February 2026 Newsletter 
President's Letter
February 2026
And just like that, we’re already almost 10% into the year! Welcome to February!
I hope everyone managed to stay warm and safe during the freeze last week. My thoughts are with those in other parts of the country who weren’t as fortunate and are still facing the aftermath of the severe weather.
I recently had the chance to spend time with other local RIMS presidents, vice presidents, and membership representatives at the RIMS Leadership Forum, and I was blown away by the commitment and passion in the room. More than anything, what struck me most was realizing just how much we control the destiny of our chapters. The past, present, and future of HTX RIMS truly sit in our hands. What our chapter represents today, and what it will become tomorrow, depends on the effort we’re willing to invest in ourselves and in one another.
As I’ve reflected on those conversations, one question has stayed with me, and I’d like to pose it to all of you as we head into the rest of the year:
Who Is RIMS?
At a time when nonprofit and volunteer organizations are losing members on average, what makes HTX RIMS stand out as a community of impact, value, and unique excellence?
Looking ahead, we have two great events coming up this month. First, please mark your calendars for our first happy hour generously sponsored by AON, on February 17th, at the Armadillo Palace, where we’ll be introducing our board and committees. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about how the chapter operates, share your suggestions, and who knows, maybe you’ll discover a committee or leadership role that speaks to you!
And the following day, February 18th, we’ll gather for our monthly luncheon at The Briar Club, where Bob Simpson of Mercer will present “Risk, Reward, & Resilience: Pay Equity, Transparency, and Talent Risk for Insurers.” We’re also honored to have the board of NAAIA join us in recognition of Black History Month.
Here’s to a productive and fulfilling February!
From the board
Happy February!
We hope to see you at the HTX RIMS Happy Hour on Tuesday, February 17th at Armadillo Palace! We want to thank AON in advance for this generous sponsorship! This will be a great opportunity to meet the 2026 Board & Committee Volunteers working behind the scenes to further HTX RIMS mission and achievements in 2026! How can we best serve YOU in 2026? Bring all your ideas, we want to hear them!
Your commitment drives our success—and we’re just getting started! In 2026, expect fresh ideas, dynamic events, and even more opportunities to connect, learn, and lead in risk management.
Stay tuned. Get involved. Let’s make 2026 our best year yet!
Cheers,
HTX RIMS Board
Member Spotlight
Louis Martinez
We want to recognize Louis Martinez for his unwavering support of HTX RIMS! Louis dedicates a significant amount of time to make sure we all have the opportunity to network and collaborate and best of all.... he makes sure it is FUN! He is the one to thank for recommending Armadillo Palace for the incredible upcoming HH and dare I say the most popular annual social event (outside of the Golf Tournament) ~ the Houston Astros Game Day! You don't want to miss either of these social events!
Come out, have a good time and thank Louis for being an outstanding HTX RIMS volunteer and Social Committee member! Louis, your hard work and commitment to bringing the fun is deeply appreciated!
Spencer Educational Foundation
SPENCER WEBINAR SERIES
Join our early career webinar series! These free virtual sessions are a powerful educational and networking tool.
Who can attend? The Spencer Webinar Series is open to all! These free virtual educational & networking sessions are geared toward college students and recent graduates. High schoolers are also highly encouraged to participate.
How can I attend? Register for any session using the Spencer Virtual Campus Website and attend via Zoom.
When are the sessions held?
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Monthly during the Spring and Fall semesters: From September through May, our sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month from 1:00-2:00 pm EST.
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Weekly during the Summer: From June through August, our sessions are held every Thursday from 1:00-2:00 pm EST.
Questions? Contact Spencer's Director of External Engagement, Tandeka Nomvete, with any questions.
