Election Messages
Sharon Giffen, FSA 1984, FCIA 1984 (endorsed)
Independent Board Member;
companies in Toronto, Ontario and Regina, Saskatchewan
Questionnaire | Candidate Page | Video Message
Message One
I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election for the position of President-Elect and Vice Chair of the SOA.
I invite you to refer to the SOA's website for some details relating to my work history - in summary:
- Career as life actuary, including the Appointed Actuary role for business in the U.S. and in Canada
- C-Suite experience in a multi-national insurer as Chief Actuary, CFO, subsidiary CEO, CRO and CCO
- Transitioned to semi-retired in 2016; now serve on boards of insurers including Health Benefits, Property and Casualty Insurance, Mortgage Insurance and a start-up insurer in the Pension Risk Transfer business
- Volunteer service for the profession: Currently on the board of the SOA, member of the Leadership Team and Chair of the Strategic Planning Task Force, Chair of Governance & Policy and Audit & Risk in 2021; previously Chair of the Smaller Insurance Companies Section of the SOA, Past President of the CIA, Chair of several CIA committees, President of the Actuaries Club of Toronto and the Actuaries Section of the AFA
I am passionate about service to the actuarial profession. I believe that I have a great deal to give that will help the SOA and the membership by executing the current strategic plan and undertaking the work to refresh the strategy for the next plan cycle. The important work of modernizing our educational offerings in both content and delivery is crucial. We have valuable research capabilities that can and should be more broadly used to benefit the public. We must continue to develop relevance in our chosen international markets, ensuring that our offerings add value in those jurisdictions.
We must also address the evolving business environment. There is work to be done to address the challenges and opportunities for actuarial work arising from climate change. The SOA must also consider geopolitical and economic challenges. It is a time for an experienced leader who can help guide the SOA to be resilient and to find wins even in adversity.
I have posted some of my thoughts on topics relevant to this leadership position to LinkedIn (ca.linkedin.com/in/sharongiffen). Please feel free to peruse at your convenience.
Most importantly, I urge you to take the few minutes required to consider the candidates for the board and leadership positions and to vote. The SOA benefits when members' voices are heard.
Thanks for your time and consideration!
Message Two
I do hope you are considering the many candidates running for the Board of the SOA and for the President‐Elect and Vice Chair. Your thoughtful choices will contribute to setting the path of the SOA.
Over the next three years the Board will need to assess the success of our ongoing strategic initiatives. We need to determine if we are having the desired outcomes and if our strategy continues to be relevant in our changing environment:
- Modernizing our credentials is a key component to ensure that we remain attractive and welcoming to talented people.
- Delivery of our excellent continuing education offerings has been changed by the pandemic and we will need to adapt to offer options appropriate to all audiences.
- Research builds the knowledge base used by actuaries and others. By working on funding sources, we can do more.
I believe that our profession and association have a higher purpose. The work of actuaries affects the public through our work in life, health and general insurance, pensions and related fields. We also have brought our talents and our professionalism to other industries. There is no limit to where we can contribute.
My work experiences and my leadership style will be a good fit with the needs of the SOA at this time. I am asking for your vote for President‐Elect and Vice Chair.
My call to action ‐ please take the time to consider the candidates and make your voice heard by voting.