"It's my privilege this evening to continue the tradition of honoring outstanding individuals with Presidential Awards," said 2009-2010 SOA President Mike McLaughlin at the 2010 Annual Meeting. "SOA Presidential Awards are personal, not organizational, and are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the SOA's goals and programs or have helped advance the actuarial profession. It is truly an honor to recognize the following people for their outstanding work."

Eight individuals each received the SOA Presidential Award. They include (in order of award presentation):

Robert L. Brown, FSA, FCIA, ACAS, HonFIA

Brown, a past president of the SOA, was a professor of Actuarial Science and director of the Institute of Insurance and Pension Research at the University of Waterloo until his retirement this year. The CERA credential started with Brown's idea for the QRS (Quantitative Risk Specialist) designation. "Rob, I thank you for paving the way for the CERA credential!" McLaughlin said.

David N. Ingram, FSA, CERA, MAAA

Ingram was a major force in the ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) movement and became one of the original CERA thought leaders. He is one of the founders of the Joint Risk Management Section and the founder of the ERM Symposium which became a joint venture between the CAS and the SOA. "Dave was there as the ERM movement evolved. He has probably moved ERM further forward than anyone else in the profession," said McLaughlin.

Fred Rowley, MA, FIAA, FIAI

In 2007, Rowley steered the global implementation of the CERA credential in ERM, working with the presidents of the SOA and 13 other actuarial associations from around the world. He is now chairman of the CERA Treaty Board and the CERA Global Association. "Fred has been very instrumental to the Global CERA designation and I'd like to honor him for all the work he has done," commented McLaughlin.

Max J. Rudolph, FSA, CERA, MAAA

Rudolph was named a thought leader in the ERM discipline and awarded the Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA) designation. He served on the SOA Board of Governors (before it became Board of Directors) and was chair of the SOA's Investment Section. He has chaired the ERM Symposium, Investment Actuary Symposium and the CERA Experienced Practitioner Pathway Seminar. "Max is receiving this award because of all of his work with ERM and the CERA credential seminars," added McLaughlin.

Francis P. (Frank) Sabatini, FSA, CERA, MAAA

Sabatini was a member of the CERA Steering Board and then moved to the CERA Global Association (CGA) Treaty Board where he worked for the SOA to see the treaty through to the signing ceremony. "Frank has been instrumental in moving the CERA into the global credential it has become," added McLaughlin.

Robert W. Stein, FSA, MAAA

Stein is a partner at Ernst & Young with more than 35 years of experience advising the insurance industry on financial and operating challenges. He currently leads E&Y's Global Actuarial Service practice. "Bob has risen to the highest levels of management in a global firm and in the process has greatly enhanced the image and reputation of the actuary," McLaughlin said.

Gregory W. Heidrich

Heidrich came to the SOA in July of 2007. As executive director, he brings 24 years of association experience with him. Before coming to the SOA, Heidrich served as senior vice president, Policy Development and Research in the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) and for a number of years as senior vice president, secretary and treasurer for the Alliance of American Insurers. "Greg is hardworking, dedicated to serving the Society of Actuaries, and has been a tremendous help to me throughout my term as president," said McLaughlin.

Sheree L. Baker

Baker has been with the SOA for nearly 22 years. She serves as the organization's director of Governance. She started in the communications department working on The Record, the North American Actuarial Journal and Annual Meeting materials. From there she moved to research, then academic relations, where she collaborated with several SOA presidents and associated boards. "Sheree has played a huge role in assisting the Board of Directors throughout the year; she is a vital conduit between the SOA staff and the Board," McLaughlin commented.

The SOA Presidential Award was the vision of SOA Past President Sam Gutterman, FSA, CERA, MAAA, FCAS, FCA, HonFIA. Gutterman wanted an award that honored outstanding individuals during a particular president's term. In 1996, as president, his vision became a reality. Since then, the award has been presented to 71 individuals for their hard work, effort and contributions to the SOA and the actuarial profession.