Security, safety, protection in case of loss, coverage and sustainability.
CA’s leadership – Board and staff – are responsible for providing safe and effective programs and services to the Columbia community while maintaining trust, financial stability and operational continuity. Risk management is the systematic process of identifying, assessing, mitigating and monitoring threats or uncertainties that can affect CA’s ability to achieve these goals. It includes analyzing the likelihood and impact of risks, developing strategies to minimize harm, and monitoring measures’ effectiveness. We emphasize Risk Management because strong risk management practices have helped, and will continue to help, CA safeguard people (community members and staff), physical assets and financial viability. Risk management is a strategy that will make CA resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges, such as economic downturns, climate-related events and other emergencies. Integrating a risk management emphasis and best practices into each strategic focus area will help CA to successfully achieve its mission, vision, strategic focus and goals.
Some examples of how risk management is embedded throughout the organization in the strategic focus areas are:
- Cyber and data protection measures, with a focus on continuous team member training
- Team member training on proper and safe use of equipment, procedures, defensive driving, etc.
- Thoughtful transfer of risk through contracting processes and third-party insurance
- Internal and external audits
- Board participation in the general liability Risk Management Program
- Engagement of external subject matter experts in loss control, risk management, insurance, safety programming, etc.