Sabeen Shamsi - Blue Origin

Why did you join RIMS Washington and what are you hoping to get out of your membership?

I just started as the Senior Risk Manager for Business Continuity at Blue Origin, in Kent, Washington. I have spent most of my professional career networking in the Midwest and East Coast, and my supervisor recommended (and signed me up for) RIMS as a first step of establishing a network in Washington. I am hoping to develop similar relationships with public and private sector stakeholders to those I have in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Risk managers should never be exchanging business cards after an incident, so I want to make sure that I have an established network should I need to reach out to it!

Describe your career path and current role. 

My career began in Emergency Management. I did my Master’s in Threat and Response Management at the University of Chicago, and then began my career as Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist at FEMA as a Reservist. I then transitioned to consulting in Emergency Management and worked for 3 different firms. It was there that I started learning and practicing Business Continuity, Crisis Management, and Resilience in the private sector. My current role uses all those experiences to support Blue Origin’s mission.

What is your favorite small/local business?

I am very new to the area and have yet to have the chance to shop or visit local businesses. I would love recommendations on where to go for anything and everything, as I am starting from square one!

Jacob Since - Lockton Companies

Why did you join RIMS Washington and what are you hoping to get out of your membership?

I joined RIMS Washington to network with peers and develop a sense of community within the region I live and work. I enjoy learning new things; I hope to engage with this group to help colleagues, clients, and the industry at large address emerging risks and develop long-term, viable strategies.

Describe your career path and current role. 

I joined the insurance industry while studying at the University of Washington, at a regional wholesale brokerage. After graduation, I joined a national broker for 4 years, and then joined Lockton’s newly formed Seattle office in January 2021. My current role affords me the opportunity to be a consultative partner for my clients’ risk managers, CFOs, and CEOs on their property and casualty insurance programs – through development of industry relationships and client-centric storytelling. I Co-Chair our Seattle Lockton Cares committee, which provides monetary funding and volunteer support to Western Washington 501(c)(3) organizations focused on homelessness, food insecurity, and childhood education. I am also a member of Lockton’s US Excess Casualty Practice, which is a resource for colleagues to obtain insurance market intelligence, support with program design, and advocacy of industry-specific emerging risks and trends.

What is your favorite small/local business?

My favorite local business is L'Experience Paris. Their Downtown Bellevue boutique is one of my go-to spots for direct-import French wines and gifts. I also enjoy their fresh baked goods and dinner service.

Jennifer Truong - Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC

Why did you join RIMS Washington and what are you hoping to get out of your membership?

RIMS Washington provides a valuable platform for connecting with fellow risk management professionals in our state. I hope to expand my network, gain insights from industry experts and stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in risk management.

Describe your career path and current role. 

Throughout my career, I've provided employment defense services with a focus on workers' compensation and industrial safety. As a Member at Ryan Swanson, I work closely with HR professionals and risk managers to address issues arising from injury claims, WISHA citations, wage disputes and terminations.

What is your favorite small/local business?

Hello Em Viet Coffee & Roastery, located in the International District of Seattle, is my favorite coffee shop. I would highly recommend the pandan condensed milk croissant paired with a caphe sua da.

It was amazing to connect with many of you at the Education Forum on March 14, 2024. We had record attendance for our full day of education and networking.

We kicked off the conference with an engaging discussion aimed at strategies for managing risk during turbulent times that led into eight different breakout sessions throughout the day and ended with a presentation about our resilient region and blue skies ahead. 

Thank you to our conference committee, speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2024 Education Forum an enormous success!