Meet another fellow URMIA member and what he does
Terry Lyons
Title:
National Education Practice Leader for Risk Strategies and Chief Executive Officer for Academic HealthPlans (a subsidiary of Risk Strategies)
Hometown:
Colleyville, Texas
Alma Mater:
Texas Tech University
Degrees/Certification:
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting; Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
What was your first job?
Auditor for Ernst & Young in Fort Worth, Texas where I specialized in healthcare and insurance
How did you start your career in risk management?
After Ernst & Young, I became an underwriter for an insurance company specializing in the higher education industry on student health and accident and special risk. This experience led me to start my own company in managing risk for universities in this area.
Years in Risk Management:
25 years
Role in URMIA this year:
Conference attendee, conference sponsor, and sponsor of the conference President’s Reception.
What's the biggest change you've seen in the risk management and insurance industry since you've been in it?
The concept of “risk” has changed over the years. Previously, risk was thought of as things like property, casualty, workers' compensation, and travel insurance, but it has changed. Our roles have greatly expanded and now include providing protection against terrorism, cyber risk, pandemic protocols, climate change, active shooters, and mental health crises. In the student health and wellness area, the evolution of coverage has grown more complex due to government regulations and the need to provide coverage for students with extensive medical needs.
What emerging risks concern you the most?
Cyber will continue to be a concern with the escalation of tactics by the bad actors. The escalation of mental health crises and pharmacy expenses creates challenges for student health and wellness programs to remain affordable for students.
What's the most interesting situation you've encountered in your job?
There have been several interesting situations, but I think the most recent was the COVID pandemic and moving the company and employees from in-office to a remote company within 1-2 weeks while trying to balance the needs of our several hundred university clients and their students going through the similar issues.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect is the relationship, partnership, and friendship that we get to have with our university clients, and the ability to provide protection and stand side-by-side with them when they face any risk - whether it be any kind of an on-campus or student crisis.
What do you most appreciate about URMIA?
URMIA provides the opportunity to meet and learn what college and university risk managers need and face in their roles as well as best practices. This information is very helpful in our interactions and partnership with our university clients.
What's your favorite book, movie, and/or hobby?
My favorite book is Same Kind of Different as Me set in Ft. Worth, Texas where I started my business career. I enjoy attending sporting events and following Texas Tech University sports. I volunteer with the ALS Foundation and I also enjoy spending time with the family and boating at the lake.
What is your favorite beverage and/or food?
Always up for some good Mexican food or a visit to a steakhouse. My favorite beverage is a Mai Tai on a beach somewhere.
What do your friends and family think you do?
This is an interesting question. They know that I am always on a plane traveling and work in insurance, but I am not really sure if they realize exactly what I do leading our higher education practice.
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