SOA at Work
The SOA at Work
This edition of "The SOA at Work" focuses on two major priorities for the SOA. First and foremost is our campaign to "rebrand" the actuarial profession. The SOA launched this campaign to make the public more aware of the skills and talents actuaries bring to business and the public. Rebranding an entire profession is a big challenge and one very few professions take on–think of it... rebranding lawyers! We're delighted to see the recognition given to these efforts by the public relations industry's premier journal and thank all of the members who've been involved in this important work!
The new Section Operations Framework is also highlighted. This framework–which was completed late last year–provides critical guidance to our Section leaders in developing plans, focusing resources and realizing the many benefits of Section membership. I urge you to review the framework and become involved in your Section–it's a great way to get the most from your membership in the SOA, communicate and collaborate with peers and help your profession overall.
–SOA Executive Director Greg Heidrich
SOA Earns Corporate Branding Campaign of the Year
PRWeek Awards, the leading awards program for the public relations industry, recently presented the "Corporate Branding Campaign of the Year" to the actuarial profession for its work on Actuaries–Risk is Opportunity: The Revitalization of a Profession's "Brand."
The actuarial profession was one of five finalists for this prestigious award. Other nominees in the corporate branding category were Nintendo of America, Toyota Motor Sales USA, Tesla Motors and InterContinental Hotels Group. The awards program showcases the best PR campaigns, people and companies from the past year. More than 900 entries were received in a variety of categories and the finalists were chosen by a panel of 77 judges.
The SOA partnered with GolinHarris, its official agency of record, to maintain actuaries' leadership strength in traditional fields and promote the profession's expertise and qualifications for broader leadership and risk management roles.
To read the entire press release visit 2008 Press Releases.
Updates to Professional Interest Section Operations Framework Clarify Roles and Goals
Whether you are considering running for your professional interest Section's Council or would just like to know more about Sections, how they work and what they do, the Section Operations Framework is your go-to guide.
The framework provides direction for Section leaders to help decide where to focus their energy and activities. Broadly, there are four areas:
- Section Member Benefits–addressing their needs.
- Continuing Education–identifying, creating, and delivering content.
- Research–identifying, funding and over-seeing.
- Strategic Initiatives–connecting to the profession on a broad scale.
The framework also guides Section leaders in creating annual action plans, and it offers others insights into Section activities and operations.
A team of Section Officers, Board Partners and SOA staff updates the framework regularly, most recently in late 2007, to provide more clarity for Sections and to ensure that Sections' actions align with the SOA's strategic plan. To view the framework, visit About Professional Interests, click on "Professional Interest Sections" and "Section Operations Framework" under "Related Links."
The Actuarial Profession
IN THE NEWS
Crain's Workforce Management Showcases Actuaries as Finance Experts The article describes actuaries' roles in positions utilizing risk management.
National Underwriter Life & Health Features SOA Study The piece references the SOA's Long-Term Care Experience Study, namely that LTC claims doubled from 2001 to 2005.
MarketWatch Uses SOA Research Stat
The online column on retirement highlighted a statistic from the SOA's 2007 Risks and Process Retirement Survey.
To view these and other articles, visit Imageoftheactuary.org and click on "Actuaries in the News."
2008 SOA Educational Opportunities
May 5-68th Annual Product Development Symposium
Tampa, Fla.
May 6-7
Illustration Testing for the
Product Development Actuary Seminar
Tampa, Fla.
May 19-23
Asset Liability Management
Hong Kong
May 28-30
Health Spring Meeting
Los Angeles, Calif.
June 4-6
Joint CCA/SOA Employee Benefits
Spring Meeting
Tampa, Fla.
June 9-13
Asset Liability Management
Toronto
June 16-18
Life Spring Meeting
Quebec City
June 23-25
US GAAP for
International Life Insurers
Hong Kong