Protecting Your Business - Risk Management and HR

Brenda Radmacher

Partner, Akerman LLP

WCOE USA National Board Member

Brenda Radmacher is a Partner with Akerman LLP and specializes in construction law, where she regularly counsels general contractors, construction managers, developers, owners, and design professionals on contract negotiations, risk management issues, and resolving construction disputes. Her practice emphasizes resolving complex construction disputes through negotiation, mediation, and, when necessary, arbitration and litigation, on projects in California, nationwide, and internationally.

  • She frequently addresses claims involving breach of contract, construction/design defects, liens, delays/impacts, construction defects, bonds/insurance issues, and represents many of the nation’s largest contractors and developers in the commercial, multifamily, and residential markets. Brenda has been recognized in the industry with many awards including: Women of Influence - Attorneys (Los Angeles Business Journal); The Best Lawyers in America© - Construction Law; Top 50 Most Influential Women Lawyers List; Martindale-Hubbell, Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers; and Construction Dive, Industry Veteran Award.  She is a Certified Mediator and was an adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law for a decade teaching Negotiation and Mediation, and is a frequent speaker on negotiation and mediation skills.

Scott Rhymes

Director of Risk Control Services and Occupational Health and Safety - Newfront

As Newfont’s Director of Risk Control, Scott leads a team of consultants who provide risk control and safety consulting services to clients designed to lower our client’s total cost of risk. Newfront risk control consultants partner with clients to increase risk awareness and reduce occupational, property, liability, and auto exposures by focusing on the client’s overall safety and risk management systems.

  • Scott has over 27 years of experience in the risk management field, including direct employer-side experience directing programs for large municipal infrastructure districts, manufacturing and logistics,and biotech. As Newfront's Director of Risk Control, Scott has specialized in numerous industry verticals and risk management disciplines. Scott is also a regular guest speaker at local industry groups and university certificate programs.

Molly Vaskey

Molly Vaskey is currently serving as a Risk Control leader for the Construction, Energy, and Marine division for Travelers in Denver, CO.  With two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Molly has spent the last thirteen years in a leadership role. At Travelers, she oversees a team of trusted risk advisors in the Western region. Her team focuses on collaborating with clients to establish business practices aimed at minimizing exposures and mitigating the frequency and severity of losses. Molly's team delivers effective risk management solutions tailored to the unique needs of our customers.

Risk Control Leader, Construction, Energy, and Marine Division - Travelers

Crystal Chang

Construction Casualty Underwriting Manager - Zurich

Crystal Chang, a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, currently heads a team of expert underwriters at Zurich. This team specializes in Construction Casualty, with a specific focus on general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, and umbrella lines of business. Over the past ten years, Crystal has carved a niche for herself as a Construction specialist. Her expertise stems from working with various admitted carriers, where she has honed her skills in risk management for Construction Companies. Crystal's commitment goes beyond just offering insurance financing. Her dedication extends to empowering companies by helping them mitigate their risks through the implementation of various risk management techniques. This holistic approach not only safeguards businesses but also promotes a culture of safety and resilience within the industry.

Moderator: Shantelle Cabir

Senior Vice President - Newfront

Secretary - WCOE USA, California Chapter

Shantelle is a business insurance consultant and SVP at Newfront Insurance carrying a CRIS (Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist) certification to advise on best practices. She specializes in providing full insurance programs to construction companies nationwide.