CCA Member Spotlight

I was drawn to the actuarial profession because it offered a unique blend of high growth potential, problem-solving challenges, and the chance to apply my love for mathematics to real-world issues. The journey wasn’t easy; breaking into the field required persistence. I applied to about 50 roles and interviewed for 6-8 positions before landing a health consulting job focused on provider risk.

My favorite part of being a CCA member is engaging with fellow members during continuing education offerings. These interactions provide invaluable insights and foster a sense of shared purpose. I particularly enjoy observing the industry's collective thinking on current topics, which allows me to see where my current opinions may or may not be aligned.

People might be surprised to learn that I’ve won community awards for my gardening and dedicate significant time to habitat restoration. It’s a passion that allows me to connect with nature and improve the local ecosystem in the urban environment where I live. This year, I increased my commitment to this passion and by the middle of December, I will have completed my training to be a certified Master Naturalist.

Douglas Tallamy's book, Nature's Best Hope: A new approach to conservation that starts in your yard. It's very practical and provides many useful tips to improve local ecosystems. I'm also enjoying a blog called The Way of Work, which explores ideas around what to do when you have enough.

Successfully transitioning to self-employment 15 years ago.

I wouldn't say that I have a singular favorite experience, but I can say that I've had wonderful experiences with every staff member in CCA. They do a great job, and I appreciate their support.

I graduated with a degree in Mathematics from the College of New Jersey.

To me, success is closely tied to achieving goals and embracing continuous development. Success involves setting personal and professional goals, revisiting them every five years or so, and re-evaluating as circumstances and aspirations evolve. Continuous development, on the other hand, is about ongoing improvement, not necessarily mastering every skill, but optimizing and enhancing both technical and non-technical abilities. This approach ensures growth while maintaining balance, allowing success to be both fulfilling and adaptable to changing priorities.

For future actuaries, the profession offers strong early-career support, but it’s important not to rely solely on your employer for career development. As you grow, consider investing time in volunteering with and/or joining CCA, even if it’s not employer-sponsored. It’s a relatively small investment that provides opportunities to develop valuable skills, gain recognition, and explore senior leadership or entrepreneurial paths, essential for broadening your professional horizons and achieving long-term success.

I see the future of the actuarial profession as a mix of opportunities and challenges. We have significant potential to expand into broader areas of risk management, leveraging our expertise in data analysis and decision-making to tackle emerging issues. However, the profession faces increasing competition from emerging fields like data science and advanced analytics. To remain relevant, actuaries must adapt by enhancing our skill sets and demonstrating the unique value we bring to solving complex, multidisciplinary problems.

As a consulting actuary, I define myself by prioritizing clear, effective communication and building trust with my clients. The foundation of the role is providing honest, insightful advice - telling clients what they need to know, even if it’s not what they want to hear. This approach ensures that I can deliver solutions that truly address their challenges while fostering long-term, meaningful partnerships based on integrity and mutual respect.

The most important thing I’ve learned in the last five years is that our society is not well-equipped to address emerging risks.

If I weren’t an actuary, I would likely work in natural resource management, focusing on enhancing local and regional habitats. My passion would center on improving biodiversity and fostering healthy watersheds, ensuring sustainable ecosystems. This work would combine my love for problem-solving with a hands-on approach to preserving the natural world.

In my free time, I focus on planning for a fulfilling life after my working career. This involves optimizing physical, mental, financial, and spiritual health. I dedicate considerable time to strength and conditioning, exploring volunteer opportunities within my community, and traveling to discover potential retirement destinations. These activities help me stay balanced and build a foundation for life after work.

Being a member of the CCA represents the spirit of volunteering and the sense of community that defines the consulting actuarial profession. The CCA fosters meaningful connections among professionals, offering a platform to share knowledge and learn from diverse perspectives. I’m particularly inspired by the high volunteer rate among members and the representation of many small firms, which bring unique insights to the table. It’s a collaborative environment that enhances both individual growth and the collective strength of our profession.