Welcome to The Trust Factor

Join Colleen Bodziony, Director of Operations and Member Services, and Ian Ridlon, President & Executive Director, for a special 40th anniversary episode of The Trust Factor. Reflecting on four decades of service, they discuss the origins of The Trust, how it has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of its Members, and the programs and partnerships that have shaped its success. From the early days of providing coverage to becoming a trusted risk management partner, they explore the importance of Member ownership, collaboration, and building lasting relationships. They also look ahead at emerging challenges and opportunities for the future, while celebrating the people and shared commitment behind The Trust's 40-year history.

Colleen Bodziony, Director of Operations and Member Services, sits down with Michael Coury, HR Consultant at The Trust, to unpack the complexities of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and what public employers need to know to stay compliant. Together, they break down how FMLA applies to municipalities, school districts, and special purpose districts, clarify eligibility requirements, and address common misconceptions and challenges faced by HR teams. With a focus on real-world scenarios Trust Members regularly face, Colleen and Michael explore qualifying leave scenarios, special considerations for schools and public safety departments, documentation and notice requirements, and how FMLA can overlap with ADA and workers’ compensation. Listeners will leave with practical guidance and best practices to help manage FMLA more confidently, remain complaint, and support employees during critical life events.

In this episode, Colleen Bodziony, Director of Operations and Member Services, Brad Weaver, Director of Property and Casualty Underwriting, and Russ Godin, Director of Claims, walk you through common insurance red flags seen in contracts and help Members reduce risk by making sure contracts include the right protections, proper insurance, clear responsibilities and clear terms. Drawing from their unique perspectives in Member Services, Underwriting, and Claims, the trio discusses key contract language—like hold harmless, additional insured, and waiver of subrogation—and explains what these terms really mean for Trust Members. Tune in to learn practical tips to help you better understand, review, and manage contracts with confidence.

The Trust Factor is the official podcast of the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust. Each episode delivers timely information, practical insights, and stories that matter to public sector entities. Keeping our Members’ busy schedules in mind, this series combines learning with convenience – providing access to expert conversations, peer perspectives, and resources wherever you are. Designed exclusively for Trust Members, this podcast offers tools, ideas, and inspiration to bring back to your organizations while fostering a sense of connection and community across Rhode Island.