Banner Health Western Region director wins risk management award

LOVELAND/GREELEY, Colo. (July 14, 2009) – Banner Health’s director of Risk Management for the Western Region, Lynn Runyan, was recently named “National Risk Management Professional of the Year” by the National Association of Insurance Women.

The award was announced May 29 during the association’s annual conference in New Orleans. NAIW is an international organization with some 7,500 members. It is open to professionals in the insurance and risk management industries.

Runyan, who has extensive risk and insurance experience, has been a member since 1980. This is the second year that the Risk Management Professional award has been given.

“The award is based on risk management experience, involvement with the organization and education – really looking at the whole picture,” Runyan explained. Nominees were asked to write a short essay explaining job responsibilities, personal accomplishments, future goals, contributions made to the association and thoughts about an important issue facing risk management professionals today.

“My risk management umbrella at Banner Health is very broad,” Runyan explained in her essay. “Every day has new issues, challenges and rewards. … On a typical day I may answer over 50 e-mails related to issues across Banner; advising one of the facility risk managers how to best manage a recent event or just listening while they confirm the next best steps in a risk situation.”

Runyan has been in risk management roles for more than 25 years. She has been with Banner since 1987, when she was hired as risk manager for McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colo. Since 1997, she has been regional director of Risk Management.

Runyan said as she looks forward she is content knowing she has found a rewarding work/life balance. “I now reflect on what I have and appreciate,” she explained in her essay. “Time with my family, my NAIW network and friends, and a career that has given back more than I could have ever expected.”