Thomas Manning
Lexington
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Risk Manager with a strong background in municipal risk management, insurance administration, regulatory compliance, and occupational safety. Currently serving the City of Thomasville, overseeing liability, workers’ compensation, safety programs, insurance renewals, and claims administration. Skilled in developing risk mitigation strategies, leading cross-departmental safety initiatives, and ensuring compliance with OSHA, DEQ, FMCSA, and state regulatory standards. Recognized for reducing loss ratios, improving program efficiency, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability across all departments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Risk Manager
City of Thomasville
04.2023 - Current
- Appointed as the City’s first Risk Manager; established the foundation for risk control and a citywide safety culture.
- Wrote and implemented a new Workers’ Compensation policy adopted in July 2023, reducing WC sums incurred from $280K to $22,799 within 24 months (2022–24).
- Oversee all insurance-related matters, including property/liability, workers’ compensation, bonds, deductible billing, and third-party claims administration.
- Serve as primary liaison to the City Attorney and Insurance Attorney for claims, litigation, and risk management strategies.
- Expanded written safety programs from 13 to 31 and implemented all new programs across departments, including Emergency Action Plan reviews.
- Lead the Citywide Safety Committee; design and deliver all in-person and onsite safety training initiatives.
- Developed and launched a “Day-One Training Program” ensuring all new hires receive site-specific safety training before reporting to their departments.
- Created department-level training matrices to track compliance and site-specific safety requirements.
- Established a specialized Risk Review Committee for the Police Department in addition to the General Safety Committee.
- Administrator for citywide safety and compliance systems: NeoGov, JJ Keller, TNS, ELDT, TPR, FMCSA Clearinghouse, and Day-One.
- Facilitated OSHA compliance, including consultative services, inspections, and abatements.
- Serve as DEQ WTO Continuing Education Instructor and Administrator; oversee DEQ project planning and compliance.
- Introduced updated PPE and safety equipment to improve employee protection across departments.
- Acted as Employee Liaison, strengthening communication channels for safety concerns and solutions.
- Represent the City on the NCLM Risk Control Advisory Committee.
- Achieved Gold Safety Awards for 11 of 12 divisions in the first year; all divisions earned Gold Awards in the second year (2025).
- Two divisions became eligible for the SHARP program in 2025.
Director of Risk Management and Safety
Caffey Distributing
06.2019 - 03.2023
- Developed and led company-wide health and safety policies for 450+ employees
- Reduced loss ratio from 43% to 6.6% through targeted risk controls and claims management
- Launched comprehensive safety and fleet programs managing 90+ tractor trailers and support vehicles
- Managed workers’ comp, auto, property, and liability claims; coordinated with legal counsel and captive insurance partners
- Led internal safety audits and partnered with OSHA and DOL for compliance initiatives
Licensed Insurance Agent
North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance
09.2015 - 06.2019
- Managed a $1.2M book of business; multiple award recipient (Million Dollar Ring, Round Table, Winners Challenge, Presidents Club)
- Provided full-service policy management and financial planning support
- Navigated underwriting, coverage advisement, and policy endorsements
Licensed Insurance Agent
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance
09.2015 - 06.2019
- Sold $5M+ in life insurance products annually; conducted needs analyses for financial planning and estate preparation
Licensed Insurance Agent
Farm Bureau Bank
09.2015 - 06.2019
- Processed loan and credit applications; promoted CDs, IRAs, and other financial tools
Licensed Insurance Producer
Piedmont Triad Insurance
06.2014 - 09.2015
- Assessed insured risks for businesses and individuals; managed leads and client portfolios
- Commercial Insurance advisor and producer
- Provide risk solutions to private sector businesses
Account Manager
United Beverages of North Carolina, LLC
10.2008 - 05.2014
- Managed 90+ accounts and outside sales; conducted pricing, merchandising, and customer relations.
- Build Relationships with Business Accounts.
Police Officer
Lexington Police Department
02.2004 - 09.2008
- Served in patrol, investigations, crime prevention, and community engagement roles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Religion, Apologetics
Liberty University
Basic Law Enforcement Training - undefined
Davidson County Community College
Lexington, NCInsurance Pre-Licensing -
The Rendleman Company
Greensboro, NC01-2014
Skills
- Risk & Liability Advising
- Insurance & Claims Administration
- OSHA & DEQ Compliance
- Workers' Compensation
- Data Analysis
- Fleet & Facility Safety Management
- Training Program Development & Delivery
- DMV, ELDT, and BLS/OSHA Reporting
- Interdepartmental Coordination
- Strategic Risk Mitigation
Certification
- Insurance Producer License, 2014-01-01, Present
- Property, Casualty, Life, Health, and Medicare Supplement Licenses
- Leadership Davidson County, Completed
Timeline
Risk Manager
City of Thomasville
04.2023 - Current
Director of Risk Management and Safety
Caffey Distributing
06.2019 - 03.2023
Licensed Insurance Agent
North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance
09.2015 - 06.2019
Licensed Insurance Agent
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance
09.2015 - 06.2019
Licensed Insurance Agent
Farm Bureau Bank
09.2015 - 06.2019
Licensed Insurance Producer
Piedmont Triad Insurance
06.2014 - 09.2015
Account Manager
United Beverages of North Carolina, LLC
10.2008 - 05.2014
Police Officer
Lexington Police Department
02.2004 - 09.2008
Basic Law Enforcement Training - undefined
Davidson County Community College
Bachelor of Science - Religion, Apologetics
Liberty University
Insurance Pre-Licensing -
The Rendleman Company
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