Insurance veteran to direct risk management
Richard Gibbs, risk manager at the University of Wisconsin System, has been selected as the new director of risk management at UW–Madison in the Division of Business Services.
Gibbs has more than 30 years of experience in the risk management and insurance industries. Prior to his position at UW System, he was the risk management officer for UW-Milwaukee. He previously managed medical malpractice and property and casualty insurance services at Johnson Financial Control Group in Madison. He also managed underwriting, claims, risk management, policy production, and the development of brokerage agreements with national insurance brokerage firms for PIC of Wisconsin, also in Madison.
“Rick’s blend of private sector and higher education experience make him uniquely suited for this position,” says Martha Kerner, assistant vice chancellor for business services. “I am confident that Rick will serve our campus well, and I am pleased to welcome him to the leadership team in the Division of Business Services.”
The director of risk management is responsible for the coordination and administration of risk management services to a campus that includes 42,000 students, 17,000 employees, $5.2 billion total building and contents value, and thousands of visitors from all over the world. Responsibilities also include managing property, liability, and workers compensation loss and prevention programs, as well as managing special insurance programs to meet the needs of the university.
“It’s an honor and privilege to have been selected for this position,” Gibbs says. “UW-Madison is my alma mater and I’m very excited to return to campus. I look forward to joining the Division of Business Services and working to deliver excellent risk management services to a world-class institution like UW–Madison.”
Gibbs earned his bachelor’s degree from UW–Madison in political science and history in 1978. He also holds an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) credential from the Insurance Institute of America.
Gibbs starts at UW–Madison on Monday, July 15.