Turning Adversity into Advantage: A Moment for Reflection and Renewal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thought Leadership for the Federal Enterprise Risk Management Community
AFERM Journal – Q4 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Turning Adversity into Advantage:
A Moment for Reflection and Renewal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As we close out the fourth quarter and this final newsletter of 2025, I invite us all to take a collective breath. The past year has tested our adaptability, resilience, and sense of purpose as an organization. Yet amid the uncertainty, AFERM continues to grow—learning, adjusting, and rising stronger together.
Recently, I watched a football game that offered an unexpected lesson in leadership. One team, riddled with injuries, had to rely on its substitutes to step up and perform at the highest level.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the broadcast, a commentator said something that struck me deeply: “The team shouldn’t waste adversity.”
That phrase stayed with me. To “not waste adversity” means to recognize challenge as a chance to grow. It’s the difference between a team that merely survives and one that transforms. For AFERM, this is our opportunity to pause and ask:
- What is this moment revealing about who we are?
- What are our strengths and where can we improve?
- What opportunities can emerge from this period of change?
Adversity, after all, is inevitable in every organization. The real measure of success lies in how we adapt—how we turn obstacles into catalysts for progress.
One clear example of this is our decision to reschedule the AFERM Summit. While the change was disappointing, it reflects our deep commitment to delivering the best experience possible for our members. Moving the event to March 2026 ensures that we can meet that promise. I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers and planners whose hard work, flexibility, and dedication have made this possible.
As my term as AFERM President comes to a close, I encourage each of you to seize the many leadership opportunities within our organization—through board service, committee participation, or volunteer engagement. AFERM is more than a professional association; it’s a community where you can sharpen your leadership skills, build lifelong connections, and leave your mark on the future of risk management.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your president. Together, we’ve faced challenges, found our footing, and proven that even in times of uncertainty, there is always opportunity in adversity.
Dr. Karen Hardy,
AFERM President
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leveraging ERM and risk management for a higher goal
By Doug Webster, PhD, Principal with TFC Consulting
Risk would not exist if it were not for…change! In a world without change, every outcome would be solidly predictable. It is the uncertainty of change that defines risk. The public sector, and particularly the federal government, has seen more change in the past year than many of us have experienced in our lifetimes.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How to integrate Supply Chain Risk Management into an Organization’s ERM Program
By Kristina Narvaez, Senior Risk Manager, Smardt Inc.
Supply chain risk management (SCRM) can be integrated into an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program by treating supply chain risks as a critical component of the organization's overall risk landscape, and not just a procurement exercise.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From A-123 to A-11: Enterprise Risk Management’s Evolving Strategic Role
By Nadya Korobko, Manager, Deloitte
For nearly a decade, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-123, Management's Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control, positioned Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) as a component of internal control and assurance. With the 2025 update to OMB Circular A-11, Preparation, Submission, and Execution of the Budget, ERM is now central to strategic planning, performance management, and public accountability.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Webinar Opportunities: Health Risk Management with Benefits That Fit Your Needs
Presented By G.E.H.A
G.E.H.A will be hosting multiple webinars for the month of November on their medical, dental, and Medicare plans. Learn about G.E.H.A’s options before deciding your benefits for 2026.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFERM 2025 Virtual Summit Postponed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown and the significant challenges it is posing for federal participation in the AFERM 2025 Virtual Summit, the AFERM Board of Directors made the difficult decision, after careful consideration, to postpone the 2025 October Virtual Summit to Spring 2026.
Our primary goal is to ensure that every participant has the opportunity to fully engage, exchange lessons, and benefit from this important industry event.
We believe rescheduling to a time when our community can fully participate is the best way to deliver on that commitment and host the exceptional program you expect from AFERM.
We understand this news may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding. We will announce the new dates very soon.
Thank you again for your flexibility and ongoing support of the AFERM community.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@aferm.org or call AFERM at 1-760-512-3376.
We look forward to seeing you at the Summit in Spring 2026!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Be A Part of AFERM University
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFERM co-developed the RIMS-CRMP-FED Certification. Now we are teaching it! Through AFERM University, you can affiliate with a community of certified practitioners dedicated to ERM at all levels of government, speaking the same language with your certification.
AFERM offers RIMS-CRMP-FED Preparatory Courses. The next two-day, live, virtual, course is on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 4, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET.
Participants who complete this program are eligible for the RIMS-CRMP and RIMS-CRMP-FED examinations [as part of the course fee] at no cost, provided the course participant sits for the examination within 90 days of completing this course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join or Renew Your AFERM Membership
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFERM is the premier professional community for government ERM practitioners. Here are just a few of the benefits that your AFERM membership gives you year-round:
- Access to our online resource library with over 100 contributed artifacts
- “Risk Chats” – the official AFERM podcast
- Educational workshops for ongoing professional development
- Virtual and physical communities through our forums, communities of practice, and book club
- Discount on the annual AFERM Summit
- The latest news and info in ERM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our mailing address is:
400 S 4th St, Suite 754E Minneapolis, MN 55415
Unsubscribe from this list.
Contact us at info@aferm.org or by calling 760.512.3376
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Print Page
