JPIA Five

S5:E2 Stronger Together: Ernie Avila on the Partnership Supporting California Water Agencies

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

S5:E1 Cyber Confidence: Tools, Training, and Real-World Protection

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.

S4 E14: Navigating California’s Property Insurance Market: Insights from Aon and ACWA JPIA

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.

S4 E13: Building Culture from the CORE

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.

S4:E12 Behind the Benefit: Real Member Stories of Carrum Health in Action

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.