Board Member Candidate Questionnaire

Karen Burnett, FSA, FCIA

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: Share a personal experience, trait, or characteristic that will help the membership to better understand you and your candidacy.

I’m naturally drawn to solving complex problems in collaborative environments—especially when the outcome can have a lasting impact. Early in my career, I was part of a cross-functional team navigating a major pension plan transition. What stood out wasn’t just the technical intricacy of the work, but the way diverse perspectives elevated the solution. I thrive when I can bring people together, listen deeply, and translate that input into meaningful action. This experience helped shape my leadership style: grounded, inclusive, and committed to long-term value. I bring curiosity, humility, and a belief in the power of the actuarial community to lead with both data and purpose.

PROJECT LEADERSHIP / CHANGE MANAGEMENT: Describe a significant project that you led in the workplace or in your volunteer activities. Describe how you made decisions and addressed changes that were proposed, whether changes were made, or were not made, after considering all options. How did you achieve buy-in in the final outcome, and what were the biggest challenges you had to overcome?

One of the most significant projects I’ve led was the integration of a large group of highly sophisticated employees into the CAAT Pension Plan. This was a complex undertaking with the goal posts constantly shifting and conditions continuously evolving. It demanded determination, strong decision-making skills, and the agility to pivot quickly—all critical to seeing it through to a successful outcome.

Aligning the interests of various stakeholders, including company executives, union representatives, and CAAT team members, was extremely involved. Building strong relationships and ensuring that all parties were on the same page regarding the benefits and structure of the CAAT Pension Plan was essential.

The successful signing of the Participation Agreement was not just a proud moment for me personally, but for the entire CAAT team. It showed that we could overcome adversity, foster trust across diverse stakeholders and deliver long-term value. The integration of this group into the plan not only strengthened CAAT’s national presence but also reinforced our position as a partner of choice for sustainable, secure retirement solutions.

ACTUARY OF THE FUTURE: What does the future of the actuarial profession look like to you? What strategies should the SOA implement to grow the actuarial profession, especially in light of more competition for analytical skills and data science job opportunities?

The actuarial profession is at a pivotal moment in history. Rapid technological advancements, expanding global markets, and rising competition from other fields are reshaping the landscape. Actuaries of the future must evolve into strategic problem solvers—professionals who thrive where data, risk, and human behavior meet.

To support the growth of our profession, the SOA developed the 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, outlining three key priorities that will reshape our work and ensure we remain competitive.

To support these initiatives, the SOA must:

1. Optimize the Candidate Pipeline: Strengthen candidate success through mentorship, career guidance, and support for well-being throughout the qualification journey.
2. Grow Globally: Expand our international reach by building partnerships with educators, employers, and associations in key regions, and by promoting access to events, exams, and networking opportunities worldwide.
3. Leverage AI: Provide professional development in responsible AI use, ethics, and emerging tools, while highlighting AI’s growing role in the future of actuarial work.

Serving on the SOA Board last year developing the Strategic Plan was a truly inspiring experience. It deepened my appreciation for the profession’s impact and reaffirmed my commitment to helping lead it forward. With the Strategic Plan now in place, I would be honored to continue contributing as a Board member as we work together to bring our vision to life over the next three years.

INNOVATION / ADAPTION: How has your experience prepared you to lead through challenges such as AI, technological disruption, climate change and generational shifts? How would you guide a knowledge-based workforce, including actuaries, in addressing these emerging issues?

As Vice President of Pension Solutions at CAAT, I’ve helped guide the organization through a period of growth and disruption—navigating shifting demographics, increasing demand for flexible benefit solutions, and the integration of digital tools to better serve members.

My consulting background—including years at WTW—taught me the value of adaptability and foresight. I worked directly with clients undergoing transformation, helping them navigate new regulatory requirements, align retirement programs with business strategy, and manage risk in volatile environments. These experiences sharpened my ability to lead through uncertainty and translate complexity into actionable plans.

To guide a knowledge-based workforce in today’s environment, I would focus on:

• Fostering a culture of continuous learning that supports credential evolution and broadens skillsets
• Encouraging collaboration across disciplines, including data science, tech, and ESG expertise
• Embedding ethical and long-term thinking into the profession’s response to AI, climate change, and generational shifts

We are uniquely positioned to thrive in this evolving climate. With the SOA’s current Strategic Plan as our foundation, we have a clear path toward long-term growth and success. I would welcome the opportunity to continue this important work together.