2025 Risk & Insurance Symposium Recap

This year’s Risk & Insurance Symposium was one for the record books! With more than 315 attendees, 14 sessions and opportunities to earn up to six hours of continuing education credit (CMFO/CPE), Public Entity Partners was honored to host another impactful event filled with learning, collaboration and connection.

We were especially proud to hold our first-ever Insured Organization Meeting, where members officially met quorum — a historic milestone for Public Entity Partners. This moment represents a major step forward in our ongoing commitment to transparency, engagement and member-driven governance.

Congratulations to our newly elected Board Members and to Mayor Brian Stover for his reappointment.

• Mayor Brian Stover (incumbent) – Town of Thompson’s Station

• Jeannie Anderson – City Administrator, City of Niota

• Mayor Warren Gooch – City of Oak Ridge

• Blake Walley – City Manager, City of Savannah

• Mayor Donna Hartman – City of Fayetteville

The Symposium featured engaging educational sessions, meaningful networking opportunities and a memorable social event at GEODIS Park, where attendees enjoyed an evening of fellowship and fun in one of Nashville’s most iconic venues.

During Thursday’s Excellence in Risk Management Awards Luncheon, we recognized outstanding members who demonstrate excellence in risk management, safety, and leadership within their organizations and communities.

2025 Excellence in Risk Management Award Winners

• Tim Malicote, LaFollette Utilities Board

• Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)

• Mike Bryan, City of Spring Hill

• Columbia Fire & Rescue and Darby the Peer Support Dog

• Tracey Webb, Northwest Tennessee Head Start/Early Head Start

• Jessica Crouch, City of Paris

Public Risk Management Hall of Fame Inductee

• Abbie Hudgens, Administrator of Tennessee’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (Retired)

Public Risk Management Honor Roll Inductees

• Joy Baker, City of Johnson City

• Ronnie Neill, City of Somerville

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and honorees for their outstanding dedication to risk management and public service.

We also extend our appreciation to those who participated in our member testimonial videos — your stories and experiences help highlight the power of partnership across Tennessee.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about this year’s Symposium! Please share your feedback with Amber Turner at ATurner@PEPartners.org to help us continue making this event even more valuable for our members.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Risk & Insurance Symposium such a success.

We look forward to seeing you next year — mark your calendars for Aug. 26–28, 2026, at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs!