California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) enlisted the expertise of Tripepi Smith to produce a series of five videos honoring the 2025 Capstone Award finalists. Presented at the 30th Annual Risk Management Educational Forum, the Capstone Award recognizes an individual whose efforts promote risk management and reduce workplace exposure.
“Tripepi Smith has been able to showcase the distinct qualities that make each finalist stand out,” said California JPIA Communications Director Olga Berdial. “Their professionalism and creativity have helped us to honor the individuals who are advancing risk management practices within our member agencies.”
Tripepi Smith’s team — Senior Business Analyst Kaetlyn Hernandez, Business Analyst Cailyn Thompson, Videographer Nolan Voge and Junior Videographer Daniel Ceruti — managed all aspects of the video production process: conducting interviews, directing shoots, capturing footage and editing the content into cohesive stories.
Nominees are evaluated on their ability to support or improve risk management within their agencies, influence colleagues, coordinate systems that serve risk management goals and exhibit a positive risk management mindset. This year’s finalists were:
- Dorna Farhadi, Human Resources Manager, City of Laguna Niguel
- Kristi Hobrecker, Director of Human Resources and Library Services, City of Santa Clarita
- Pam Kobylarz, Assistant to the Town Manager, Town of Mammoth Lakes
- Kevin McCarthy, Finance Director, City of Indian Wells
- Josephine Wilson, Assistant City Manager, City of Westlake Village
The resulting videos highlight each nominee’s impact, the praise of their peers and a closer look at the environments in which they manage risk, providing a meaningful tribute to the individuals driving positive change in their communities.
“Our goal was to showcase the dedication and achievements of each finalist while emphasizing the importance of risk management in their agencies,” said Kaetlyn. “It’s always an honor to collaborate with the California JPIA to produce videos that celebrate these exemplary public service professionals.”
Tripepi Smith continues to provide marketing and communications support to the California JPIA, including drafting articles, monitoring media and other services.
About the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 40 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 100 member cities and other governmental agencies that actively participate in shaping an organization that provides important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as risk management training and loss control services.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
