News

2.4.2012

GHC Hosts Discussion on Issues and Challenges Facing Today's California JPAs

In early 2011, George Hills Company, Willis Pooling, and Jenifer McDonald surveyed JPA pool managers about industry trends, issues and concerns. The product of that effort is a report that was delivered to the survey respondents titled "It's a Small World - A Discussion of Issues and Challenges Facing JPAs Today." The report was well received by the respondents. Plans are to continue to reach out to additional JPA managers with a new set of questions in 2012.

Although the study was specific to California JPAs, it is believed JPA managers out of state will find the report insightful, too. The report come with a disclaimer that it is not a thesis paper; nor was the project funded by a foundation. For lack of a better description, it is 'Reality - JPA on Paper'. If you have any questions or need additional information about the report or future plans for the study, please contact mady.gorrell@georgehills.com.

2.3.2012

GHC & Capstone-Solutions Delivering New Value-Add Service for Public Entities

Team Endeavor is a new value-add service offering for public entities designed to help them proactively manage claims, lawsuits, and activities associated with risk-prone public entity operations - like law enforcement and public works. Team Endeavor can make a difference in the bottom line of cities, counties, districts, or joint powers authorities through best practice pre- and post-litigation consulting, claims investigations, audits, data analysis, and hands-on training programs.

Exclusively provided by GHC and our strategic partner, Capstone-Solutions, Team Endeavor is led by expert Police Services Advisor and County of Sacramento Inspector General, Mr. Lee Dean, with former Sacramento County Sheriff, Mr. John McGinness. For more information on Team Endeavor and its specific services contact mady.gorrell@georgehills.com or ldean@capstone-solutionsllc.com.

1.6.2012

GHC Receives 'Best of San Bernardino' Award in Insurance Adjusters Category of USCA

GHC is proud to announce its San Bernardino office received the US Commerce Association's (USCA) Best of Local Business Award in the Insurance Adjusters category. Last year GHC's Rancho Cordova Office received the same award.

The USCA Best of Local Business Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

12.14.2011

Michael Kielty, CEO, GHC, & John Chaquica, President, GHC - Thought Leaders in Industry Loss Prevention Training Webinar

Michael Kielty, CEO, GHC & John Chaquica, President, GHC are honored to participate in CSAC-EIA's "Managing your Liability TPA: Data, Audits and Other Considerations: Loss Prevention Training Seminar" today, December 14, 2011. The complimentary industry webinar covers such topics as best practice TPA management; data collection, tracking and relevancy, cost containment measures; loss prevention practices, and claim handling practices. Mr. Kielty and Mr. Chaquica are highly reqarded for their TPA and JPA Management experience and knowledge. GHC provides services to over 80% of the counties in California.

12.8.2011

GHC Expands Professional Team in 2011, Continues Growth in its 57th Year of Operation

While some firms downsized in 2011, GHC increased its professional staff to meet and exceed the needs of its growing TPA and JPA client base.

Joining the GHC team this year as a Quality Assurance Specialist was Ms. Kathleen Williams. Responsible for a variety of duties in support of GHC's best practice TPA services, Ms. Williams' GHC client work includes the production and distribution of custom monthly reports, the optimization and standardization of iVOS™ use company-wide, and documentation of GHC's SAS 70 compliance processes as well as Medicare Set Aside requirements. Ms. Williams also does client subrogation recovery work at GHC as well as file audits, and specific marketing and sales projects. A seasoned risk manager with significant experience in the insurance industry and public sector, Ms. Williams is the former Risk Manager for the City of Stockton where she also served as a Claims Analyst-Liability Investigator for seven years. Prior to working at the City of Stockton, Ms. Williams was an Internal Auditor for Delta Health Systems, and served as a Claims Examiner at Prudential Healthcare. She holds a BS in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento.

