a strong focus on education and networking opportunities.

As we face unknown challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of survival and resilience is

unfolding every day in many organizations. I would like to learn and apply new knowledge to grow our

support to all members and health care organizations during these crises. Additionally, after COVID 19

crisis is over, I would like to explore the availability and use of technology for creative connectivity in real

time with others in the similar healthcare settings.


Nicole Melvani

Associate Attorney

Neil Dymott Frank McCabe & Hudson


Nicole Melvani joined Neil Dymott as an associate in 2016. Her practice areas include general civil

litigation, and the defense of general and professional liability, medical malpractice, and products liability

matters. She is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, the Association of Southern California

Defense Counsel, and currently serves on the Board of San Diego Defense Lawyers. She is admitted to

practice in California and Florida. Ms. Melvani earned her Masters of Arts in International Affairs, her

Bachelor of Arts International Affairs, and her Bachelor of Science in Multinational Business Operations

from Florida State University. She earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 2011.

Following law school, Ms. Melvani served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Thomas E. Morris and

the Honorable Monte C. Richardson, United States Magistrate Judges for the United States District Court

for the Middle District of Florida. After completing her terms, she joined the law firm Murphy & Anderson

in Jacksonville, Florida, where she represented clients in complex commercial litigation, product liability

and construction defect litigation, before moving with her family to California and joining Neil Dymott.

Objectives: As a practicing defense attorney relocating to Southern California several years ago, I

experienced first-hand the positive impact SCAHRM can have in professional development, education,

and building a sense of community. Through service on the board, I would like to give back by contributing

time, efforts, and creativity towards furthering SCAHRM’s important mission of providing quality, helpful,

and up-to-date options for continuing education, and of enhancing professional networking opportunities

within the health care and risk management community. This mission is critical now more than ever given

the unprecedented changes we are experiencing across the industry.


Coleen Mulhern

Senior Underwriter - Healthcare

AIG


I have worked at AIG since 2015 as a Healthcare Professional Liability Underwriter in the Los Angeles

office. Before becoming an underwriter, I was a commercial insurance broker for most of my business

career, while serving most of that time at Marsh & McLennan in New York City, Los Angeles, Newport

Beach and San Francisco. While at Marsh & McLennan as an Assistant Vice President, I was a member of

the Healthcare Industry Practice. I focused on other industry segments such as Consumer Products, Public

Entities, OCIPs and Ports as well. Prior to becoming a broker, I worked for the CPCU Society as their

Professional Services Coordinator. In this capacity, I developed educational programs for national

audiences, managed on-site logistics, developed marketing materials for seminar promotion, and edited

professional Section newsletters. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University.

Objectives: I am interested in serving on the SCAHRM Board to support and further the mission and goals

of the Board and our membership. I am flexible in terms of taking on needed projects and can offer my

skills related to projects in networking, marketing and educational programs. SCAHRM is a very well-run

organization with a strong reputation for its wide, vibrant and loyal membership, a variety of excellent

educational programs, and networking opportunities. It would be an honor to support this organization.


Terrell Muldrow

Risk Specialist

Keck Medical Center of USC


T. Terrell Muldrow is a Risk Specialist with the Office of Integrated Risk Management for Keck Medical

Center of USC. Since joining Keck in 2017, Terrell has completed USC’s Lean Academy and has used the

information gained to identified areas of opportunities and has established programs and workflows to

streamline tasks, eliminate waste, reduce redundancy all while increasing productivity.

As a strong believer in helping those in need, Terrell joined USC’s Community Emergency Response Team

(CERT), a FEMA-certified program enacted in time of disaster, to fulfill her desire and commitment to the

ensuring the safety and well-being of others. She is also an active member with California’s Patient Rights

Association (CApra).

She currently holds a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing and is in the

pursuit of obtaining a dual Master’s in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration.

Terrell enjoys food (both eating and cooking, in that order), music and being Team Mom for her boys

organized sports.

Objectives: In my term in office, it is my goal assist with content and workshop development, organization

awareness. Helping organizations outside of my own to work to improve professionalism as well as

improve the overall state of healthcare I find will be very rewarding. Being a part of an organization that

is look to for future communication and current methods will be beyond awarding for me

It is my personal goal to grow, develop and build relationships that will further my knowledge of

healthcare risk.


