About 1 ½ years ago, Claims Associates added an adjuster to our Workers’ Compensation Team, Rhonda Ristesund. Since that time, Rhonda has not only been doing a great job handling claims, she has also continually worked on furthering her education to improve her skills for her job.
Rhonda quickly earned her SDWCS (South Dakota Work Comp Specialist), and has recently earned her WCLA (Workers’ Compensation Claim Law Associate). Her next endeavor is to complete her SCLA (Senior Claim Law Associate). Claims Associates encourages all of our employees to consider furthering their education.
A little more background on Rhonda…. While she was born and raised for much of her youth in Sioux Falls, SD, she has had the opportunity to travel a fair amount having also lived in CA, NE and TX. She’s been back in SD for two years and proud to call it home.
Her experience is varied as her residence is, and many of her past occupations lend valuable experience to her duties as a Workers’ Compensation Adjuster. Her most recent experience has been as an insurance adjuster working telephonically for an independent adjusting firm, and earning her Adjuster License for many different states.
Prior to that she spent some time at a national company as a Trainer/Supervisor, and prior to that she graduated EMT school from Iowa Western Institute, spending time both in an ER and a firehouse. This is all practical experience and knowledge for her duties here working with injured employees.
Though she tried a few different occupations out of school, she credits her mom for the reason she chose adjusting as her career. Her mom has been an adjuster since she was young. Rhonda saw her mom achieve much success through extra education and hard work ethic and that drove Rhonda to want to be the best adjuster and keep moving up within the field. She’s found the right place to pursue that drive with Claims Associates.
When not working, Rhonda likes to stay active and enjoys sports. Her favorite football teams are the Denver Broncos and the Texas Longhorns. She has a 15 year old Pomeranian Terrier.
Welcome to the team Rhonda!