University of Alaska names Greg Busch interim chief risk officer

University of Alaska General Counsel Mike Hostina has appointed Greg Busch as interim chief risk officer until a permanent replacement is made. Busch assumes the duties of Nancy Spink who retired earlier this month.

Busch steps up to this role from his position as the University of Alaska's emergency manager where he has provided systemwide leadership and strategic direction for the university's emergency management program. He will plan for and lead UA's efforts to create and maintain a university-wide risk management program that utilizes the most advanced emergency response disciplines such as loss prevention, risk financing, claims management and risk information systems.

"The University of Alaska has been exploring how to manage more effectively all of the possible risk in our changing environment," Busch said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the students, faculty and staff at the University of Alaska during this period of change."

"I am delighted to have someone of Greg's caliber within our ranks while we examine risk and specifically risk services across the UA system in this changing budget environment," Hostina said.

In his interim role, Busch will coordinate the development and implementation of systemwide programs and standards including identifying the university's most pressing risks and possible emergencies-from violent intruder situations to those involving health, safety and environmental causes. Busch also will manage planning, claims and training in accordance with federal and state statutes and regulations, procedures as well as responsible risk management practices.

"Risk Services encompasses many fields of practice, all with the end goal of providing the safest environment possible in which to learn, teach and work," Busch said. "This is my passion and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across system to continually improve upon the successful Risk Management Program that is already in place."

Busch joined the university in December 2014 as director of emergency management. He has 14 years of experience leading effective emergency management programs in education and healthcare settings. Busch holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from North Dakota State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Mary.

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