Abraham S. Gootzeit, FSA 1980, MAAA, CLU, ChFC

Vice President, New Initiatives Team, RGA Reinsurance Company, Chesterfield, MO

Brief description of the type of work you currently do:

Manage a small team, responsible for conceiving, developing, test marketing and implementing ideas into solutions which will benefit our clients and RGA.

Primary Area of Practice:

Life Insurance

Other Areas of Practice/Interests:

Reinsurance

Professional Background:

• Member of Task Force of the Actuarial Standards Board of the American Academy of Actuaries responsible for drafting Actuarial Standard of Practice No. 18 on Long–Term Care Insurance.
• Member of American Council of Life Insurers Task Force on IRC Section 7702 issues.
• Member of Task Force of American Academy of Actuaries responsible for reviewing reserves for guaranteed minimum death benefits for variable annuities.
• Author of articles published in professional journals and newsletters, including The Actuary, Product Matters, The Financial Reporter, Life Insurance Selling, The National Underwriter, and Emphasis.

Volunteer Experience:

• Elected member of the SOA Board of Directors, 2005–present
• SOA Product Development Section: Elected council member 2002–2005, Chair 2004–2005
• Member of the SOA Admissions Committee, 2007–present
• SOA Board Partner to the Long Term Care Insurance Section, 2007–present
• Member of the SOA Member Value Strategic Action Team, 2005–2007
• SOA Committee of Life Insurance Research: Member, 2002–2004
• Member of the "Career Pioneer" program of the Actuary of the Future Section, 2003–2004
• SOA continuing education events: Presented, organized and/or moderated at more than 30 events beginning in 1985

Vision Statement:

Topic: Opportunities for Actuaries

Actuaries are facing increased competition–reflecting the changing business environment, encroachment from other professions, the perception that actuaries lack key business skills, and others. The SOA can be a change–agent in the fight to increase the number and quality of actuarial opportunities.

My current position on the SOA Board and past experiences position me well to help the SOA expand and enhance initiatives begun over the past several years. Some of these include:

• Basic and Continuing Education–The basic education syllabus is becoming more relevant, emphasizing the "education" part of E&E. CE opportunities are increasing, addressing a myriad of topics available in multiple formats. Creation and promotion of CE opportunities must be provided on an effective, cost–efficient basis.

 

• CERA–This credential creates opportunities in our traditional and non–traditional markets for new actuaries and seasoned veterans. These exciting opportunities need to be actively communicated and promoted to our members and publics.

 

• Strategic Initiatives–A framework has been established to help pension actuaries re–tool their skills, and to identify roles for actuaries in the fast–changing health area. These efforts must be accelerated to help actuaries change practice areas and take advantage of new opportunities that develop during their careers.

 

• Communicating with Employers–The SOA is to be applauded for its award winning campaign, "Actuaries–Risk is Opportunity, the Revitalization of a Profession�s Brand." More one–on–one conversations with executives in broader financial services as well as traditional markets will move this to the next level.