AGRiP is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Awards for Excellence — two outstanding individuals who exemplify the best of the public entity pooling community and embody the awards’ spirit of practical innovation, steady leadership, and a commitment to developing talent and expertise.
Mike Rhyner, recently retired executive director of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), is the 2026 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Leadership. This award honors an individual whose contributions demonstrate transformative leadership, meaningful professional development or mentorship of others, and a pivotal role in addressing significant industry challenges. Mike is recognized for his leadership that strengthened MMRMA’s financial stability, coverage solutions and member value. His dedication extends beyond MMRMA to the broader pooling community, advancing programs that support professional growth and certifications.
Marinda Griese, Board President of the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) and claims administrator of the California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority (CJPRMA), is the 2026 recipient of the Award for Excellence in Service. This award recognizes someone who notably promotes and strengthens the field of pooling through contributions of special merit and benefit — advancing the quality and impact of services provided by or to AGRiP member pools and the wider pooling community. Marinda is recognized for her service-driven leadership that has fostered proactive, data-informed strategies to address today’s liability environment and expanded practical education and governance resources that support California pools and their members.
AGRiP will recognize both recipients on Monday, March 2, at Governance Conference 2026.