RIMS Honours Late Susan Meltzer, Risk Management Trailblazer: A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
In a heartfelt tribute to one of the field’s most influential figures, the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) has announced the passing of Susan Meltzer, a pioneering force in global risk management. At 71, Meltzer’s death on September 29, 2025, marks the end of an era, but her indelible contributions continue to inspire. To immortalize her impact, RIMS has established the Susan Meltzer Scholarship Fund, ensuring her trailblazing spirit guides the next generation of risk professionals. As RIMS President Kristen Peed reflected, “Her impact on the profession was far-reaching, and it was evident at the conference just how many of today’s risk leaders were touched and inspired by her generosity.”
Meltzer’s life was a testament to resilience and advocacy, particularly for women in a male-dominated industry. Her story—from a young graduate entering the Toronto brokerage scene to a global president—resonates as a blueprint for aspiring leaders.
A Stellar Career: From Brokerage Roots to Corporate Powerhouse
Susan Meltzer’s journey began in 1975 after earning her degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. She dove into the insurance world at a Toronto-based brokerage, honing skills that would propel her to the upper echelons of Canada’s largest organizations.
- Early Roles: Started at Bell Canada, navigating complex telecom risks during a time of rapid industry evolution.
- Mid-Career Milestones: Advanced to Sun Life Financial, where she tackled financial services vulnerabilities, then capped her corporate ascent as Vice President of Risk Management at Aviva Canada until her 2019 retirement.
Throughout, Meltzer championed integrated risk strategies, blending insurance with enterprise-wide approaches. Her expertise wasn’t just theoretical; it was battle-tested in real-world crises, from economic downturns to operational upheavals.
What set her apart? A relentless focus on people. As RIMS Canada Council Chair Valerie Barber noted, “Susan was a role model for many women starting their insurance and risk management careers… She was an incredibly generous and compassionate person who devoted countless hours to helping others.” In an era when female leaders were scarce, Meltzer shattered ceilings, proving that empathy and expertise could coexist at the top.
Leadership at RIMS: Global Influence and Unwavering Dedication
Meltzer’s devotion to RIMS defined her legacy. She served as Global President from 1999 to 2000, steering the society through expansion and innovation. Her influence extended internationally as President of the International Federation of Risk and Insurance Management Associations (IFRIMA) from 2004 to 2008, fostering cross-border collaboration.
Within Canada, she was a pillar of the RIMS Ontario Chapter (ORIMS) and Canada Council, earning emeritus status for her service. Meltzer’s educational footprint was equally vast: She taught Canadian Risk Management (CRM) courses at the University of Toronto and participated in the Spencer Educational Foundation’s Risk Manager in Residence program across North American universities.
Her philosophy? Risk management thrives on shared knowledge. In a 2004 panel, she argued against siloed “corporate risk officers,” advocating for team-driven, decentralized strategies that empower business units while maintaining centralized oversight. This balanced view influenced modern frameworks, emphasizing coordination over control.
Accolades and Hall of Fame: Recognizing a Lifetime of Excellence
Meltzer’s shelf of honors reads like a risk management hall of fame itself—fitting, as she joined the actual one in 2025.
- Donald M. Stuart Award (2001): Canada’s highest risk honor, for exemplary leadership.
- Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award (2004): RIMS’ global pinnacle, celebrating her worldwide contributions.
- Business Insurance Women to Watch (2006): Highlighting her as a trailblazer for gender equity.
- RIMS Risk Management Hall of Fame (2025): Inducted alongside Gert Cruywagen and Bradley Wood at RISKWORLD in Chicago, just months before her passing. The ceremony, attended by family and peers, underscored her role in RIMS’ 75th anniversary celebrations.
In 2024, ORIMS renamed its Top CRM Graduate Award the Susan Meltzer Award, a nod to her mentorship of emerging talent. These tributes weren’t mere formalities; they reflected a career that advanced the discipline through advocacy, education, and innovation.
The Susan Meltzer Scholarship Fund: Ensuring Her Legacy Endures
In the wake of her death, RIMS moved swiftly to honor Meltzer’s commitment to nurturing talent. The newly launched Susan Meltzer Scholarship Fund, seeded with a $10,000 donation from RIMS, will annually cover expenses for one Canadian risk professional to attend the RIMS Canada Conference.
Administered by RIMS The Foundation for Risk Management, the fund targets early-career pros, mirroring Meltzer’s hands-on guidance. “This scholarship will open doors for the next generation,” said RIMS CEO Gary A. LaBranche, echoing her belief in empowering others. Donations are open via the RIMS website, inviting the community to perpetuate her generosity.
This initiative isn’t just financial aid—it’s a bridge to the collaborative ethos Meltzer embodied. As Barber put it, “Susan’s contributions will continue to open doors for years to come.”
Reflections from the Community: A Profound Loss, An Enduring Inspiration
Tributes poured in from across the risk world, painting Meltzer as more than a leader—a mentor, friend, and catalyst for change. Peed recalled a recent meeting at the RIMS Canada Conference: “I had the privilege of meeting Susan… where we honoured her as the newest inductee.” Colleagues shared stories of her quiet counsel during tough decisions and her infectious enthusiasm for the profession.
Her passing, described as a “profound loss to the global risk management community,” comes at a pivotal time. With emerging risks like cyber threats and climate volatility, Meltzer’s emphasis on adaptive, inclusive strategies feels more relevant than ever.
A Trailblazer’s Lasting Flame
Susan Meltzer didn’t just manage risk—she redefined it, proving that true leadership lies in lifting others as you climb. Through the Hall of Fame induction, renamed awards, and now the scholarship fund, RIMS ensures her light shines on. As the industry evolves, her voice—advocating for collaboration, equity, and foresight—will echo in boardrooms and classrooms alike.
In her memory, let’s commit to her ethos: Mentor boldly, lead inclusively, and innovate fearlessly. The risk management world is richer for her presence—and forever changed by her absence. To contribute to the fund or learn more, visit RIMS.org.