Angela Peachy-Larson

Director of Risk Management USC VHH

Office of Integrated Risk for Keck Medicine of USC


Angela is the Director of Risk Management for the USC Office of Integrated Risk. Angela has 15 years’

experience working in acute care hospitals. As the Director of Risk, Angela has helped to developed risk

programs and policies that promote patient safety. She helps to manage general liability and risk

exposures. Her work includes investigations of incidents, patient grievances, and medical malpractice

claims. Her committee work includes Safety, Security, Patient Rights, Reward and Recognition Programs

for Safety reporting, and Patient & Family Centered Care Council. Angela is also an Ambassador for USC

and actively helps to educate physicians, staff and colleagues regarding standards of excellence in

customer service, culture sensitivity, and safety awareness.

Angela is the past President for the California Association of Patient Relations, and currently serves on the

board for the Southern California Association of Risk Management.

In her free time, Angela enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys. Recently, Angela has

decided to return to school to obtain her degree in Hospital Administration and looks forward to

enhancing her skills.

Objectives: My objective is to serve our SCAHRM members by continuing to focus on participation and

overall growth with the ultimate goal of supporting membership career development.


Kendra Ramada

Litigation Manager

UCSD Hospital


I have a decade of legal experience in both the government and healthcare fields. Currently, I work as a

Litigation Manager in the Risk Management Department at UC San Diego Health, a position I’ve held for

three years. Prior to working in Risk Management, I worked in educational compliance and for the State

of NJ in the Attorney General’s Office. I obtained my Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami and

my Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University. I passed the bar in 2010 and gained my CPHRM in 2019.

Objectives: - Increase educational content available to members

- Work with members to increase the exchange of ideas between membership base, including sharing

practical toolkits, policies, procedures, etc.

- Increase members’ abilities to network/connect both in-person and virtually.


Mercedes Sequoia

Associate Attorney

Carroll, Kelly, Trotter, Franzen & McBride


I am an associate at the Carroll, Kelly, Trotter law firm and have focused my practice primarily on medical

malpractice defense. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in

both political science and classical civilizations. I received my Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School. I

am on the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach Advisory Board and volunteer with the

Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles. I am on the leadership boards of Women Lawyers of Long Beach (‘19-

‘20 President), California Women Lawyers and Long Beach Bar Association. I am also a member of the

ASCDC and WLALA.

In 2017, I was honored with the Emerging Leadership Award for my leadership, service and passion in

empowering women and advocating for my community at the annual Long Beach Leadership Prayer

Breakfast. In 2019 and 2020, I was named one of Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars. I have also been asked to

speak on various occasions for Continuing Legal Education credit on topics pertaining to young attorneys,

including issues involving bias and ethics.

Objectives: As an attorney defending health care professionals for the past seven years, I have become

intimately involved in key issues facing this community specifically from a litigation standpoint. I have

enjoyed representing these professionals in a number of lawsuits including cases involving medical

negligence, battery, fraud, elder and dependent adult abuse, bad faith and products liability. Due to these

experiences, I am interested in becoming more involved in this health care community by learning more

about topics relevant to the medical field and contributing my own perspective from the legal field.

Several of the members of SCAHRM are my own clients or contacts I have met through my cases and I

would love to meet more individuals with the same interests as myself.


Cari Toneck

VP, Chief Compliance and Risk Officer

Methodist Hospital of Southern California


I have created and manage an ERM Model that includes compliance, contracts, claims, privacy, IT security,

insurance management, licensing-accreditation-regulatory surveys, audits and internal monitoring, and

denials. In addition, I have oversight of other high-risk programs and services such as worker’s

compensation, employee labor and wage & hour practices, and policies and procedures. Most recently I

resumed oversight of quality, infection control and Safety and Emergency management. On an interim

basis I have managed Human Resources. I received her BSN, MN from UCLA and remain a state certified

Clinical Nurse Specialist in California with an emphasis in ED Care.

Professional experiences have included: President of the Legal Nurse Consulting Association, LA Chapter,

membership on the California Hospital Association’s Certification and Licensing Committee (6 years now),

and I am now serving my second round of another 3 year term on the Advocacy Committee through

ASHRM. Speaking engagements have included work with APU and their international student program,

Optima, and PLUS on cyber-security.

Objectives: I have always loved SCAHRM! This organization provides an invaluable service to our

members, from networking to educational support. The collaborative environment between carriers,

providers, and legal organizations creates a powerful environment to support professional growth and

legislative change. I have served on the Nominations Committee previously and very much enjoyed the

work and am hoping to continue my involvement moving forward.


