News

Honoring Leadership and Service in Pooling

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 ...
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Marinda Griese Receives 2026 Award for Excellence in Service

Marinda Griese, b oard p resident of the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) and claims administrator of the California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority (CJPRMA), is the recipient of AGRiP’s Award for Excellence in Service, recognizing her measurable contributions to public entity pooling and her service-driven leadership within the pooling community. The Award for Excellence in Service honors an individual who actively promotes and strengthens public entity pooling through contributions of special merit, demonstrate s improvements to services provided by or to AGRiP ...
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Mike Rhyner Receives 2026 Award for Excellence in Leadership

Mike Rhyner, recently retired executive director of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), has been named the 2026 recipient of AGRiP’s Award for Excellence in Leadership, recognizing a career marked by sustained impact, innovatio n and a commitment to professional development within the industry. The Award for Excellence in Leadership recognizes individual contributions to pooling by those who have demonstrated transformative leadership, exceptional support for the professional development and mentorship of others , and a pivotal role in addressing significant ...
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Four Pools Receive Internship and Scholarship Reimbursements

We’re pleased to announce the four recipients of our 2025 internship and scholarship reimbursements: Housing Authorities Risk Retention Pool (HARRP) Ohio Transit Risk Pool (OTRP) Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group (OMAG) Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM) AGRiP supports scholarship and internship programs to help pools build strong talent pipelines, stand out in a competitive hiring market, and introduce students and emerging professionals to mission-driven careers in pooling. Reimbursements are funded through a donation from QEI Patron Alliant Insurance Services. For the 2025 reimbursement ...
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10 Member Pools Earned AGRiP Recognition in 2025

Ten member pools earned AGRiP Recognition in 2025 and will be acknowledged at Governance Conference for their achievement: Arizona School Alliance for Workers' Compensation Arizona School Risk Retention Trust Property & Casualty Coverage for Education (Oregon) Schools Insurance Group (California) Special Districts Insurance Services Trust (Oregon) Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management Fund Texas Council Risk Management Fund Washington Cities Insurance Authority Washington Schools Risk Management Pool Water and Sewer Risk Management Pool (Washington) AGRiP Recognition ...
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Register for Governance Conference by Feb. 6

The deadline to register for Governance Conference 2026 is Friday, Feb. 6. Join your pooling peers in Nashville, March 1–4, for fresh perspectives, practical takeaways and meaningful conversations . Two days of concurrent sessions cover timely , real-world challenges and opportunities. In addition, five high-impact keynote sessions set the tone and connect the dots across pooling experience s . Plan to attend from start to finish to maximize learn ing from our expert resources . The keynote s explain : How ...
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Join the Membership Practices Committee to Support Advisory Standards for Recognition

The Membership Practices Committee (MPC) plays a key role in supporting the Advisory Standards for Recognition by reviewing and implementing new standards, developing sample materials and conducting peer reviews of Recognition applications. This engaged group brings real-world perspectives that enhance consistency and quality across pools, while offering valuable professional development and a deeper understanding of the full scope of public entity pooling. The MPC meets two to three times a year via Zoom and provides a collaborative forum for discussion and shared learning. The committee is composed of a mix of top ...
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Set Realistic Expectations for AI in Pooling

As AI ’s presence within pooling grows, so do questions about what AI can realistically deliver and how it fits within existing responsibilities and values. Our latest issue of Intelligence explores AI myths and truths , providing context for pools looking to better understand where AI fits today and next steps for adoption. AI delivers the most value when pools use it intentionally, start with practical applications, and refine its use over time while keeping human judgment at the center.
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Learn, Connect and Problem-Solve at Governance Conference 2026

Registration is now open for pools and QEI Patrons to attend Governance Conference 2026 , March 1–4 in Nashville. This annual learning opportunity brings together pool governing body members and supporting staff . Through candid discussion and real-wor ld examples, attendees gain practical guidance they can apply back home . The c onference is also a chance to connect with service providers that support pool governance, operations and member service. Content is designed for governing body members at any experience level and staff whose functional roles support board ...
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Advisory Standards for Recognition Now Include AI Best Practices

Effective Jan. 1, our Advisory Standards for Recognition have been updated to help pools address a rapidly changing environment of AI-enabled operations . The updates support responsible AI use across the full spectrum of pool operations . AI-related considerations have been incorporated into existing standards for claims management, underwriting, service provider contra cts , dat a s ecurity and business continuity . In addition, a new standard provides guidance for pools adopting AI more broadly. As with all A dvisory S tandards, the ...
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Lexipol Becomes a Legacy-Level QEI Patron