Mr. Nick Grinnell joined GHC's claims adjusting team in the spring of 2011 to provide best practice TPA services to GHC client PARSAC. A technology and accounting savvy professional, Mr. Grinnell served as Claims Representative at Kemper Insurance for over six years prior to joining GHC. At Kemper he was accountable for multiple, six figure liability settlements including wrongful death and auto / home losses. He also worked at Pilot Travel Centers as a Claims Representative responsible for the settlement of large exposure commercial liability claims. A graduate of Tusculum College in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mr. Grinnell holds a BS in Organizational Business Management.

David Rawe, ARM, AIC, joined GHC as Senior Claims Adjuster in May 2011 with over fifteen years working in multi-line claims management and risk analysis. His extensive claims handling experience includes litigation management and complex liability cases in the public sector as well as with self-insured accounts. He is highly experienced in both corporate and municipal government environments, as well as in investigating, negotiating and settling complex third party liability claims with high exposure. David worked as Claims Supervisor for United Rentals Inc., Senior Claims Representative for Farmers Insurance, and served as Assistant Risk Manager for the City of Modesto where he supervised and participated in the administration of several of the City's risk management programs. From 2007-2011 he was the Risk Manager at Basic Resources Inc. He holds a BS from California State University, Stanislaus Turlock.

11.15.2011

GHC Contributes to Cordova Community Food Locker's 22 Year Program of Excellence

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, GHC's values, and honoring the city where its corporate headquarters resides, GHC is donating baby food, baby formula, cereal, diapers and toys to the Cordova Community Food Locker this year.

The Food Locker is celebrating its 22nd year or service this month. The program specifically asked for baby-related items this year, saying the needs of infants and children are often forgotten when in the spirit of giving. The Cordova Community Food Locker was founded in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens in Rancho Cordova who saw a real need for a local food locker. An organizational meeting headed by Walter Liftle and John Healey, as well as representatives from the community's churches, civic organizations, and interested private citizens set a goal to develop a "community based" food locker. This was not a small project! Help from a number of people and many donations were needed to reach the goal. Generous people with great ideas started pitching in to make the food locker a reality. St. John Vianney Church offered a 12' x 60' trailer with a walk in refrigeration unit located on their property. Over 300 interested people attended the informational meeting and more than 150 people volunteered to help.

On April 1, 1987, the Cordova Community Food Locker became a reality and has been going strong for 20 years. In the first year, more than 1,500 individuals were fed per month. With the help and donations from the citizens and organizations in Rancho Cordova. Today over 5,000 hungry people receive food assistance for the Food Locker each month. In the past 20 years, Cordova Community Food Locker has fed over 330,000 hungry families and more than a million individuals. None of this would have been possible without our volunteers and generous donors.

The Cordova Community Food Locker is part of a food network. We receive the majority of our food supplies from California Emergency Foodlink, a non-profit organization that distributes food to Food Banks and Closets through out California. Foodlink gets food from donations such as Raley's Food For Families program, annual food drives such as the State Employee's Food Drive, the Postal Workers Food Drive, the KCRA-3 Kids Can Food Drive, private donations and the government's USDA program. California Emergency Foodlink provides a portion of all these donations to the Cordova Community Food Locker. It also receives food from its own schools, the Boy and Girl Scouts, several civic organizations, and many private, caring citizens in the Rancho Cordova community.

11.14.2011

CalMHSA Selects RAND for Mental Health Program Evaluation

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) announced today the selection of RAND Corporation to conduct statewide evaluation for its Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Initiatives. The PEI Initiatives are paid for through the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63).

"CalMHSA is committed to fiscal integrity and accountability, and carrying out effective and efficient PEI initiatives. We look forward to working with the RAND Corporation to meet these goals," said Wayne Clark, President of CalMHSA. "The RAND team's experience in rigorous, objective evaluation makes them the right choice to design and implement our evaluation process."

Funded by the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63), CalMHSA's three initial mental health programs are aimed at improving student mental health, eliminating and/or reducing suicides, stigma and resulting discrimination. These "Prevention and Early Intervention" initiatives are designed to shift California's mental health services approach to meet the needs of our diverse communities and reach individuals before they reach the crisis point.

