Stephen Thompson - Resume

Stephen Thompson, ARM, COSS Steve Thompson


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Summary

 

Steve Thompson is a health, safety, insurance, and risk management consultant.  He is the President of Aspen Risk Management Group, an employee-owned consulting company - dedicated to providing effective business improvement strategies for commercial, non profit, and government clients.  He is an innovator and leader in risk management, performance management, safety and health, and business improvement.

He is a presenter on industry-specific topics such as “Increasing Sales through Value Added Services,” and is a published author of articles such as: “The Non Profit Guide to Commercial Insurance” and “A Shareholder Solution to Workers’ Compensation.” He is the co-author of “Workplace Safety: A Guide for Small and Midsized Companies” (Wiley Publications)

Steve has also served in Risk and Safety Management positions for small, medium, and large companies, and he spent time on both the carrier and insurance agency/broker side of business. He is the former program coordinator for the Occupational Health and Safety Program – Extended Studies at San Diego State University, where he also served as adjunct professor for eight years. He has a long track record of working to improve businesses through his founding of the Workers’ Compensation Training Consortium, and the creation of an Employee Culture and Ideas Survey. Steve is involved with numerous industry-related associations, including serving as a Coach and Facilitator with Polestar, an insurance industry performance improvement company. 

He is a speaker and consultant to various industry groups, and has been instrumental in assisting numerous non-profit organizations increase their revenue through various technology strategies. He has helped hundreds of companies improve their business operations, human resource functions, and safety/health programs. Earlier in his career, Steve served in the Air Force as a medic, and later worked as an Emergency Room Nurse.
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Professional Experience

 

Aspen Risk Management Group, San Diego, California

January, 2005-Current

 

Aspen Risk Management Group, an employee-owned consulting company, is dedicated to providing effective business improvement strategies for commercial, non profit, and government clients.  It's primary goal is to save lives, prevent injuries & illnesses, and protect its clients from harm.

 

President - Responsible for strategic planning and vision.

 

o    Quickly becoming the best known risk management service firm among insurance agents and carriers

 

o    Created the "Safe People -- Safe Places" annual service plan

 

o    Hired key staff and partnered with highly qualified independent contractors to deliver risk management, safety, and human resources services

 

 

 

 

G.S. Levine Insurance Services                                                                                     

Strategic Insurance Partners, San Diego, California

March, 2003-January, 2005

 

G.S. Levine Insurance Services is a leading San Diego insurance agency providing insurance and risk management solutions.

Strategic Insurance Partners is an independent risk management services company providing safety, health, and risk management consulting.

 

Director, Risk Management Services - Responsible for the development of risk services products and consulting for both organizations.  

 

o    Developed appropriate methodology to effectively deliver risk management services

 

o    Provide training and education seminars to businesses in subject areas: workers' compensation, safety and health leadership, ergonomics, and risk management principles

 

o    Introduced comprehensive and holistic safety and health strategies

 

o    Implemented effective multimedia training techniques

 

o    Promote and focus insurance industry to utilize compassion and caring in the treatment of work-related injuries

 

 

Zenith Insurance Company, San Diego, California                                                                                     

August, 1994-August, 2001

 

Leading workers' compensation insurance carrier servicing 30,000++ (2001) clients, $620 million in revenue (2001) and total assets of $1.5 billion (2002).

 

Manager, Safety & Health Department - Responsible for leadership of staff (6), management of department, account management/customer service for 2600 clients, and $41M in premium.  Joined Zenith as a Safety & Health Consultant and promoted to Manager.  Left organization in August, 2001 to spend time with family and develop additional projects.

