Risk Management Services Welcomes New Member
The SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund has welcomed Fairfield Joint Water and Sewer System, effective as of April 1, 2023 and the Town of Monetta effective as of June 5, 2023.
For more information about SC Municipal Insurance Trust and SCMIRF membership, contact Robert Collins, underwriting manager, at rcollins@masc.sc or 803.933.1279.
Kayde Niemira Joins Risk Management Services as Loss Control Coordinator
Prior Work Experience: Loss Control internship at Municipal Association of South Carolina
Hometown: Summerville, South Carolina
Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina with a major in economics.
Hobbies: Traveling, spending time on the lake and spending time with family and friends.
Spotlight on Risk Management Services’ Board Members
SCMIT Board Vice Chair Phillip Hendrick Jr.
Elected as vice chair in 2023, Phillip “Le” Hendrick Jr. has served on the SC Municipal Insurance Trust board for the past four years. He has been the fire chief for the City of Conway since 2014 and risk manager since 2021. He previously served as Conway’s battalion chief from 2012 to 2014. He began as a volunteer member of the Conway Fire Department in 1994. In 2001, he joined the department as a full-time firefighter and was promoted to lieutenant in 2004 and captain in 2005.
Hendrick obtained a bachelor’s degree in fire science and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in emergency services management from Columbia Southern University. He is a member of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Horry County Academy for Technology and Academics Advisor Committee, Horry County Technical College Advisory board, Coastal Carolina National Bank board and Waccamaw Sertoma Club. He is also a member of many firefighter associations, including the SC State Firefighters’ Association, SC Association of Fire Service Instructors, SC State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Southeastern Chapter of International Association of Fire Chiefs. In his spare time, he is a professional photographer and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
SCMIRF Board Member Howie Owens
Elected in 2020, Howie Owens has served on the SC Municipal Insurance and Risk Financing Fund board for the past three years. He has been the assistant city manager for the City of Sumter since 2019.He previously served as the downtown development manager from 2012 to 2019. Prior to working at the city, he was a commercial banker/assistant vice president with NBSC from 2007 to 2011.
Owens obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. He is on the board of directors for SAFE Federal Credit Union, United Way of Sumter, Clarendon & Lee counties; and the Salvation Army. He is a member of the SC City and County Management Association and Rotary Club of Sumter. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with family, play golf and pull for the USC Gamecocks.
Law and Best Practices with Respect to Law Enforcement Use of Force and Pursuits Training
Risk Management Services held a Law and Best Practices with Respect to Law Enforcement Use of Force and Pursuits training in Columbia on May 16. Jack Ryan of Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute was the speaker.
Attendees received valuable information on the legal aspects of use of force, such as the application of qualified immunity to use of force, major cases from the U.S. Supreme Court, and civil and criminal exposure at the state and federal level. Ryan also presented information on how police pursuits have changed and the U.S. Supreme Court cases that have impacted pursuits.
2023 Risk Management Services Training
Mark your calendar for the upcoming 2023 training courses for SCMIT and SCMIRF members.
Fire Training [Risk Management Institute Elective Course] SCMIT/SCMIRF
RMS Annual Members Meeting [Risk Management Institute Elective Course]