Younger Actuaries Network–Committee Bios

Michael Watanabe

Michael is from Mililani, HI and obtained his ASA in September 2006. He graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in May 2005. He is currently an Actuarial Analyst at Pacific Guardian Life Insurance, located in Honolulu, HI, where he is responsible for various analyses and projects related to financial reporting, valuation and financial modeling for the company.

In his spare time, Michael occasionally enjoys participating in soccer, golf and tutors students and friends in various levels of mathematics.

Joanna Chu

Joanna Chu is an actuary at the American International Underwriter (AIU), a subsidiary of American International Group (AIG). She provides actuarial and pricing support for Accidental & Health products sold in international markets such as UK, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and Greater China. Prior to joining AIU, Joanna had worked on individual product management, field compensation, group product pricing, 401K plan pricing & management, mergers & acquisitions, and international individual product development at MetLife. During her tenure there, she was on committees for Professional Women at MetLife (PWAM) and Diversity Council.

As Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Joanna is serving as Chair of the Young Actuarial Network (YAN) and as council member for the Actuary of the Future (AOF). She is also on the Continued Education Committee of the Actuarial Society of New York (ASNY) and an active volunteer for the Chinese Actuarial Club (CAC). She received her undergraduate degree in Actuarial Science from New York University. Her hobbies include traveling, tennis, volleyball, dancing and walking her beloved beagle.

Mark M. Yu

Mark is Vice President and Pricing Actuary of Swiss Re Life & Health America, Group Pricing, located in Armonk, NY. In that role, he is responsible for pricing new and renewal reinsurance programs for various Life and AD products sold through traditional group, worksite, and direct marketing channels. Prior to this role, he had worked in several areas within the company, including direct annuity product development/management, reinsurance valuation, and financial reporting. Mr. Yu joined Swiss Re in 2001 upon its purchase of Lincoln Re, which he joined in 1999 as an actuarial consultant.

Mr. Yu holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Tsing–Hua University in Taiwan and a master's degree in actuarial science from University of Iowa. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Financial Risk Manager, and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.