2026 President Elect and Vice Chair Candidate

Video

Candidate Message

Fellow SOA Members, 

The actuarial profession has had an extraordinary impact on my life. As the first in my family to attend college, I arrived at Ohio State without a roadmap for becoming an actuary. What I found was not only a profession, but a community that opened doors, created opportunities, and helped shape the person and leader I am today. 

That experience has inspired a lifelong commitment to giving back. Over the years, I have volunteered extensively, mentored future actuaries, co-founded Abacus Actuaries, supported actuarial education, and served our profession through leadership roles at the SOA, the Academy, and other organizations. Service has never been an obligation for me – it has been a privilege. 

Professionally, I have had the opportunity to lead across public service, consulting, technology, education, and nonprofit organizations. From serving as Chief Actuary for New York City and Ohio's largest public pension systems to advising organizations around the world as a Managing Director at EY, I have seen firsthand the impact actuaries can have on individuals, institutions, and society. 

During my three years on the SOA Board, my belief in the strength and importance of this profession has only deepened. We are navigating a period of significant opportunity as we continue to expand globally, embrace emerging technologies, and support the next generation of actuaries. I believe my experiences have given me both the perspective and the leadership skills to help guide those conversations while remaining focused on what matters most: serving our members and advancing our profession. 

It would be an honor to continue giving back by serving as your President Elect. 

Thank you for your consideration and for all that you do to strengthen our profession every day. 

Sherry Chan, FSA, EA, MAAA, FCA 

Questionnaire

Describe your interest in serving on the SOA Board of Directors, including what motivates you to pursue Board service at this time and the specific ways you believe you could add value to the organization.

I didn't grow up expecting a career like this one. I was the first in my family to go to college, and actuarial science – the profession, the community – is what made the rest possible. That's exactly why I want to lead it.

The SOA is navigating a consequential moment – how we embrace AI, how we serve a membership that spans the globe, how we ensure the next generation finds its way to us. These aren't just strategic priorities; they're the questions that will define what our credential means a decade from now. I've spent my career at this intersection: advising on AI at EY, building cross-border strategy at a global insurtech, shaping actuarial education from the classroom to the Fellowship Admissions Course. Three years on the SOA Board have made me more clear-eyed about both the challenges ahead and the organization's capacity to meet them.

I'd be honored to help lead that work.

Continue Reading Questionnaire