Lexipol , a longstanding and collaborative partner to many pools , has become a Legacy-level QEI Patron. QEI Patrons advance AGRiP’s educational mission, making pools more effective, collaborative and informed. They provide significant funding support to AGRiP conferences, webinars and Pooling Academy. Legacy-level support is only available to service provider organizations that have demonstrated longevity in commitment to pooling. This highest tier of patronage reflects Lexipol’s support of pools and the communities they serve. W ith ...
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Strengthening Connections through Member Pool Visits

One of the greatest strengths of the pooling community is learn ing from peers working through similar realities. While each pool operates within its own regulatory, geographic and organizational context, there are common experiences and issues that extend across the pooling community . AGRiP colle cts and shares pooling experiences in a variety of ways, including visiting member po ols. During recent visits with nine pools, we heard about a few common challenges : Increasing numbers of sexual abuse and molestation claims as statutes of limitations are extended by ...
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View AI Agents as Digital Teammates

Pools are moving into a meaningful new phase of AI adoption. After establishing early efficiencies with everyday tools, they are now ready for a deeper opportunity: using AI agents as digital teammate s that support broader workflows, strengthen decisions and expand the capacity of staff. Many pools initially use AI for quick efficiencies such as capturing notes, drafting communications or organizing information. Those early gains build momentum, yet they represent only the beginning. Greater value emerges when AI strengthens broader operational processes, ...
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Pools Talk About Public Safety Risk Mitigation

Lexipol , an AGRiP CEO-level QEI Patron, recently gathered risk pool leaders for a conversation that prompted rare candor about the challenges and opportunities shaping public safety risk mitigation today. The conversation centered around how pools can leverage policy, training and performance insight to address foreseeable risks within member agencies before they escalate. Pool participants discussed the need for clearer visibility into member-agency operations, particularly around policy adoption, training participation and compliance behaviors, to better understand where exposures originate and how pools can intervene ...
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Governance Conference 2026 Registration Is Open for Pools

Governance Conference  takes place  March 1–4 in Nashville, Tennessee .  This event brings together pool governing body members of all experience levels, as well as pool staff who support governance decisions through their day-to-day work. Attendees will explore concepts that shape their pool roles and prioritie s, address common challenges and connect in a collaborative environment. Conference sessions address a range of topics, such as improving operational efficiency, e ducat ing your members about rate increases and coverage changes, managing multi-year strategic priorities ...
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Engage Members through Podcasting

Podcasts give pools a platform to inform and inspire members , turning experiences into stories, expertise into lessons and connections into community. With clear strategy and authentic voices, each episode strengthens engagement and brings your pool’s mission to life. Make Strategy Your Starting Point Before pressing record , define what success looks like. Think beyond simply “ having a podcast” and focus on how the platform supports your pool ’ s strategic goals , audience needs and member -focused value s . As with any project, t ake the time to ...
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Establish Standards with an AI Use Policy

AI opens the door to sharper insight s , faster workflows and stronger member service delivery. It also calls for disciplined attention to data privacy, clear decision-making processes and accountability at every level. A clear AI use policy gives important structure to that balance. It helps pool teams pursue innovation while protecting member trust. It defines how and when AI can be applied, what standards must be met and who oversees the process. Most importantly, it reinforces that technology should always serve human judgment — never replace it. The Role of an AI Use Policy ...
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2026 Residency Focuses on Operational Efficiency

Each year, AGRiP produces a residency for pools to explore big ideas and insights for their future success. In 2025, the residency highlighted the growing impact, challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence. Our 2026 residency turns attention to operational efficiency, demonstrating how streamlined workflows and optimized daily work processes can enhance the results pools deliver to their members. The residency will explore practical ways to reduce points of friction , reclaim ing daily and strategic focus to strengthen organizational performance across al l pool operations. ...
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AI Accountability Among Pool Service Providers

Every day, your pool data flows through service provider systems enhanced by AI. Understanding your service providers' AI practices is important to identify vulnerabilities before they surface, clarify accountabilities and protect member data across every partnership. Read the latest Intelligence for a practical framework to evaluate your service providers’ AI use, protect pool data and strengthen oversight. Taking a systematic approach to understanding and guiding service provider use of AI will help your pool navigate AI risks and rewards with confidence.
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Apply for Internship and Scholarship Reimbursement by Dec. 4

AGRiP member pools in good standing can apply for reimbursement for internships and scholarships paid in the 2025 calendar year. Apply for reimbursement by Dec. 4, 2025. Our internship and scholarship reimbursements : Ignite interest in pooling careers B uild relationships with post-secondary institutions Guide the next generation of professionals in our one-of-a-kind industry Explore our internship and scholarship resources , and c ontact Claire Torza with questions.
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