 

o    Department achieved superior financial results and client outcomes

 

o    Initiated and directed department through technology enhancements and leadership principles

 

o    Developed and implemented a Customer Database Management system

 

o    Introduced innovative safety and health strategies such as risk mapping, behavioral and cultural-based safety, and workplace fitness

 

o    Conceived and implemented effective multimedia training techniques (incorporating customers and their employees).  Coached department staff on principles and techniques

 

o    First to bring alternative medical care methods to Zenith for the treatment of injuries

 

 

Pacific Safety Council (formerly San Diego Safety Council), San Diego, California

November, 1992-August, 1994

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Non-profit corporation founded in 1953, and Chapter of the National Safety Council with $200,000 in revenue (1993).

 

Director of Operations - Hired into a newly created position to plan and direct general operations and resolve fiscal problems.  Managed staff and volunteers (20).

 

 

o    Company achieved positive net income for fiscal 1993 - the first positive gain since 1987.  Increased 1994 net income by 460% over 1993

 

o    Introduced new product lines (computer software, and emergency equipment)

 

o    Created and organized new fundraising efforts, including a Silent/Live Auction

 

 

Medi-Ride, Inc., Los Angeles, California

November, 1991-November, 1992

                       

Multi-unit, privately owned transit company with $10 million in revenue (1992), maintaining a fleet of 250 vehicles at multiple maintenance facilities.  Company merged with Laidlaw in 1993.

 

Director, Risk Management - Brought on board to a new position to design and implement programs to contain spiraling liability and business costs.

 

o    Initiated and developed an Emergency Action Plan focused on business survival

 

o    Reduced the annual (1992) renewal cost of workers' compensation by 43% ($575,000) and vehicle insurance by 25% ($126,000)

 

o    Reduced the per-claim cost of workers' compensation claims by 70%

 

WIS International, San Diego, California

May, 1989-September, 1991

                       

Second largest nationwide inventory service company, and former division of Huffy Corporation (from 1988 to 2000) with $80 million in annual (1991) sales, 130 office locations and 5,000++ employees in 38 states.  A 1988 acquisition by Huffy, now owned by ONCAP, LP.

 

Risk Manager - In a newly created position after the acquisition by Huffy.  Designed and developed risk control programs which reduced liability exposures and insurance costs.  Full risk management responsibility for 38 states and $3 million of direct costs.

 

o    Reduced workers' compensation costs from $2 million (1988) to $1.5 million (1989/90)

 

o    Produced contemporary safety training video - WIS SAFETY TODAY

 

o    Received Huffy Corporation's President's Exceed Award

 

 

Premier Products, Inc., San Diego, California

December, 1986-May, 1989

                       

Largest manufacturer and installer of window products in San Diego with three factories and fifteen construction crews.  1989 revenue of $30 million.

 

Health and Safety Manager - Hired to a newly created position to oversee safety functions for two of three facilities and 600 personnel.

 

o    Implemented OSHA, EPA and other regulatory and record keeping procedures

 

o    Reduced workers' compensation frequency by 85%, and costs by 80%

 

 

Instant Care Center of America (now part of Tenet Healthcare), San Diego, California

Kaiser Permanente Hospital, San Diego, California

April, 1983-May, 1986

 

Licensed Vocational Nurse - Emergency Department

 

United States Air Force, Riverside, California

April, 1979-April, 1983

 

Emergency Medical Technician & Licensed Vocational Nurse

 

 

Education

 

Southern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science

Insurance Institute of America, Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

University of Southern California, Certificate Safety and Health Management

OSHA Training Institute, OSHA 10 & 30 Outreach Trainer (Construction and General Industry)

Pacific Safety Council and API, Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS)

 

Self-paced Education

            Fluent in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher, FrontPage, Explorer

 

            Fluent in Astound, and various multimedia, video, music, and photo software

 

Teaching Experience

 

San Diego State University, Occupational Health & Safety Program, Extended Studies (also responsible for curriculum design and course implementation).  In addition to teaching duties, I assumed the program coordination role in 1999.

January, 1993-July, 2001 (See expanded resume for listing of classes.)

