The Risk Management Hall of Fame (RMHF) honored Joe Restoule and Millicent “Millie” Workman with a posthumous induction at its annual RISKWORLD conference in San Diego. Both left profound legacies in the field, marked by their innovative approaches and dedication to mentoring the next generation of risk professionals.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to individuals who have significantly advanced the discipline of risk management through their achievements, leadership, and ethical standards, with inductees chosen by the RMHF Selection Committee.
Restoule spent over two decades at Nova Chemicals Corporation, guiding the company’s financial strategy through proactive risk analysis and innovative risk control solutions. He was also deeply involved with several industry committees and was particularly active in the risk management community in Canada, where he served as the chair of the RIMS Canada Council and was a founding member of the Institute of Risk Management.
His influence extended beyond his professional roles as he was instrumental in founding the William H. McGannon Foundation, which supports risk management education in Canada.
Meanwhile, Workman broke new ground for women in risk management and insurance. Her career trajectory took her from working in excess and surplus lines brokerage to key positions in corporate risk management at major organizations like Baptist Memorial Health Care and Mueller Industries.
She was not only recognized for her leadership in these roles but also for her commitment to mentoring and advancing the profession. She was the first woman to receive the Business Insurance Risk Manager of the Year award and was also an early inductee into the Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame. Her final professional role was with the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI), where she oversaw the development of multiple educational programs in risk management.
“Joe Restoule and Millie Workman exemplify the risk community, and their legacy will continue to be a beacon of inspiration for risk professionals for years to come. RIMS is proud to celebrate Joe and Millie’s contributions to risk management and insurance and induct them into the RIMS Risk Management Hall of Fame,” RIMS CEO Gary A. LaBranche said.
