Advertise on podcast: JPIA Five

In this episode of JPIA Five, ACWA JPIA Deputy Executive Officer Jennifer Jobe joins Cybersecurity Risk Specialist Hunter Sargent to discuss practical ways water agencies can reduce cyber risk with limited staff and budgets. Learn where to begin, which security measures to prioritize, and how to make the most of existing tools and resources. From employee training and multifactor authentication to secure backups and protecting operational technology, Hunter shares actionable guidance, including questions to ask your managed service provider (MSP) and what support is available to ACWA JPIA Cyber Liability Program participants.

In Part 2 of our conversation on five key loss trends within ACWA JPIA’s Commitment to Excellence (C2E) Program, Risk Control Manager Robin Flint is joined by Lead Risk Control Advisor Matt Bunde and Senior Risk Control Advisor Jesse Cota to continue exploring the trends impacting members and the practical steps agencies can take to reduce losses. The discussion takes a closer look at theft and vandalism, including strategies members are using to better protect remote facilities and infrastructure, as well as ergonomics and the strains and sprains that continue to drive workers’ compensation claims. The team shares real-world examples, practical loss-prevention strategies, and resources available through ACWA JPIA, including the C2E security audit checklist, engineering controls, and job hazard analysis tools. Tune in for actionable ideas to help strengthen your agency’s safety practices, protect critical infrastructure, and reduce preventable losses.

Loss prevention starts with knowing where to focus. In this episode of JPIA Five, Risk Control Manager Robin Flint is joined by Lead Risk Control Advisor Matt Bunde and Senior Risk Control Advisor Jesse Cota to discuss five loss trends affecting ACWA JPIA members: ergonomic injuries, vehicle incidents, line-locating and excavation claims, canal failures and flooding, and theft and vandalism. The Risk Control team shares practical strategies agencies can use to reduce these exposures—from strengthening training and procedures to maintaining valid Underground Service Alert tickets, documenting work before, during, and after a project, and improving canal inspections. Listeners will also learn how ACWA JPIA’s Commitment to Excellence (C2E) resources and Risk Control Advisors can help members turn loss trends into meaningful prevention.

In this episode of JPIA Five, ACWA JPIA CEO Adrienne Beatty and Deputy Executive Officer Jennifer Jobe sit down with Betsy Miller, General Manager of the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, and Lisa Haney, Executive Director of Planning and Natural Resources for Orange County Water District, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the power of female connection in the workplace. Together, they discuss the importance of creating intentional spaces where leaders can build meaningful relationships and how mentorship and authentic support can shape careers. Whether you're an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, this episode offers thoughtful insights on cultivating community, embracing authentic leadership, and helping others grow alongside you.

Earthquakes are an inevitable reality for California public agencies, making immediate access to recovery funds critical. In this episode of JPIA Five, Deputy Executive Officer Jennifer Jobe sits down with Alex Tokar, Managing Director at Aon Risk and Insurance, to break down ACWA JPIA’s new parametric earthquake coverage program. Learn how this innovative, data-driven model bypasses the traditional claims adjustment process to deliver rapid funding within days of a qualifying seismic event, offering members a more stable, equitable, and proactive tool for disaster preparedness.

This special episode of the JPIA 5 podcast features a live session from the 2026 ACWA JPIA Spring Membership Summit focused on hazard mitigation planning and federal funding opportunities. Hear practical insights and lessons learned from water agency leaders and emergency planning professionals as they discuss resilience, infrastructure protection, grant funding pathways, and the importance of long-term planning.

In this episode of JPIA Five, CEO Adrienne Beatty speaks with Ernie Avila, President of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) and Board President of Contra Costa Water District, about leadership, partnership, and the critical role risk pools play in supporting California water agencies. Ernie shares insights from his time serving on both the ACWA and ACWA JPIA leadership teams, exploring the strong connection between advocacy and risk management, and highlighting how collaboration between ACWA and ACWA JPIA helps agencies maintain reliable service 24/7. Key themes include: • Why the partnership between ACWA and ACWA JPIA forms a foundational support system for water agencies • The value of prevention-focused risk management and safety culture • How the risk pool model strengthens resilience within the water community • Why JPIA should be viewed as a service continuity partner - not just a budget line item

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, ACWA JPIA's Director of Pooled Programs Jennifer Jobe sits down with our very own Cybersecurity Risk Specialist, Hunter Sargent to break down what cyber risk really means for water agencies. Drawing from his experience in the U.S. Air Force and National Security Agency, Hunter explains how today’s threats to public infrastructure overlap with national defense concerns and why water agencies remain a key target. More importantly, the conversation focuses on practical support. Hunter shares how ACWA JPIA partners with members to strengthen cyber resilience through external vulnerability scanning, phishing simulations, tabletop exercises, and ongoing training. Whether your agency has a full IT department or relies on a managed service provider, this episode outlines accessible steps to reduce risk and build confidence.

