News
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.
09.20.2009
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.
09.12.2009
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.
09.10.2009
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.
08.22.2009
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.
07.15.2009
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.
07.11.2009
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.