The PEI Statewide Evaluation Project will:

• improve data collection and evaluate effectiveness of PEI programs
• identify innovative programs that can be successfully replicated
• use research to design policies and programs that reduce suicide and suicide risks, reduce stigma and resulting discrimination, and improve student mental health in diverse populations across California

"PEI initiatives are an important way that the state is taking action to promote mental and emotional health, reduce the likelihood of mental illness, and limit the negative impacts of mental illness on individuals and society," said Audrey Burnam, a RAND researcher who will head the project. "By evaluating what works best and what can be improved for California's system, we can help counties make the best use of scarce dollars during the state's financial crisis."

CalMHSA staff recommended the RAND Corporation team after a thorough review of Statements of Qualifications submitted. Reviews were conducted by an independent panel of subject matter experts.

The vote by the CalMHSA board authorizes CalMHSA staff to negotiate a contract with Rand Corporation. Estimated cost for the evaluation program is $8-10 million.

8.8.2011

GHC Selected TPA Firm for City of Roseville, CA

GHC was recently selected to be the TPA for City of Roseville, California. Formerly called Roseville Junction, Roseville is located in Placer County near Sacramento. Its population is a little under 119,00 and is expected to reach 133,680 by 2015.

8.8.2011

GHC-Administered CalMHSA Hosting Statewide PEI Partner Orientation

The purpose of the two-day CalMHSA project partner orientation and training is to increase the capacity of the Partners to effectively implement and successfully achieve the outcomes of the CalMHSA PEI Statewide Projects Workplan. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg will attend JPA project partner reception to be held on Tuesday August 16 in Sacramento.

7.29.2011

GHC Selected TPA Firm for City of Maywood, CA

GHC was recently selected to be the TPA for the City of Maywood, California. Maywood is a small city in southeast Los Angeles County, California. At 1.18 square miles (3.1 km2), Maywood is the third-smallest incorporated city in Los Angeles County. As of July 1, 2010, Maywood became the first municipality in California to dismantle its police department, lay off all city employees, except for the city manager, city attorney and elected officials, and contract with outside agencies for the provision of all municipal services, an unprecedented action among California cities. Maywood is now billing itself as the first American city to outsource all of its city services.

7.19.2011

Randy Rendig and Craig Yeary Appointed GHC Vice Presidents

GHC Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Kielty, ARM and GHC President John E. Chaquica, CPA, MBA, ARM announced today the appointment of Randy Rendig, RPA, CCLA (Rancho Cordova Office), and Craig Yeary (San Bernardino Office) to Vice President. Both Mr. Rendig and Mr. Yeary will continue their former management responsibilities at GHC as well as place a new emphasis on business development and quality control.

Mr. Rendig and Mr. Yeary are highly respected industry professionals and long-time, valued employees of GHC who consistently focus on quality service and continuous improvement. Their appointments to GHC Vice President by Mr. Kielty and Mr. Chaquica reflects the firm's ongoing commitment to growth, maintaining an incredible management team, and exceeding client expectations.

"Both Randy and Craig are top-notch leaders in GHC's amazing talent pool of individuals," says John Chaquica. "It is with great pleasure and excitement that Mike and I promote them to GHC Vice Presidents. We applaud their focus on collaborative teamwork, continuous improvement, and value-based decision making." John Chaquica recently became a shareholder in GHC. He and Mike Kielty are focused on building GHC into the future, and meeting the firm's mission to be 'California's TPA of Choice'."

Mr. Rendig's claim career began in 1976 at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in San Jose, California. Over the course of his 34 year risk management/insurance career, Mr. Rendig worked for several organizations including California Casualty and Liberty Mutual in claims handling, senior management, and executive leadership roles. A Liability Specialist in the public entity arena, Mr. Rendig's extensive experience includes litigation management and complex liability cases in the public sector as well as with self-insured accounts. His expertise include public sector Medicare Compliance requirements and regulations. He holds a BA University of California, Davis; RPA Designation, and CCLA Designation.