Join Jennifer Jobe, Director of Pooled Programs at ACWA JPIA, as she sits down with Alex Tokar, Managing Director at Aon, for an insightful conversation on the current state of California’s property insurance market. They’ll explore the latest trends in property insurance availability and pricing, challenges facing the industry, and how ACWA JPIA is strategically navigating this evolving landscape. Don’t miss this timely discussion packed with expert insights and practical takeaways for water agencies and risk management professionals.

Discover how an irrigation district is transforming workplace culture from the inside out. In this episode, we sit down with September Singh, Assistant General Manager, and Donaday Chapman, SPHR/SHRM-SCP, Human Resources Business Partner at Fresno Irrigation District, to explore their innovative in-house training initiative: CORE. Learn how this multi-dimensional core values training program is driving a slow but steady cultural shift, reducing employee turnover, and boosting engagement across the organization. They’ll share how the program was developed, is being implemented, and how other agencies can replicate its success. Whether you're in HR, agency leadership, or just passionate about organizational culture, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

Join ACWA JPIA Employee Benefits Manager, Adam Dedmon, as he explores the Carrum Health program benefit with Laures Stiles (Director of HR & Administration, San Louis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority) and Anjanette Shadley (Assistant General Manager, Western Canal Water District). The conversation explores the Carrum Heath member benefit from the perspective of a program administrator and user, offering unique insights into benefits for both water agencies and employees. More information about the Carrum Heath program can be found on ACWA JPIA's website under the "Benefits" tab.

In this episode, join ACWA JPIA Member Education Manager, Sarah Crawford, as she interviews three senior JPIA member water agency leaders, Stephen Lang, Betsy Miller, and Kevin Phillips, to learn about their senior leadership journeys and experience in the ACWA JPIA Leadership Essentials for the Water Industry Program.

In this episode, Member Education Manager Sarah Crawford discusses the 10th anniversary of the ACWA JPIA Leadership Essentials for the Water Industry Program, a transformative, year-long experience to develop strong, self-aware leaders in the water industry. She’s joined by Clint Camac, an experienced leadership and development trainer, to explore how the program’s small cohort model fosters deep personal and professional growth. Blending in-person retreats with engaging webinars, the program prioritizes a “people first” approach while staying firmly focused on results. The 2025-2026 cohort application period just opened. Learn more at: https://www.acwajpia.com/training-2/#leadership-program

In this episode, we sit down with David Drake, a dedicated leader with over 11 years of service to ACWA JPIA, including his role as Vice President of the Executive Committee. David reflects on his impactful journey in water agency governance and risk management, starting from his time at Rincon del Diablo Water District. He shares pivotal moments in the development of the California Water Insurance Fund, the growth of JPIA into a leading risk pool, and the challenges faced in coverage disputes. With a focus on leadership, collaboration, and personal growth, David offers thoughtful insights as he prepares to step away from his official duties, while reaffirming his commitment to the water industry.

In the latest episode of the podcast, hosted by Adam Dedmon, Employee Benefits Manager at ACWA JPIA, guest Katie Wilcox, Client Success Manager from Progyny, discusses the transformative role of fertility benefits in employee health plans. Progyny offers specialized, comprehensive services for fertility and family planning. Offering innovative features like "smart cycles," Progyny provides members with a customizable package of services for individual fertility needs, as well as additional support programs, including reimbursement for adoption and doula expenses. Tune in to learn how these benefits make a difference for JPIA members! For more on medical benefits available to members of ACWA JPIA's Employee Benefits program, visit: https://www.acwajpia.com/member-agency-benefits/#tab-dae1a9b8814e12d442e For more about Progyny, visit: https://progyny.com/