Nakeschi Watkins is the Director, Risk Management, and Insurance at Cornell University. Nakeschi joined Cornell in 2018, In this position she oversees risk management and insurance.
During her 17+ career she has served in various roles of risk management include overseeing all risk management components of the university systems, fostering a collaborative and professional relationship with the various departments to promote an appropriate level of engagement in risk management activities; Identify and evaluate the risk exposures associated; Develop, lead, implement, and monitor the risk management programs to ensure proper execution; Partnering with business unit to mitigate risks, including analyzing policies, procedures and controls, identifying gaps, and creating action plans.
Additionally, Ms. Watkins continuously works local and state government agencies to keep abreast with changes impacting risk management in higher education and the risk management community. Ms. Watkins served on the RIMS New York Chapter Board of Director. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Commerce and Business Administration- Management. She also served in the US Army Reserve and Alabama Army National Guard for 12 years.