Mr. Yeary began his claims career in 1972 at GAB as a Multi-Line Adjuster. He was later appointed to the position of Branch Manager. He joined Ohio Casualty Group in 1978 as a resident adjuster. His handling of construction defect cases began while at Allstate Commercial Insurance in Brea, CA in 1987. Craig joined CNA Insurance Companies in 1989. In 2000 he was promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lines Claims. Craig returned to Southern California in 2003 as a Construction Defect General Adjuster with the St. Paul Insurance Company. Following the merger of St. Paul and Travelers Insurance Company, Craig was appointed to the position of Western Regional Director of Construction Defect Major Cases. In 2005 Craig joined Crawford Technical Services as the Branch Manager of an office that was dedicated to a construction defect program. Craig joined GHC as Construction Defect Program Manager in July 2008. He is a graduate of the University of South Florida.

"John and I welcome Randy and Craig to our senior management team," says Mike Kielty. "This is truly celebratory news for GHC clients and employees. We have an unmatched leadership team, driven by our corporate values and exceeding client expectations."

6.8.2011

GHC Selected to AC Transit District's TPA Panel

AC Transit recently selected GHC to its best practice referral panel of qualified firms, offering a range of claims adjusting services in various areas from which the District can draw on as needed. The panel will remain in effect for five years.

6.8.2011

Program Director and Program Manager Selected for GHC-Administered JPA CalMHSA

George Hills Company (GHC) and California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) are pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ann Collentine, MPPA, to Program Director, and Ms. Stephanie Welch, MSW, to Program Manager, a newly created position designed to meet the growing demands and needs of CalMHSA. Ms. Collentine will succeed Mr. Edward Walker, LCSW, who was CalMHSA's first Program Director. Mr. Walker is retiring after nearly 40 years of exceptional professional service in the California mental health system.

Ms. Collentine and Ms. Welch will provide highly responsible and complex administrative support and leadership to the CalMHSA Board of Directors and me, as Executive Director, focusing on the Statewide PEI Projects administered by CalMHSA's. They will work closely with CalMHSA partners, the California State Department of Mental Health (CDMH), the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), and the County Mental Health Directors Association. In addition they will represent CalMHSA in all state and county policy discussions relating to CalMHSA activities, and will represent CalMHSA on all state level committee and task forces related to CalMHSA activities.

With over 20 years of administrative experience, 17 of those working in California’s mental health system, Ms. Collentine holds an MPPA from California State University, Sacramento, a Secondary Education Teaching Credential from California State University, San Francisco, and a BA in Economics from University of California, Santa Cruz. She comes to CalMHSA from the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) where she served as Mental Health Program Supervisor.

With over ten years of professional experience in mental health policy analysis and advocacy, Ms. Welch holds an MSW from University of Southern California and a BA in Sociology, Law and Society from the University of California, Davis. Most recently, she has served as Associate Director, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) for the California Mental Health Directors Association (CMHDA).

We are excited to have two such talented individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the mental health industry, specifically their knowledge of MHSA and CalMHSA. Their talents will be instrumental in CalMHSA’s continued success in implementation of the Statewide PEI Projects—Suicide Prevention, Stigma and Discrimination Reduction, and Student Mental Health.

Ms. Collentine and Ms. Welch, will work out of George Hills Company's (GHC) Rancho Cordova / Sacramento Office beginning late June 2011.

5.11.2011

GHC Welcomes GHC President John E. Chaquica as a Shareholder

GHC Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Kielty, ARM, today welcomed GHC President John E. Chaquica, CPA, MBA, ARM as a shareholder in GHC.

"It's with great pleasure and excitement that I announce today, John Chaquica, CPA, MBA, ARM, President, George Hills Company, Inc. (GHC) is a now a shareholder in GHC," Kielty announced.

"John Chaquica joined GHC as President in late 2008. Consistenty showcasing exceptional business acumen while focusing on GHC's 'built to last' future, John is intensely enthusiastic about the industry of which we all are a part - and GHC's mission to be 'California's TPA of Choice'," said Kielty.

Strategically and operationally, John Chaquica truly 'walks the walk' of GHC's strong corporate values of honesty, integrity, and unmatched customer satisfaction. He is focused on continuously improving GHC's processes and client work environment, and is the expert behind GHC's new JPA Formation and Management Division which is now administering the largest contract JPA in the State (based on population).

