RIMS-CRMP Stories

Jason Venner is a professional auditor whose career was highlighted by influential roles at Amtrak and the Department of Defense before transitioning into the private sector. He discussed why the RIMS-CRMP-FED appealed to him and how he leverages skills and knowledge from the certification daily in his role at Diligent.

RIMS: What inspired you to earn the RIMS-CRMP-FED?

Venner: Before taking the RIMS-CRMP-FED examination, I was a career auditor with aspirations of pivoting into enterprise risk management (ERM), particularly as I transitioned into executive-level roles. I viewed the RIMS-CRMP-FED certification as a way to publicly demonstrate my expertise and commitment to making this career shift. In 2020, while working in a public sector consulting role, the decision to pursue the FED micro-credential was a clear choice, given its alignment with the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management (AFERM) standards.

RIMS: How does the RIMS-CRMP-FED address ERM?

Venner: In 2020, with the pandemic at its height, I decided to use my personal time wisely and study for the exam. I primarily relied on RIMS study materials, supplemented by articles on ERM and federal guidelines such as OMB Circular A-123. I took extensive notes, reviewed them regularly, and created a disciplined routine of studying each morning and evening. Having not studied intensively in years, it was a challenge to re-establish this habit, but persistence paid off as the material became second nature. In hindsight, participating in a workshop would have made the process even smoother.

RIMS: Formative years of your career were in the US Department of Defense (DoD), most notably as a Deputy Assistant Inspector General. How did these experiences shape your risk career?

Venner: My previous roles significantly contributed to my understanding of ERM concepts and philosophies. As I progressed into senior audit positions, I noticed that executives were often more receptive to discussions about mitigating risks rather than focusing solely on audit findings, which can sometimes spark defensiveness. At organizations like the DoD and Amtrak, these conversations—though not always explicitly framed as ERM—highlighted a shared understanding of the inherent risks within their operations.

RIMS: You have a keen understanding of safety, also, thanks to your time with Amtrak. How was safety addressed during the RIMS-CRMP-FED exam?

Venner: My time at Amtrak, particularly in the wake of several high-profile safety incidents during the mid-2010s, underscored the transformative potential of ERM, especially in high-risk industries like transportation. These experiences crystallized my interest in ERM and deepened my commitment to the discipline.

RIMS: How does the knowledge from the RIMS-CRMP-FED resurface in your daily responsibilities at Diligent?

Venner: In my current role at Diligent, I leverage my RIMS-CRMP-FED certification daily. I engage with larger clients across the commercial and federal sectors, offering consultative guidance on implementing and optimizing the Diligent One platform to meet their ERM goals. The certification also enables me to represent Diligent as a trusted thought leader at conferences, webinars, and public forums. Internally, it facilitates collaboration with cross-functional teams—including Engineering, Product, and Design—by helping translate practitioner needs into actionable product improvements and innovations.

RIMS: You recently recertified. What are your favorite methods for accruing CE points?

Venner: To stay current, I prioritize attending conferences and connecting with practitioners and thought leaders. While in-person events are invaluable, I also supplement my learning by reading extensively, including materials like RIMS Risk Management Magazine and other resources from RIMS Risk Knowledge, and those reports and publications produced by Diligent and our partners. RIMScast and other risk management podcasts are other favorite learning tools, which I try to listen to when walking my dogs or working around the house.

The next RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep Virtual Workshop will be held February 4–6, 2025.

See the full RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep calendar.

Interview by Justin Smulison, RIMS Business Content Manager