Texas PRIMA’s 2008 Risk Manager of the Year Gary Urban brings a unique perspective to risk management developed from a varied career and job assignments. He has been associated with city government since August 1992 — first with the City of San Antonio and, since 2002, as the Director of Risk Manager for the City of Waco. Urban has applied his experience and training to develop risk management systems that track everything from driver’s license verifications to certificates of insurance that improved the efficiency and functionality of his department. Urban has organized city departments into an effective safety committee that has reduced loss exposure through awareness programs in accident prevention.

During his tenure at the City of Waco, Urban has applied his training and experience from his past careers to develop programs and training that reduce or eliminate loss exposures. He consistently applies risk management techniques that save taxpayers money, while creating a safe work environment for the city’s employees. Urban supports and mentors other risk managers as well as supporting Texas PRIMA as a past officer and board member. Recently he took the lead to revise the Chapter’s bylaws.

Prior to entering the world of risk management, Urban completed a career of more than 25 years with the U.S. Air Force. He began his service as an Air Intelligence Technician and had tours of duty in Texas, Nebraska and Alaska, in addition to two years in Vietnam.

Urban’s other accomplishments include a BA in Geography/History from the University of Nebraska; and an MA in Public Administration from Webster University. He earned the Associate in Risk Management (IIA) / ARM; and is a Licensed Risk Manager in the State of Texas. Urban received the Texas PRIMA Chapter Service Award in June 2008.


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