"I welcome John as a shareholder GHC. This is truly celebratory news for all our clients, reflecting John's focus and dedication to maintaining GHC's 57-year history of exceptional customer service, continued growth, and unmatched industry expertise!" said Kielty.

5.10.2011

GHC Client CalMHSA Announces Program Contract Milestone

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), a joint powers authority (JPA) of counties focused on the efficient delivery of California mental health projects and programs, announced today it took action to begin contract negotiations for the fulfillment of suicide prevention services. Recommended providers approved on May 6, 2011 are Didi Hirsch Psychiatric Services, Transitions Mental Health Association, North Bay Suicide Prevention Project, Family Services Agency of Marin, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, Family Services Central Coast, Kings View Suicide Prevention Program, Institute on Aging Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention (CESP), AdEase, Inc, and LivingWorks Education, LP.

View the complete media release (PDF).

5.01.2011

GHC at West Coast Casualty CD Seminar May 12-13

GHC's Construction Defect Program Manager Craig Yeary will attend West Coast Casualty CD Seminar on May 12 & 13 at the Disneyland Hotel. The event is the largest seminar of its kind worldwide focusing on all of the elements of the prosecution, defense, coverage and technologies of construction defect claims and litigation from a national perspective. For more information on this event go to http://www.westcoastcasualty.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=3322.

4.20.2011

GHC Hosts Executive Director Search for JPA Client CalMHSA

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is seeking a Program Director, responsible for planning, organization, management and oversight of the mental health service activities of Cal MHSA. This position is responsible for providing highly responsible and complex administrative support to the CalMHSA Board of Directors, and Executive Director, for implementation of mental health programs.

View the complete Program Director job description (PDF).

4.19.2011

GHC Long-Time Member of CAJPA, PARMA, League of California Cities, AGRiP and RIMS

Being a part of professional groups and learning exchanges in the industry we serve is a big part of GHC's culture. Here are just a few of the organizations we are active members - and have been for many years:

• http://www.cajpa.org
• http://www.parma.com
• http://cacities.org
• http://www.agrip.org
• http://www.rims.org

4.18.2011

GHC Joins Society of Decision Professionals

The Society of Decision Professionals fosters collaboration, continual learning, and networking amongst its members and other professional societies and organizations so that as a growing community it serve the best interests of the Decision-Maker in organizations. Because of the risk management, decsion-making components of TPA and JPA management, strategies and ideas, GHC recently joined the newly created Society of Decision Professionals for additional industry knowledge-sharing and continuous learning.

2.28.2011

GHC Announces New Subrogation Recovery Division

George Hills Company has announced a new Subrogation Recovery Service, designed to significantly and legally enhance the value of organizations' risk management departments. Under the leadership of Charles A. Torretta SCLA, MCSA, GHC's Subrogation Recovery Service provides a timely, effective and well-managed program that focuses on accurate investigation and analysis of losses for subrogation and recovery, including review of your onsite files, and actual onsite investigations if needed.

View a datasheet on GHC's Subrogation Recovery Division (PDF).

2.2.2011

GHC-managed JPA CalMHSA to Implement $130 million in Mental Health Service Act Funds

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), the relatively new joint powers authority (JPA) of California counties focused on the efficient delivery of California mental health projects and programs, announced today that the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) approved CalMHSA's Statewide Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Implementation Work Plan (Plan). The Plan describes how CalMHSA will implement nearly $130 million in Mental Health Service Act Funds to prevent suicides, reduce stigma and discrimination, and improve student mental health.

Read the full news release (PDF).

1.10.2011

GHC Again Selected City of Sunnyvale TPA

After rigorous review of several excellent TPA firms, GHC was selected again to be TPA of Sunnyvale. The decision reflects GHC's 57 year history of excellent customer service and industry knowledge. The proposal went out in December 2010 and renewal of the contract was confirmed in early January 2011.

