2025 Board Member Candidate
Mary Beth Ramsay, FSA, MAAA
Credentials: FSA 1996, MAAA 1992
Country: USA
Practice Area: Life, Risk Management
Employer/Current Work: Retired
SOA Board Experience: 2021-2024
Video
Candidate Messages
Message One
I’m running for the SOA Board to lead our profession confidently into the future. With 25 years of experience across pensions, reinsurance, risk management, and banking—and a track record of collaborative leadership—I bring a broad view of the challenges and opportunities actuaries face today.
I previously served three years on the SOA Board. I know how the Board works—and how it can work even better.
If elected, I’ll champion thoughtful innovation, inclusive growth, and the evolution of our brand and education to keep pace with AI and emerging fields. Let’s build a future that’s bold, relevant, and resilient—together.
Message Two
I’m a problem solver and servant leader who has worked in consulting, asset management, risk, and reinsurance. I’ve led global teams, shaped governance, set strategy, and partnered with boards—and I bring that same clarity and collaboration to everything I do.
I previously served a three-year term on the SOA Board and have been an active volunteer for years. I understand the importance of thoughtful, inclusive leadership—especially as we navigate rapid change.
I'm passionate about the future of our profession and ready to continue the work. Together, we can help actuaries thrive in an era of AI, climate risk, and generational transformation.
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.
Over my career, I’ve worked across a wide range of actuarial roles—from pension consulting to reinsurance, banking, annuity product development, and asset management. Until last month, I served as EVP and Chief Risk Officer for Nuveen and TIAA Financial Risk, leading a global team of over 200 risk professionals and helping oversee $1.4 trillion in assets. In that role, I shaped enterprise risk strategy, built governance frameworks, and partnered closely with Board- level committees.
Before that, I was SVP and Head of Sales & Client Solutions at SCOR Global Life Americas, responsible for the profitability and risk management of $100 billion in annual reinsured business. I’ve also held positions at Wells Fargo, Aviva USA, Principal Financial Group, and Aon—experiences that have given me a broad and balanced view of the profession and the many challenges actuaries face today.
I’ve been deeply involved with the SOA as a volunteer for many years, including serving a term on the Board of Directors, which ended last October. Over the years, I’ve contributed to several committees, including Exam Grading, DEI, Admissions, Professional Development, and most recently as Chair of the Governance & Policy Committee.
These roles have given me valuable insight into the SOA's operations and the importance of thoughtful, collaborative leadership.
Outside of work, I stay active in my community. I’ve served as Chair of the Stewardship Committee and Co-Chair of a capital campaign at my church, and I’ve led the School-Based Council at my children’s elementary school. In every role—whether professional or volunteer—I try to lead with empathy, clarity, and a focus on building strong, inclusive teams.
I care deeply about our profession. I’m excited about the future of actuarial work, especially around growth, innovation, and how we bring new voices into the field. I believe my background, governance experience, and passion for service make me well-prepared to help guide the SOA forward.