JIM GREEN, CRM, ARM

With a background in law enforcement service with the Fort Worth Police Department, Jim Green changed careers to lead security at Justin Industries. However, his role quickly evolved, and he would eventually transform the organization’s risk management program to reflect his personal commitment to safety, health and productivity.

A diversified manufacturer, during Jim’s tenure, the Texas-based company operated 37 manufacturing plants in 11 states with approximately 4,300 employees. Known for its famous Western footwear, Justin’s operating companies also produced building materials, evaporative coolers, bricks and books. There, Jim’s work included managing all forms of risk exposures for its wide-ranging portfolio of products, as well as compliance and regulatory requirements, litigation control, contract administration and government relations.

Most notably, Jim was credited with successfully embedding a risk-aware culture at Justin. Additionally, his accomplishments included installing a comprehensive, multi-state claims control system that reduced workers’ compensation losses from $7.2 Million (1990) to less than $1 Million (1996). 

However, his commitment to employee safety didn’t stop with his contributions to building a more dynamic workers’ compensation program. Jim Green was an ergonomics pioneer, not only recognizing the importance it would have on the organization’s financials but also the resounding impact it would have on employee morale.  He implemented an innovative ergonomics baseline testing program to identify cumulative trauma symptoms before they required medical intervention. The program further demonstrated the organization’s commitment to keeping employees safe while reducing claims costs by over 83 percent per year at the same time.

An expert in insurance and, more specifically, his thought-leadership in the workers’ compensation space, Jim served on the Texas Association of Business and Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee responsible for development of the State’s new workers’ compensation statute in 1989.  In 1999, he was appointed by Texas Governor George W. Bush to the Board of Directors of the State Office of Risk Management.  He also served as the Employee Representative on the State of Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Medical Advisory Board.

Jim was active in the risk management profession and was dedicated to risk management education. He served on the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research’s Certified Risk Management program where he conducted risk management courses in 44 states and Puerto Rico. He was named to the Risk Management Honor Roll in 1998.  Jim also served as the chair of RIMS External Affairs Committee which led to his RIMS Richard W. Bland Award recognition in 1998 for exceptional contributions to the Society’s government advocacy initiatives.