Nakeschi Watkins

Nakeschi Watkins is the Director, Risk Management, and Insurance at Cornell University. In this position, she oversees risk management and insurance for Cornell University, including Weill Cornell Medical. During her 17+ career, she has served in various roles in risk management. She fosters a collaborative and professional relationship with the various departments to promote an appropriate level of engagement in risk management activities; Identifies and evaluates the risk exposures associated; Develops, leads, implements, and monitors the risk management programs to ensure proper execution; Partnering with business unit management to mitigate risks, including analyzing policies, procedures, and controls, identifying gaps, and creating action plans. Additionally, Ms. Watkins continuously works with local and state government agencies to keep abreast with changes and emerging risks.

In addition to working at Cornell, Ms. Watkins has contributed her talents to many other professional organizations such as the RIMS New York Chapter Board of Directors and the University Risk Management and Insurance Association. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration- Management.  She also served in the US Army Forces for 12 years.