1.7.2011

GHC to Meet Construction Liability Administration Needs of Pacific Unified Insurance Company

GHC recenty a signed contract with the Pacific Unified Insurance Company for Construction Liability Claims Administration Services. GHC's deep understanding and extensive experience in the complexities of residential and commercial construction liability - including Builders Risk, Property, OCIP and CCIP claims - made our firm an excellent choice for meeting the needs of Pacific Unified Insurance Company as its TPA.

11.30.2010

GHC Technology Contest Award Winner

GHC announced today it is the second place winner in national technology contest recently sponsored by Dell Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and CMIT Solutions. From over 200 submissions from around the United States, GHC's creative submission ranked among top three finalist. The first place winner went to an educational non-profit in New England.

11.9.2010

GHC is 2010 USCA Best of Rancho Cordova Award Winner

GHC is pleased to announce that it has been selected for the 2010 Best of Rancho Cordova Award in the Insurance Adjusters category by the US Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies it believe have achieved exceptional success in their local community and business category. GHC is pleased to be recognized for enhancing the positive image of small business through service to our customers and community.

10.13.2010

GHC Client CalMHSA Posts PEI Implementation Work Plan for Public Review

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), a newly formed California joint powers authority (JPA) comprised of counties focused on the efficient delivery of California mental health projects and programs, announced today it has delivered on its first major project to post its Statewide Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Implementation Work Plan for public review and input. Read the full release (PDF).

9.30.2010

GHC Introduces iMetrics at CAJPA & League of CA Cities 2010 Conferences

GHC introduced iMetrics, its state-of-the-art business intelligence dash board and reporting service for the first time at the fall 2010 conferences of the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) and the League of California Cities (LOC) in September. GHC also talked about its full line of TPA and JPA services at both events. CAJPA was formed in 1981 when the pooling concept for insurance purposes was relatively new and fairly obscure. The League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources. Many GHC clients are CAJPA and LOC members.

9.3.2010

GHC Announces Medicare Compliance Services Team

GHC's newly appointed Medicare Team is quickly preparing for October 1, 2010, the date reporting claim settlements to Medicare begins under federal law. Ensuring the firm is compliant with Medicare regulations, GHC's team of highly experienced professionals provides internal and client support/guidance on Medicare related matters.

Leading the team is Randy Rendig, RPA, CCLA, GHC's Rancho Cordova Branch Manager. Working closely with GHC resource partner Gould & Lamb, Mr. Rendig is responsible for knowing MSP, SCHIP, MIR, and Medicare Set Aside Allocation policy, rules, and updates. A highly experienced TPA manager, Mr. Rendig is maintaining monthly GHC report of all MSA activity and a vendor list of approved MSA providers. In addition, he is the firm's Medicare Compliance Team liaison with the IT department and other team members. Mr. Rendig's responsibilities include responding immediately to GHC clients having any Medicare-related question, concern, or challenge. Mr. Rendig's claim career began in 1976 at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in San Jose, California. He also worked many years for California Casualty as the manager of their San Jose branch. Randy earned a BA from the University of California, Davis and holds professional designations of RPA and CCLA. He is a Liability Specialist in the public entity arena and is the Account Manager for the County of Sacramento.

GHC's Internal Medicare Compliance Team contact person for GHC adjusters with cases involving the need for an MSA is Mark Stone, ARM. Mr. Stone works with them in the preparation of cases for submission to Medicare. He is responsible to ensure all of the necessary paperwork and documentation is completed in a timely manner and that all monthly data and progress reports are accurate and current. Additionally he is involved with GHC staff training, and is the company liaison with specific Medicare compliance vendors. Mark has been adjusting public entity liability claims for 20 years and has over 22 years of litigated claims management experience. He has an ARM designation from the Insurance Institute of America, and is a graduate of University of California, Davis where he obtained his BS in Physiology.

Medicare Compliance Team Member Michele Zabala provides administrative support in the data gathering process and data input / output portal. She is the responder for all Medicare response files for input into the portal, eliminating the need for all GHC adjusters to learn the process and execute the response.

