This past December, Business Projects Manager Carl Sandstrom retired after more than two decades of service to the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA). Sandstrom, who joined the Authority in 2003, has advanced the organization’s mission by supporting its members through his role of developing and implementing the Authority’s technology platforms.

“Carl’s wealth of institutional knowledge and affability make him a valuable mentor and first-rate collaborator,” said Chief Executive Officer Alex Smith. “He’s helped shape the modern Authority in many ways, and his excellent work will live on and continue to benefit our members and internal processes for years to come.”

Sandstrom joined the Authority with a background in economics and asset management. “I’ve always been a systems guy,” he said. “Economics is all about systems—the push and pull of various actors, on scales large and small—that way of thinking has guided my career.”

Initially hired as a training coordinator, Sandstrom has had a wide-ranging career at the Authority. He assumed the risk manager position in 2004, shifted to a senior management analyst role in 2007, and became the business projects and facilities manager in 2010.

Within these roles, he spearheaded numerous technology projects and strategic pivots, ensuring that staff were well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of members. “I listen to people and try to identify process inefficiencies. I then focus on making workflows more seamless and automated for Authority staff and members,” he said.

His mindset of systems improvement also led to one of his most impactful accomplishments—reworking the Authority’s cost allocation model. He worked on and instituted the use of volatility bands, stabilizing member costs, further incentivizing risk management efforts, and positioning the Authority for continued financial stability and growth.

Sandstrom also worked closely with the Authority’s Training Manager over the years to build and enhance the learning management system, expand its robust functionality, improve the user interface, and in recent months, integrate it with external member HR systems. “Planting the seed of that project and knowing that it will eventually take root is truly fulfilling,” he said.

When asked for career advice, Sandstrom emphasized adaptability. “Change is going to happen with or without you,” he said. “Instead of fighting it, embrace it. Learn how to adjust so you can benefit from it—not just monetarily, but emotionally and holistically.”

From optimizing systems to mentoring colleagues, Sandstrom’s legacy is one of positive change and teamwork. “Carl’s dedication to innovation has left a lasting impact on our work, and we wish him the very best in his retirement,” said Smith.

Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 45 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 125 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at cjpia.org.