Many Roads, One Profession: Actuaries on Building a Career Topic Call

Career paths in the actuarial profession are more varied than ever, spanning industry, regulation, public pensions, consulting, and emerging fields. In this topic call, three accomplished actuaries share the pivotal decisions and lessons that shaped their journeys.

Between them, they have moved across the public and private sectors, led major pension systems and insurers, and reached the highest levels of the profession, from chief actuary and chief risk officer to president of the Society of Actuaries.

A common thread ties their stories together: Years of volunteer service with the Society of Actuaries and the American Academy of Actuaries, including grading exams, serving on boards, and co-founding organizations that broaden access to the profession and support the next generation of actuaries. Their experiences demonstrate that giving back opens doors.

Whether you're early in your career or planning your next move, you'll leave with candid, real-world guidance from actuaries who have charted distinctive paths of their own.

Presenters

John W. Robinson, FSA, MAAA, built a 39-year actuarial career spanning pensions, life insurance, OPEB consulting, and insurance regulation. He served as the 74th president of the Society of Actuaries (2022–2023) and president of the International Association of Black Actuaries, becoming a recognized leader in advancing diversity and inclusion across the profession. His contributions have earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the IABA and honorary membership in the Caribbean Actuarial Association.

Sherry Chan, FSA, MAAA, is an award-winning actuary and managing director in EY’s actuarial advisory practice whose career has spanned public pensions, insurtech, and executive leadership. She has served as New York City’s Chief Actuary, Chief Actuarial Officer of Ohio’s largest public retirement system, and Chief Strategy Officer of AI-powered insurtech Atidot. A current SOA Board member and co-founder of Abacus Actuaries, she is a globally recognized leader who has been honored with the Geoffrey Heywood Award and named to Crain’s New York 40 Under 40.

John Blocher, FSA MAAA, has worked at several U.S. life insurance companies mostly in annuity valuation and, more recently, enterprise risk management. Having moved to Dallas, Texas, from midwestern states, he is chief risk officer, vice-president & actuary, for Liberty Bankers Insurance Group. He is active on the Academy’s ERM-ORSA Committee, Research Committee, Annuity Reserves and Capital Subcommittee and the Society of Actuary’s Curriculum Committee. He is also a mentor for Abacus Actuaries.

Moderator

Su Su, FSA, MAAA, is a consulting actuary with Milliman and brings over 15 years of actuarial experience across consulting and industry. Her background spans traditional actuarial functions, including valuation, financial reporting, and modeling.

Name of Community: Career Development