The Accident Fund Insurance Company of America’s Innovation & Planning Department has been named the “2008 PMO of the Year” by the Center for Business Practices (CPB).

The award, which will be presented at a June ceremony in Scottsdale, Ariz., is given annually to a Project Management Office (PMO) that has demonstrated excellence and innovation in developing and maturing processes, people, and technology to support the effective management of projects.

According to CBP Director Jim Pennypacker, Accident Fund’s submission—produced by Innovation and Planning Department team members Randy Cornell, Marsha Fenton and Manny Rosales—“stood out as the very best” among strong competition that included finalists CPS Energy, Hewitt Associates, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, and R.L. Polk & Co.

Established nine years ago, Accident Fund’s Project Management Office was originally created within the company’s Information Systems Department. It has since evolved into an independent unit that is dedicated to the implementation of the strategic initiatives for the company. The Innovation and Planning PMO is led by Director Norm Buckwalter.

“There’s a real camaraderie across departments at Accident Fund¬—a feeling that together we can accomplish almost anything,” says Buckwalter. “Our role is to ensure that new business projects for Accident Fund are nurtured from initial research to successful development, and in alignment with the executive team’s strategic vision.”

“We focus on projects that are essential to achieving the plan, span multiple departments and companies, and provide the biggest business benefit to the overall organization.”

One unique aspect of the department was the establishment of a Vendor Management Office to better work with the many vendors and leverage costs and contracts more effectively across Accident Fund and its subsidiaries. By integrating the vendors and suppliers into the overall strategic planning process —and exploring new sourcing opportunities—it strengthened vendor relationships and created a means for reducing the overall costs to the company.

“Two things make our PMO unique,” says Buckwalter. “First is the creativity and diversity of skills among our team members, which are needed for the varying types of projects we take on. Second is the close synchronization of project execution with the broader five-year strategic planning cycle. There’s a clear line of sight from the strategic vision set by the executive team right through to the execution of projects to realize that vision.”

The CPB, based in Glen Mills, Pa., serves as a knowledge center for its stakeholders by capturing, organizing, and transferring business-practice knowledge to help them excel in a rapidly changing business environment. Among other factors, submissions for “PMO of the Year” awards are judged on structure, metrics, best practices, as well as how a PMO differentiates itself from other organizations.


Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, Accident Fund is the 10th largest writer of workers compensation insurers in the country. Founded in 1912, Accident Fund is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Accident Fund has four workers compensation subsidiaries: Accident Fund National Insurance Company, Accident Fund General Insurance Company, United Wisconsin Insurance Company and CompWest Insurance Company. Accident Fund and its subsidiaries operate in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The Company also provides third party administration services and disability management. More information can be found at www.accidentfund.com.

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