2025 Board Member Candidate
Han Henry Chen, FSA, MAAA, FCIA
Credentials: FSA 2016, MAAA 2017, FCIA 2018
Country: USA
Practice Area: ALM, Life
Employer/Current Work: Ernst and Young LLP
SOA Board Experience: N/A
Video
Candidate Messages
Message One
Dear SOA Members,
I’m Han Henry Chen, and I’m running for the SOA Board of Directors because I believe leadership begins with connection.
Over the past nine years, I’ve served the SOA as an exam writer and grader, section chair, DEI advocate, and research committee leader. These roles have given me a deep understanding of how the SOA operates, and how our members and volunteers experience it on the ground.
In my election video, I share real stories I’ve heard from members and volunteers. I will also be posting additional videos on LinkedIn over the coming weeks to share more of my vision, including a special one highlighting what others think about me and my work. If elected, I’ll work to close the gaps, ensuring the SOA’s strategic direction truly reflects the voices of those doing the work.
Election opens soon! Fewer than 20% of members typically vote, let’s change that. Please watch my videos, cast your vote, and make your voice count. I’d also love to hear your thoughts, please connect with me on LinkedIn or email me.
Message Two
Dear SOA Members,
In my first message, I shared my commitment to bridging the gap between the SOA’s strategy and the day-to-day experiences of members and volunteers.
Equally important is looking ahead. Born in China, raised in Canada, and now serving global clients across the U.S. and internationally, I bring a multicultural and global perspective, one shaped by both personal experience and professional practice. I’ve worked with actuaries across borders and cultures, gaining insight into how our profession is evolving worldwide. As a section and committee leader, I’ve led SOA initiatives fostering global collaboration.
Through my volunteer and professional work, I believe we must build a profession that is more international, inclusive, and future-ready. If elected, I’ll bring that vision and a proven record of action to the Board. I’ll also be releasing more campaign videos on my LinkedIn to share specific ideas and perspectives from others about my leadership, so members can get a fuller picture of who I am and what I stand for.
Voting is now open! If you’ve already voted, thank you! If not, I hope you will, and please encourage a friend or colleague to do the same. Let’s shape the future of our profession together. I also welcome connecting, find me on me on LinkedIn or email me.
Questionnaire
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: Provide a brief description of your professional background and the type of work you have performed. Please include SOA and non-SOA volunteer and governing experiences including collaborative leadership. Explain how these experiences have prepared you as an Elected Board Member and qualify you in carrying out the strategic direction of the SOA.
As a consulting actuary and senior manager at EY, I bring over a decade of experience helping insurers navigate transformation—ranging from actuarial modernization and reinsurance strategy to innovation adoption. I work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable change in data, modeling, systems, and operating models. As Deputy CFL leader for EY Chicago’s actuarial team, I also focus on team development and fostering a strong culture of collaboration and inclusion.
My SOA volunteer journey spans over nine years and reflects my deep commitment to the profession. I was honored with the SOA Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2019 and have since taken on a variety of leadership roles:
- Vice Chair, Actuarial Innovation and Technology Research Committee (current, also past Chair/Vice Chair)
- Council member, SOA DEI Committee (current)
- Council Member/Budget Manager, Leadership & Development Section (current)
- Member, Professional Development and Content Creation Committee (2023–present)
- Past Chair, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Section-Council Member, Technology Section (2017–2020)
- Committee Member, Volunteer Awards Committee (2022–2024)
- Exam Grader, Quantitative Finance and Investment Exam (2017–present)
- POG Member, SOA Research Engagements (2018–present)
Outside the SOA, I served on my local HOA Board and regularly mentor early-career actuaries. I actively promote SOA participation within my firm, encouraging others to get involved and make meaningful contributions.
These experiences have sharpened my governance skills—from setting committee strategy and managing volunteer pipelines to overseeing content planning and community engagement. I’ve led and collaborated across diverse teams, career stages, and geographies—bringing people together around common goals. With my consulting background, global mindset as a Chinese Canadian actuary, and long-standing SOA involvement, I’m committed to guiding the organization forward with integrity, innovation, and collaborative leadership.