2024 President-Elect and Vice Chair Candidate
David Dillon, FSA 2004, FCA 2023, MAAA 2002
SVP & Principal, Lewis & Ellis, LLC, Dallas, TX
Instructor, School of Risk Science – Actuarial Science, Georgia State University
Message One
Hello there, fellow actuaries and friends! As I gear up for the incredible opportunity to potentially lead the Society of Actuaries (SOA) as President, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement. It's not just about bringing my years of hands-on experience to the table – it's about the passion, the dedication, and the enthusiasm that I've poured into our profession for over 15 years.
Remember that slightly overeager actuary who was always volunteering for one more committee, one more project? Yep, that was me! From various leadership roles to my stint on the Board of Directors from 2018 to 2021, I've been living and breathing SOA. During that time, I proudly wore my 'nerdy, yet innovative' badge, throwing myself into crafting SOA's strategic blueprint and long-term growth strategy. Now, I'm beyond thrilled to see these seeds we planted start to bloom!
As we look to the future, I'm chomping at the bit to guide our organization into uncharted territories. We're talking about expanding our influence, folks! And not just by a little – we're going to push boundaries, engage with diverse communities, and tackle societal issues in ways that'll make people sit up and take notice. Our mission? To mold actuaries into savvy business leaders who can juggle data, technology, and good old-fashioned judgment to create rock-solid risk solutions. It's a tall order, but with the right education and global research at our fingertips, I know we're up for the challenge.
You might have spotted me waving the SOA flag on various platforms over the years. Maybe you caught one of my media interviews on healthcare reform, tuned into our health insurance podcast series, or got involved in our strategic health initiative. If so, you know I'm all about spreading the word on the crucial role we actuaries play in keeping the financial world spinning.
Now, let's talk about the future – it's coming at us fast and furious! We've got to stay on our toes, embracing cutting-edge concepts like AI since it has the potential to flip our profession on its head. It's our job – no, our duty – to make sure every single one of our actuaries is armed with the knowledge and perspective to tackle whatever curveballs the financial world throws our way.
For those of you who've worked with me before, you know what you're in for – a whirlwind of enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, and dedication. My volunteering journey with the SOA isn't just a line on my resume; it's a testament to how much I love this organization and profession. And it's with this same passion that I'm raring to serve our members and make a real, lasting impact.
So, are you ready for this journey? Because I sure am! I can't wait to see what amazing things we'll achieve together. Buckle up, fellow actuaries – it's going to be one exciting ride!
Message Two
One of my favorite quotes is, “Real leadership is leaders recognizing they serve the people they lead.” This is how I view my candidacy for President-Elect of the Society of Actuaries. Thankfully, we are an organization whose foundation is a culture of active participation. What a privilege it’s been to work with hundreds of volunteers over the years I have been involved. Your willingness to offer your time and expertise speaks volumes about the SOA.
I love being an actuary. My desire to serve as President is based on my passion for the field and interest in making it better. In my previous election message, I described my previous 15+ years of experience as a volunteer in a variety of capacities, including serving on the SOA Board of Directors. In my view, what we do speaks much louder than what we say. I hope my long track record of action demonstrates the zeal I have for our profession.
Our organization is currently in the process of refreshing its Strategic Plan. This evaluation is crucial to ascertain whether our actions are yielding the intended results and whether our current strategy remains pertinent in a rapidly evolving landscape. Supporting and leading this crucial effort would be my first priority as President-Elect.
- Global strength: Promote expansion of the actuarial profession globally with services customized to meet local needs, connecting with potential candidates in every part of the world. Our profession will remain robust by cultivating a strong pipeline of candidates and actuarial talent.
- Education & Leadership: Prepare actuaries to be business leaders who leverage data, technology and judgment to create responsible risk solutions. Let’s open doors for business innovation, positioning ourselves to excel not only in technical skills, but also as multifaceted leaders in a continually evolving environment. Developments in areas such as AI and Insurtech require us to be vigilant in our preparedness.
- Community Purpose: Forging strong bonds among SOA members must be a high priority. As we foster connectivity and a sense of belonging for actuaries everywhere, we also must share our valuable insights to the public, regulators and the lawmakers whose policies impact us. We serve society for the greater good; our work is essential. Let’s emphasize what we contribute and our purpose for making all lives better.
My candidacy builds on my skill as a consensus-builder, communicator and influencer whose leadership is based on many years of experience listening to diverse points of view and appreciating them for the contribution they make to decision-making. There are a lot of smart people out there; I believe I can learn from every one of them if I keep an open mind and welcome all points-of-view.
I'm optimistic about the SOA's future. Given my personal drive, leadership, and volunteer history, I'm well-suited to serve as SOA President-Elect. I'd be honored by your vote, allowing me to give back to a profession that has been so rewarding.