 

University of California, San Diego, OSHA Training Institute

 

Guest Lecturer – Issues in Workers' Compensation                              1999

Guest Lecturer – Issues in Workers' Compensation                              1998

 

Miramar College

 

Guest Lecturer In Business Program "History of Risk Management”     1991

Conference Papers/Speeches/Interviews (partial list)

 

“Basics of Workers' Compensation,”                                                                          03/30/05

Speaker for Certified Occupational Safety Specialist Program, Pacific Safety Council

 

“Phases of the Safety Process,”                                                                                  01/04/05

Member of Discussion Panel, San Diego American Society of Safety Engineers

 

“Advanced Techniques for the Safety Professional,”                                                  05/04/04

Member of Discussion Panel, San Diego American Society of Safety Engineers

 

“Greatest Lessons in Achieving Safety Success,”                                                         03/11/04

Annual Meeting of the Pacific Safety Council

 

“The GREAT! Safety Leader Within You,” Annual Meeting of Sea World of California 02/19/04

 

“Surviving the Crisis in Workers' Compensation,” Economic Business Conference     01/29/04

(Conference Sponsor: Poway Business Park Association)

 

“Safety Techniques of Workers' Compensation,” San Diego Business Community      05/09/03

(Conference Sponsor: G.S. Levine Insurance Services)

 

Creating Safety, Health, and Environmental Leadership,” Annual Meeting              02/19/03

(Meeting Sponsors/Attendees: Orange County Chapters of:

American Society of Safety Engineers, and the American Industrial Hygiene Association)

 

Published Articles (partial list)

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (2004, November).  An insurance guide for non profit organizations.  Internet:  Thompson | Currier, 43

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (1999, November).  Treating a strained back.  NCDA, 43

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (1998, December).  What is the anti-aging formula.  The Adjuster, v11, 15-17

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (1998, January).  1997 year in review, 1998 year in preview.  The Adjuster, v11, 10, 12

 

Articles/Books (partial list)

 

Books

 

Hopwood, D.G. and Thompson, S.T.,  (2006).  Workplace Safety: A Guide for Small and Midsized Companies: Wiley

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (estimated publishing date June 2009).  Outliving Polycystic Kidney Disease.  San Diego, CA:  Xlibris

 

Articles

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (March 2006).  The teachable point of view on safety consulting.  Risk Management

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (2001, April).  Controlling Asbestos Related Exposures in the Automotive Repair Industry.  Safety Connection, 4, 6

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (2000).  Basics of California workers’ compensation and safety.  San Diego, CA:  Self-Published

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (1998, January).  Healthy web sites.  Safety Connection, 2

 

Thompson, S.T.,  (1997, May).  Treating a strained back.  Safety Connection, 3

 

Multimedia/Video (partial list)

Shultz, J., Thompson, S.  (2000).  Zenith insurance company  [multimedia CD-ROM].  San Diego:  Zenith Insurance Company.  (co-produced, designed, and directed this 7 minute marketing CD-ROM [done in Astound] for Zenith Insurance Company – San Diego Branch)

 

Thompson, S., Sanchez, R., Cloud, M.  (1997).  Safety – we have landed [videocassette].  San Diego:  Cloud Productions.  (co-produced and directed this 8 minute safety video for LSG Lufthansa SKY Chef)

 

Thompson, S., Huber, C., Cloud, M.  (1996).  Safety:  what’s in store for you! [videocassette].  San Diego:  Cloud Productions.  (co-produced and directed this 10 minute safety video for Mid-west Convenience Store Association)

 

Community Involvement and Professional Affiliations

 

 

Workers' Compensation Training Consortium

            Founder                                                                                               2003

 

San Diego Insurance Adjuster's Association

            Past President and other positions                                                     1995 to Current

 

Pacific Safety Council (formerly San Diego Safety Council)

            Board of Directors and other positions                                               1992 to Current

 

Conference Speaker/Presenter                                                                       1990 to Current

            (Leadership, Workers’ Compensation, Health Care, & Technology)

 

Member, American Society of Safety Engineers                                              1989 to Current

 

Member, American College of Health Care Executives                                 1995 to 2000