The Actuary of the Future (AOF) section was formed as a result of the work completed by the Actuary of the Future Task Force during 1990-1991.

The Actuary of the Future Task Force completed its work with a comprehensive report submitted to the SOA Board of Governors in September 1991 entitled "A Plan to Develop Non-Traditional Opportunities for Actuaries". The Task Force was charged to identify and prioritize non-traditional opportunities, and to suggest an execution plan for developing them. Its report provided 12 recommendations in areas including: development of career planning prototypes, revisions to basic and continuing education, expanding the roles of actuaries within traditional employers, targeting specific non-traditional employers to develop non-traditional roles, and developing a Financial track within the examination system, among several others.

See the recommendations submitted in the 9/91 AOF Task Force report

The SOA Board of Governors authorized formation of the Actuary of the Future.

Created in 1992, the AOF Section was charged to act on the recommendations made in the original task force report. Members of the AOF Task Force comprised the first AOF Section Council.

Launched the Actuarial Pioneer Program

Originally called the Ambassador Program, the Pioneer Program is rooted in work conducted by the AOF Section. The goal of this program is help develop non-traditional career paths by identifying actuaries who have blazed a trail for others by creating a new application for actuarial science or who are among the first to apply the actuarial skill set in a nontraditional setting.

Advancing the concept and development of the Personal Actuary

AOF assumed oversight of the Personal Actuary Task Force to strengthen its efforts do develop opportunities for personal actuaries. We have secured funding and support from the BOG for additional research to better capitalize on the potential for this as an emerging career path for actuaries.

Aligning closely with the Marketplace Relevance Strategic Action Team (MRSAT).

The MRSAT is charged with enhancing the knowledge and perception of actuaries among all current and potential employers of actuaries. This alignment has helped lead the creation and development of initiatives including the SOA's Image Campaign, actuary@work, and the Value Ladder Concept for increasing the actuaries' value to our various stakeholders.

Continuing Education

AOF has regular sponsored (or co-sponsored with other sections) topics addressing career development and non-traditional opportunities at SOA meetings, as well as meetings conducted by other actuarial organizations and local actuaries clubs. These sessions have often featured actuaries in nontraditional roles sharing their experience, and some of the visionary work of the section that has now become some of the backbone of SOA strategic agenda.

See examples of some presentations

Environmental Scanning

Developing a framework for identifying trends and staying "ahead of the curve" on issues impacting the continuing growth of our profession.