Tell us about yourself as a professional. Do you have a special interest or area of expertise, unusual background or experience, or a topic or skill you’re working to get better at?
I’ve built my career at the intersection of commercial real estate, insurance, and institutional investment. These three areas are deeply interconnected, but often operate in silos. My professional career has included working as both an insurance broker and a commercial real estate broker. The dual experience provides perspective on how risk, capital, and asset strategy shape the performance of real estate portfolios.

Today, I work as a Risk Manager for a real estate investment trust, a role that allows me to bring all of that experience together in a meaningful way. I oversee risk strategy across a diversified portfolio, working closely with internal teams and external partners to evaluate exposures, structure insurance programs, and ensure that risk considerations are integrated into investment decisions. This position has deepened my expertise in commercial real estate insurance, private equity real estate, and institutional grade assets, while also sharpening my ability to translate complex risk dynamics into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.

I’m continually working to deepen my expertise in institutional real estate strategy and portfolio level risk mitigation. My goal is to be a resource who not only understands the technical details, but can also connect them to broader investment objectives and long term value creation.

I’m passionate about working in risk management because it allows me to collaborate with a wide range of people across an organization. Risk touches every department, every asset, and every decision, which means I get to work with teams in operations, finance, legal, and asset management. I enjoy being in a role where I can connect those groups, understand their priorities, and help them navigate challenges from a risk management perspective.

I’m also drawn to the fast paced, analytical nature of the field. There are always unexpected situations, urgent issues, and decisions that require attention to detail and clear thinking. I like being the person who can step into those moments, bring structure to uncertainty, and help guide the organization through emergencies or complex scenarios.

Finally, I’m passionate about this work because there is always something new to learn. The risk landscape constantly evolves and that continuous learning keeps me engaged. I enjoy building expertise, staying curious, and finding better ways to protect value and support the organization.
 

This year has been one of the most significant periods of growth in my career, largely shaped by stepping into new leadership roles both within my organization and in the broader risk management community. My promotion to Director of Risk Management challenged me to expand my perspective from day to day issues to portfolio level strategy. I now work even more closely with teams across the organization, and that visibility has pushed me to refine how I communicate risk, build consensus, and support decision making at a higher level. Leading through unexpected issues and emergencies has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain the attention to detail that this field demands.

Outside of my organization, serving as President of the Orange Empire CPCU Society Chapter has been another major source of growth. Guiding a professional chapter requires balancing strategic planning, member engagement, and volunteer leadership, which are skills that translate directly into my work as a risk manager. It has also reinforced the importance of staying connected to emerging trends and fostering a strong professional community.

Additionally, my role as Vice Chair of the Risk Management and Loss Control Interest Group has broadened my exposure to industry wide challenges and best practices. Collaborating with peers across different sectors has pushed me to think more creatively about solutions and to bring fresh ideas back to my organization.

My involvement in the CPCU Society has expanded my network in ways that have directly strengthened my work in risk management. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with professionals across the risk management and insurance industry. Those relationships have become valuable sounding boards, sources of insight, and partners in navigating the rapidly changing risk landscape.

Working with the Orange Empire CPCU Society Chapter has sharpened my ability to collaborate effectively within a group. Planning events requires coordinating with volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and board members, all of whom bring different perspectives and priorities. Learning how to align those viewpoints, keep projects moving, and create programs that deliver value to our members has strengthened my communication and leadership skills. It has also reinforced the importance of listening, delegating, and building consensus.

Through the CPCU Society, I've also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of community within our industry. Through event planning, I’ve been able to help create spaces where professionals can learn from one another, share challenges, and build connections. Being part of that process has not only expanded my own network but also strengthened my commitment to supporting the next generation of insurance and risk professionals.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a CPCU Society member?In my opinion, the best parts of being a CPCU Society member are the strength of the community and peer support. The networking opportunities are unmatched. Through the CPCU Society, I’ve been able to connect with professionals and develop relationships that have offered support both personally and professionally. 

The CPCU community is collaborative by nature, and there’s a genuine willingness to help one another grow. Whether it’s sharing resources, offering advice, or stepping in to support an event or initiative, the sense of camaraderie is something I haven’t found anywhere else. Being part of a group that understands the demands of our industry, and is eager to lift each other up, has made a meaningful difference in my professional development.

Tell us about something you enjoy outside of work, a cause you support, a hobby, family activity, or anything else that is important to you.Outside of work, I value activities that help me recharge and stay balanced. I’m an avid reader. I enjoy everything from industry books to fiction that lets me unwind. I also spend a lot of time walking and exercising. Being active helps me clear my mind and brings a sense of routine and focus that carries into my professional life.

A hobby that’s important to me is collecting music. I love exploring different genres, discovering new artists, and building a collection that reflects different moments and moods. It’s something that keeps me curious and gives me a creative outlet outside of the structured world of risk management.

   
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/RyanWakely        

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