5.6.2010

Edward Walker, LCSW Joins GHC as CalMHSA Program Director

Edward Walker, LCSW, is the newly appointed Program Director for the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). GHC is JPA Administrator for CalMHSA. Mr. Walker will be responsible for planning, organization, management, and oversight of CalMHSA's mental health service program activities. He has 36 years of California mental health system experience and expertise.

Under the direction of CalMHSA's Executive Director, Mr. Walker will provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the CalMHSA Board of Directors and Executive Director, focusing on the implementation of mental health programs with CalMHSA's partners such as the California State Department of Mental Health (CDMH), the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC), and the County Mental Health Directors Association. He will represent CalMHSA in all state and county policy discussions relating to CalMHSA activities, and will represent CalMHSA on all state level committee and task forces related to CalMHSA activities.

Mr. Walker serves as a subject matter expert advisor to the Federal Court and Los Angeles County. From March 2008 to February 2010 he was Interim Director, Department of Behavioral Health, Butte County, where he managed and supervised integrated mental health and alcohol and other drug treatment and prevention services. His primary charge was to stabilize the budget, address a structural deficit, and reorganize the department structure as needed to remove unnecessary layers of management. While there he successfully promoted collaborative planning and service delivery, reduced operating costs and enhanced revenue. In addition, he implemented the Mental Health Services Act, improved collaboration with allied agencies: social services, probation, public health, schools, courts, law enforcement and health centers, and served as the co-director of SAMSHA system of care grant funded project.

Mr. Walker served as Director of Government Relations and Program Development to Stars Behavioral Health Group from 2006-2008, and was Consultant in Mental Health and Behavioral Health at Pacific Health Consulting Group Affiliate from 2001-2006. From 1989 to 2001 Mr. Walker was Director, Division of Community Mental Health Services, Marin County where he was responsible for planning, directing and implementing the county mental health service system of public and private providers, including state and local hospitals. He was also liaison to the California State Department of Mental Health. The Division included 200 employees and contract staff, 56 contract programs and a network of 65 individual providers.

Mr. Walker holds a MSW from University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in Psychology from Sonoma State College, Rohnert Park, CA.

5.3.2010

GHC JPA Client CalMHSA Enters into Agreement with California Department of Mental Health

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), a newly formed California joint powers authority (JPA) of counties focused on the efficient delivery of California mental health projects and programs, announced today it has entered into a contract with the California Department of Mental Health (CDMH) to provide program development, administrative oversight, and fiscal management services to county members and other program participants choosing to assign specifically named mental health funds to the joint powers authority.

Read the full press release.

4.14.2010

GHC Executives Meet with Lloyd's of London, Showcase Construction Liability Claims Practice Area & Clients

GHC Executives recently traveled to the UK to meet with senior syndicate officials from Lloyd's of London. The purpose of the trip was to highlight the firm's Construction Liability Claims Administration Practice Area and best practice client work in the US and abroad. GHC is a key service provider to the largest construction defect TPA program in London.

4.9.2010

GHC to Offer Business Intelligence Dashboard & Reports Service Summer 2010

Designed to give public entity risk management programs the sure footing needed for maximum efficiency, GHC's Business Intelligence Dashboard & Reports (BIDR) Service will provide new levels of decision-making data visibility. Using easy-to-read custom claim data templates, graphs, charts, and process maps, you'll be able to clearly identify cost drivers, monitor program performance gaps, and discover opportunities for cost reduction. Available to all our clients this summer, look for more information on this new new practice GHC service this summer.

3.20.2010

GHC Selected to be City of Vallejo's TPA Again – City's TPA since 1984!

GHC was recently selected to provide general liability claims handling and administration for another 3 years. GHC has provided best practice TPA services and guidance to the City of Vallejo since 1984 and welcomes the privilege of continuing to work with the City.

12.1.2009

GHC Announces Three New Clients – City of Avalon, South Lake Tahoe, and Watsonville

GHC was recently selected to provide claims administration and independent adjusting service to the cities of Avalon, South Lake Tahoe, and Watsonville. All PARSAC members, GHC is commmitted to providing California cities exceptional service, timely processes, and attention to detail.

