CHICAGO—At the RISKWORLD 2025 conference in Chicago, RIMS honored a number of individuals and chapters for their significant contributions to the evolving sophistication of the risk management profession. Presented during keynote sessions at the annual event, this year's awards highlighted the diverse talents and dedication within the risk management profession, recognizing contributions across the spectrum from seasoned leaders to emerging professionals as well as the vital work of local chapters.
The Risk Manager of the Year award for 2025 was presented to Jennifer Pack, vice president at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. This accolade recognizes her exceptional work in developing and implementing exemplary risk management programs within her organization.
In accepting the honor, Pack emphasized her focus on the valuable contributions risk professionals bring to the table, rather than the risky ideas they may stop. “What I love most about risk management is that it’s never just about avoiding the bad, it’s about building the strong—creating safety, enabling growth, being a trusted partner. We get to use data, storytelling, empathy and action all at once,” Pack said. “So let’s keep pushing boundaries, lifting each other up and having fun while we do it. Because the future may be uncertain, but we were built for that.”
In recognition of his dynamic approach to risk and leadership in the industry, Mark Saltsgaver, vice president of corporate risk management at Eli Lilly and Company, was inducted into the Risk Management Honor Roll.
The Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award, the society’s most prestigious honor, was conferred upon Randy Nornes, executive vice president and enterprise client partner at Aon. This award acknowledges individuals who have significantly furthered both RIMS goals and the broader risk management profession through exemplary service and achievement.
RIMS also recognized emerging talent in the profession by presenting the Rising Risk Professional Award to Megan Smalter, market development executive at Lloyds. This honor specifically celebrates risk professionals who are under 35 or have less than seven years of industry experience who demonstrate exceptional initiative, volunteerism and leadership potential—essential qualities for the next generation of risk leaders.
The 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award went to Neil Colclough, vice president of risk management at Sage Hospitality Group, for his outstanding contributions at the chapter level. As president of the RIMS Rocky Mountain Chapter and chair of the RIMS Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, Colclough exemplifies the critical role that volunteer leadership plays in building professional communities and advancing risk management practice at the local level.
In addition, the Risk Management Hall of Fame welcomed three new members: Dr. Gert Cruywagen, Susan Meltzer and Bradley Wood. These industry veterans were honored for their career-long innovation and contributions that have helped shape modern risk management practices.
“As we celebrate RIMS 75th Anniversary and look toward the future it is incredibly important that we recognize the exceptional trailblazers who have given so much to help empower risk professionals around the world,” said RIMS CEO Gary A. LaBranche, FASAE, CAE.
RIMS also celebrated the achievements of specific local chapters. RIMS Greater Bluegrass Chapter was named Chapter of the Year, recognized for its exceptional resources, programming and member opportunities throughout 2024. Erica Kiefer, associate manager at YUM! Brands, Inc., and president of the Greater Bluegrass Chapter, accepted the award on the chapter's behalf.
The second annual RIMS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chapter Leadership Award went to the RIMS Detroit Chapter, recognizing its intentional actions to create more inclusive spaces for risk professionals. Additionally, RIMS Atlanta Chapter and RIMS Oregon Chapter received recognition for successfully aligning their programming with the society's strategic priorities of innovation, development, engagement and advocacy.