Michelle Gu

Partner

Fraser Watson & Croutch, LLP

Nominating Committee

My principal area of specialization is healthcare litigation/ medical negligence. I have had the privilege of

defending hospitals and providers throughout Southern California in complex professional liability claims.

University of California, Los Angeles, BA, 1998

University of San Diego, School of Law, J.D., 2005

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded me over and over again of my deep respect and

appreciation for my clients, my family members, and my close friends serving in the healthcare profession.

Having defended hospitals, physicians, and nurses through the years, I see my involvement with SCAHRM

and on this committee as another way to further support the continuing needs of our healthcare

community. I look forward to working with risk managers and providers in SCAHRM as we learn together

and navigate through these new and challenging issues never before seen in the healthcare industry.


Sandi Shalometh, MA, MSN, RN CPHRM

Director Risk Management, Privacy & Compliance

Providence Medical Foundations


I have been a nurse for 35+ years and in Risk Management for over 25 years. Academically, I have a

Masters in Psychology and a Masters in Nursing. I have the CPHRM designation. I previously worked in

Professional Liability Claims and Risk for 3 California med mal carriers.

For the last 12 years I have been the Director of Risk Management for a large multi-specialty medical

group. In 2012 we affiliated with Providence and added Compliance and Privacy to my job duties.

I have been with SCAHRM for most of my career. I am a member of ASHRM and a member of SDAHRM. I

attend the SCARHM conference every year and almost all of the ASHRM conferences.

I currently serve on the Education Committee and served on the Education Committee earlier in my

career. I am passionate about Risk Management and would like to expand my service to SCAHRM as a

member of the nominating committee.

Thank you for your consideration.

Objectives: My goals are to encourage more of the membership to take an active role in SCHARM. I would

do this by inviting members to participate in committees so that they can prepare for leadership roles

within SCAHRM.


Jami Tencati

Associate Attorney

David Weiss Law


I specialize in the defense of medical and dental professionals, medical groups, and hospitals throughout

all stages of civil litigation and administrative matters against medical and dental malpractice claims. I am

involved in all aspects of my clients’ cases, including pre-trial and trial strategy, law and motion,

mediations, depositions, court appearances, and trial. I am an experienced second chair trial counsel,

including for a four-week jury trial that resulted in a complete defense verdict for our client. Before joining

David Weiss Law, I worked as an associate at a medical malpractice defense firm in San Francisco. In 2010,

I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Spanish from the University of California,

Davis. I earned my Juris Doctorate and graduated Cum Laude from Whittier College School of Law in 2014.

During law school, I served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Theodor C. Albert at the United States

Bankruptcy Court and participated in externships at the Attorney General’s Office, California Department

of Justice in the Health Quality Enforcement section, The Office of General Counsel at MemorialCare

Health System, and the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals at the Department of Health and Human

Services.

Objectives: As part of the Nominating Committee, I plan to implement a fair and efficient election process

that is inclusive and brings large participation across SCAHRM members. I hope to encourage participation

by educating our members about all the opportunities offered for members throughout the year.


Trevor Weyland

Area Senior Vice President

Arthur J. Gallagher


Trevor Weyland brings expertise in management liability and cyber insurance for healthcare organizations

of all types, including hospitals and integrated systems, health plans, physicians, and medical groups and

managed care organizations. Trevor acts in both advisory and placement capacities, assisting clients to

understand their exposures, and presenting those risks to insurers in the best and correct light, and then

in designing, marketing and negotiating their insurance programs.

Trevor has written for The Source on “Cyber Risk Aggregation in Healthcare” and “Medical Device

Cybersecurity,” and has presented at the Annual Conference on “Mergers and Acquisitions Best Practices

and Pitfalls”.

Trevor has 30 years of healthcare liability insurance experience. Prior to joining Gallagher he advised

healthcare clients for Marsh in Los Angeles, San Francisco and London. He holds a bachelor’s degree from

the University of Hull in England.

Objectives: I look forward to fulfilling my role in identifying qualified, motivated SCAHRM supporters for

Board positions, and making recommendations that will be a good fit for SCAHRM and that will help the

nominees in their own careers and experience.

wray ryback, mha, cphrm risk manager pomona valley … · 2020-05-19 · 2020 election - candidate...

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