11.20.2009

GHC and CalMHSA Introduce Services and Commitment to California Counties at CSAC's Annual Meeting

GHC and CalMHSA attended CSAC's 115th Annual Meeting, November 17-20, in Monterey County. Sharing a booth at the premier event, executives from both organizations introduced the services and mission of their respective organization to county government officials and decision-makers. The mission of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), is to represent county government before the California Legislature, U.S. Congress, state and federal agencies and other entities, while educating the public about the value and need for county programs and services. GHC and CalMHSA provide a range of effective and efficient services that could benefit the state's 58 counties. GHC was recently selected to be the administrator of CalMHSA.

10.22.2009

GHC Hosts Sacramento State University Risk Management Students

Members of Gamma Lotta Sigma, Sacramento State's Risk Management Fraternity, visited GHC on October 22, 2009. Reflecting the firm's ongoing commitment to 'giving back' and unlocking the potential of the next generation of risk management professionals, the college student visit included lunch, interactive dialog, and Q&A with the firm's Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Kielty who shared some of his industry experiences, lessons learned, and observations. The visit followed GHC sponsoring a Sacramento State State Gamma Lotta Sigma student at the RIMS Golf Tournament on October 2.

9.20.2009

GHC Executives Introduce Firm to League of California Cities at Fall 2009 Conference

GHC introduced its complete line of TPA and JPA services for the first time at the League of California Cities' Annual Conference in San Jose, California September 16-19, 2009. The League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources. Many GHC clients are League members.

9.12.2009

GHC Announces 55th Year in Business – Introduces New AOE / COE Technology & Optimum Risk Advisers Practice at CAJPA 2009

GHC announced its 55th year in business while exhibiting at the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) 27th Annual Fall Conference & Training Seminar this year Tuesday September 8 through Friday September 11 at the Harrah's Lake Tahoe Hotel. CAJPA's annual conference and training seminar is the largest educational event for Joint Powers Authorities in the nation and attracts more than 1,000 representatives. As leading exhibitor and corporate sponsor at this event every year, GHC celebrated its 55th birthday in its booth this year, handing out cupcakes and candy to conference attendees who dropped by, and showcasing the new state-of-the-art AOE / COE technology the firm is now using to help clients determine fraud in Workers' Compensation claims. GHC also introduced it new JPA Management Division, Optimum Risk Advisers.

9.10.2009

GHC Opens New Offices in Fairfield & Orange, California

On September 1, 2009 GHC opened its newest offices at 4830 Business Center Drive, Suite 130, Fairfield, California, and 2230 W. Chapman Avenue, Suite 230, Orange, California. The opening of these new offices reflects the firm's commitment to ongoing growth and operational efficiency. Located in a business corridor considered the gateway to San Francisco, GHC's new Fairfield office brings together teams from the firm's former Walnut Creek, Vallejo, and Petaluma offices. GHC's new Orange office optimizes its ability to provide best practice TPA, litigation management and JPA services in Southern California.

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8.22.2009

GHC Preparing for SAS 70

Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS 70) has been around for a more than a decade. Its original intent was to have a separate audit of significant operations of a large publicly traded company, whereas such operations are contracted out to a third party. SAS 70 will soon become a mandate for any TPA wishing to adjudicate claims. GHC is taking steps to prepare for it. Our plan is to be ready for consultation in early 2010, and for Types I and II audits by Fall 2010.

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7.15.2009

California Charter Schools Association Joint Powers Authority (CCSA) and Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA) Select GHC's TPA Services

The California Charter Schools Association Joint Powers Authority (CCSA JPA) provides a high-quality and comprehensive insurance program designed specifically for California's charter schools. It helps its members prevent hazards, reduce student and employee injuries, and assist charter schools in cultivating a safety culture.

The Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA) is comprised of 22 member cities located in the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties of Southern California. The members pool their resources to support their individual self insurance programs.

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7.11.2009

Optimum Risk Advisers Begins Work with California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA)

The California Mental Health Services Authority (CMHSA) was officially filed with the Secretary of State on June 22, 2009. The first formal meeting of the CMHSA occurred July 9, 2009 at 3:00 pm.