The Actuary Magazine April 2007 - The SOA at Work
The SOA at Work
The Society's vision is for actuaries to be recognized as the leading professionals in the modeling and management of financial risk and contingent events. To that end, this column will regularly update members on the latest initiatives underway aimed at helping us realize this vision through the 
SOA strategic plan.
SOA Utilizes Actuarial Value Ladder to Plan Spring Meetings
The SOA has utilized a new tool to help plan the 2006 Health and Life Spring Meeting programs. Planning committees for both meetings made use of the "actuarial value ladder," a new resource created primarily to assist members with career planning and development.
Based on formal and informal employer and member research, the value ladder is intended to provide actuaries with an enhanced understanding of the contributions that they can make–and the value they can create–within organizations, to clients, and on behalf of the profession, and what competencies are associated with success at each level of contribution. While the ladder is still in development, plans call for several practice–specific ladders to be created in order to increase member benefit.
By reviewing the spring meeting program summaries, attendees will be able to select sessions that appeal not only to their current interests, but those that will advance career goals.
The value ladder is a foundational component of the SOA Marketing and Market Development Plan (MMDP), the Society's program to enhance the image of the profession and encourage targeted leadership skill development. The MMDP is implemented by the SOA Marketplace Relevance Strategic Action Team led by Chair Dan McCarthy.
The Actuarial Profession in the News
U.S. News & World Report Names Actuary a Top Job
The magazine's online edition named the actuarial career as one of the top 25 careers for 2007, basing its decision on pay, status and quality of life. The article describes these careers as being in "growing demand as baby boomers age, the Internet becomes ubiquitous, and Americans seek richer, simpler lives." The piece featured an executive summary of what an actuary does and an interview with SOA Past President Bob Beuerlein. To read this article in its entirety, go to ImageofTheActuary.org and click on "Buzzworthy News."
New York Times Features ASA in Pension Funds Article
The Times interviewed Donald Rueckert, ASA, MAAA, for a front-page article, "Paying Health Care from Pensions Proves Costly." Rueckert commented on the strain of healthcare on government budgets. The New York Times has a circulation of 1.14 million and is read by 13.3 million online readers. To view this article, please visit ImageofTheActuary.org and click on "Buzzworthy News."
Genworth Names FSA Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Genworth Financial Inc. appointed Patrick B. Kelleher senior vice president and chief financial officer. To learn more about this member promotion, visit ImageofTheActuary.org and click on "Industry News."
Upcoming 2007 SOA Educational Opportunities
April 16–18Life Insurance Conference
Westin Peachtree Plaza
Atlanta, GA
Retirement Industry Conference
The Westin Peachtree Plaza
Atlanta, GA
Investment Actuary Symposium
Marriott Hotel
Chicago, IL
Predictive Modeling Conference
Caribe Royale Orlando
All-Suites Resort/Convention Center
Orlando, FL
Asset Liability Management
Corinthia Towers Hotel
Prague, Czech Republic
Life Spring Meeting
JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Phoenix, AZ
Asset Intensive Reinsurance
Webcast
Employee Benefits Spring Meeting
Saddlebrook Resort
Tampa, FL