Advancing Our Actuarial Profession Together

“Real leadership is leaders recognizing they serve the people they lead." This principle has guided my 25-year career as a consulting actuary and 16 years of volunteer service with the Society of Actuaries . Now, as your newly elected President-Elect, I'm honored to continue serving our profession in this capacity.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sharon Giffen and Darryl Wagner for their dedication to the SOA and for running such thoughtful campaigns. Your commitment to our profession and the SOA is truly admirable, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.

Congratulations to our newly elected Board members. I look forward to working with you to advance the SOA's mission and impact. I'm also excited to collaborate with our existing Board members as we tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Strategic Focus

Our organization stands at a crucial juncture. The ongoing refresh of our Strategic Plan is more than just an administrative task—it's our roadmap for remaining relevant and impactful in a rapidly evolving landscape. As President-Elect, my first priority is to support and help lead this vital effort, ensuring our strategy aligns with the needs of our global members and keeps us ahead of industry changes.

Leadership Approach

Drawing from my experience on the SOA Board of Directors (2018-2021) and as Chair of the Commercial Healthcare Strategic Initiative (2017-2018), I've seen firsthand the power of collaborative decision-making. I believe in being a fully-engaged, active listener, appreciating diverse viewpoints to build consensus. These aren't just buzzwords—they're the foundation of effective leadership.

Key Focus Areas

Looking ahead, we'll focus on four key areas:

• Global Strength: We'll promote the expansion of our profession globally, tailoring services to meet local needs. By focusing on emerging markets and cultivating a strong pipeline of diverse talent, we'll secure our profession's future.
• Education & Leadership: We'll prepare actuaries to be business leaders who leverage data, technology, and judgment to create responsible risk solutions. With AI and Insurtech reshaping our industry, we must stay ahead by continuously updating our skills.
• Community and Societal Purpose: We'll forge stronger bonds among SOA members while emphasizing our contributions to society. Our work is essential, and we must effectively communicate its value to the public, regulators, and policymakers.
• Innovation and Adaptation: We'll address emerging challenges head-on, from artificial intelligence to barriers to professional entry. As your leader and ambassador, I'll ensure we're proactive in strengthening our profession.

Looking Forward

I'm optimistic about our future. The scale of our community—over 30,000 members strong—and the dedication of our volunteers give us a solid foundation. But we have work to do. Whether it's advancing actuaries' roles in business through professional development or tackling global challenges, I'm committed to moving our profession forward.

Thank you for your trust. I look forward to working alongside each of you, learning from your diverse perspectives, and collectively shaping the future of actuarial science. Together, we'll ensure the SOA remains at the forefront of our field, driving innovation and making a positive impact on society.

Let's embrace this thrilling time in our profession and write the next chapter of the SOA's story—one of growth, innovation, and meaningful contribution to the world.