COVID-19- Legal, Risk and Insurance Challenges - Where to focus now? 

Mark Vermeal

Mark Vermeal is the Senior Safety and Risk Management Executive for Fred C. Church, Inc. As one of the leaders of the Outdoor + Adventure Practice, Mark is located in Golden, CO, and works with a team of professionals dedicated to serving the unique safety, risk management, and insurance needs of the outdoor and adventure industry. A nationally recognized expert in the field of risk management and safety with 20 years of experience as a senior-level administrator, Mark has implemented strategies that have enhanced a culture and climate of safety at two of the nation’s largest outdoor organizations: OBUSA where her served as VP of Safety, and as the National Director of Risk Management and Safety for the Student Conservation Association. Currently he serves on the risk management committees for Outward Bound Canada, Colorado Outward Bound School, and Colorado Mountain Club, and Gap Year Association Standards Committee. Mark has also served on the Steering Committee for the Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) from 2007-2017 and has been a presenter at the WRMC since 2007.

Sam Daume

Sam Daume has been in the insurance industry since 1986 and has worked with educational institutions since 1989.  He joined the Fred C. Church Education Team as a Client Executive in January of 2009 and is the Co-Leader of the firm’s Outdoor + Adventure Practice.  His experience includes 31 years as a Client Executive with three insurance brokers assuming various leadership positions at each firm.  Sam has provided risk management advice and insurance brokerage service to independent schools, colleges and universities as well as numerous well-known outdoor experiential educational organizations.

James Sconzo

James Sconzo is a “go-to” attorney for many of the most recognized education institutions. He is a trusted advisor, skilled trial lawyer, negotiator, investigator, and proven leader. Highly regarded by boards, leadership and in-house legal teams, Jim has provided steady guidance to clients through crisis, change, litigation, and all manner of adversity and challenges.

For independent schools, Jim has advised on policies, human resources, student conduct and board governance.  In recent years, Jim has assisted numerous schools navigate the complexities of dealing with past sexual misconduct.