2023 Recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Award
We have all had the experience of working with an outstanding volunteer, one whose contributions exceed expectations and go well beyond the responsibilities of the position. Individuals who receive this award for their outstanding service contribute to superior performance, demonstrate team collaboration and effective communication, take on leadership roles, and serve as an inspiration to others.
Award Recipients
Karthik Balaji, FSA, EA
Associate Partner, Aon
Karthik is a dedicated Co-chair for the Joint Committee Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (JCIED), a collaborative effort between the SOA and CAS. With a mission to amplify the actuarial profession as the preferred STEM career for candidates of diverse backgrounds, Karthik champions a strong sense of belonging, equitable opportunities, and advancement within the field. Under his leadership, an expanded organizational structure enhances inclusivity, including meetings for identity-based actuarial affinity groups. In addition to his JCIED responsibilities, Karthik serves as a valued member of the University-Earned Credit Oversight Committee at the SOA.
Collin Christovich, FSA, MAAA, CERA
Actuary, Genworth Financial
Collin is a dedicated force within the actuarial community, serving as the FAP End-of-Module Assessment (EMA) Grading Chair. Collin spearheads the grading process for EMAs, ensuring candidates receive their results and continue progressing towards Associateship. As the focal point for EMA inquiries and grader guidance, Collin fosters a supportive community environment, facilitating grader training sessions and creating reference materials. He embodies outstanding volunteerism, igniting increased productivity and a shared dedication among graders, thereby fortifying the SOA's educational integrity and the actuarial profession.
Manisha Dias, FSA, CERA, FCIA
Head of U.S. Partnerships, SCOR
Manisha is a dynamic leader in the actuarial community, serving as the Chair of the SOA Marketing & Distribution (MaD) Section Council. Manisha's visionary leadership extends beyond expectations, fostering the establishment of enduring leadership roles within the council to ensure the ongoing vitality of her section. She has orchestrated numerous impactful initiatives, including networking breakfasts, captivating video introductions on social platforms, engaging podcasts and webcasts, and innovative outreach strategies for content expansion. As an E-Learning grader and a dedicated MaD Section member, Manisha's contributions exemplify excellence, positioning the MaD Section for enduring success and continued growth under her visionary stewardship.
Edward Hui, FSA
Vice President of Analytics, Hannover Re
Edward is an exceptional research volunteer, renowned for his energetic involvement within the SOA Research Institute's experience study committees, including his influential role as Chair of the Individual Life Experience Committee. His profound insights and suggestions consistently elevate the quality of outcomes, exemplifying his commitment to advancing the actuarial profession. Notably, Edward actively shares and promotes his research endeavors, presenting SOA research at both internal and industry-wide forums. His reputation for expertise, thought leadership, and encouragement has earned him admiration among peers, making Ed an indispensable and cherished asset to the SOA and the actuarial community as a whole.
Allen Klein, FSA, MAAA
Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Allen is a distinguished leader, serving as the Chair of the Underwriting Innovations Symposium Committee, a role he has held for an impressive 11 years. In this capacity, Allen has adeptly steered the committee's efforts, overseeing content development and acting as the principal point of contact for SOA staff, providing guidance and support. Allen's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional content is evident in his tireless pursuit of improvements and his receptiveness to innovative approaches. His visionary leadership contributed significantly to the event's remarkable success, with record-breaking attendance during its 10-year anniversary.
Steve Kopp, FSA, FCIA
Lecturer, Western University
Since 1997, Steve has been a dedicated and transformative force within the SOA's education landscape. He has been instrumental in shaping the "loss models" exam, serving as vice-chair, chair, and general officer. His engagement spans the evolution of the exam system, notably the significant revisions to the ASA syllabus in 2018. Steve has championed diversification efforts by contributing to the creation and expansion of the University-Earned Credit program. Recognized for his adept leadership style, Steve ensures committee success through consensus-driven solutions, valuing diverse perspectives while steering toward collective objectives.
Gouri Kumaran, FSA, MAAA
Actuarial Manager, KPMG
Gouri is a dedicated and dynamic volunteer who has played a vital role in enhancing engagement and knowledge-sharing within the actuarial community. Her participation in the Lunch & Learn initiative showcases her willingness to contribute and her exceptional communication skills. Gouri's remarkable ability to connect with her audience and her extensive personal experience uniquely positions her to illuminate the candidate-to-member journey. Her diverse volunteering experiences within the SOA attest to her unwavering enthusiasm, meticulous preparation, and deep expertise, making Gouri an invaluable advocate and speaker for the SOA and the actuarial profession.
Justin Larson, FSA, EA
Associate Partner and Actuarial Retirement Consultant, Aon
Justin’s impactful leadership shines as the e-Learning Assessment Development Committee's General Officer, where he spearheads creation, review, and enhancement of FAP End-of-Module assessments (EMA) and Final Assessments (FA). His commitment to the SOA is emblematic of his dedication to both the enhancement of the FAP curriculum and the vibrancy of our volunteer community. Justin personally trains new graders and empowers fellow volunteers to amplify their voices within the e-Learning grader community. He has revolutionized the EMA grader experience, fostering long-term objectives that enrich collaboration. With Justin at the helm, e-Learning assessments flourish and candidates move forward on their journey to Associateship.
Stefanie Porta, ASA, MAAA
Consulting Actuary, Davies’ Insurance Group
Stefanie stands at the helm of effective section leadership, having adeptly guided the Smaller Insurance Company (SmallCo) Section through a transformative journey. As current Taxation Section Council Secretary, Stefanie serves as an instrumental bridge between the two sections. Stefanie also actively tackles tasks and extends invitations for collaboration. Stefanie's strategic role extends to moderating and recruiting forums and groups during high-profile SOA meetings, such as the Life Meeting and the ImpACT Conference. With a passion for volunteering evident in her every endeavor, Stefanie's leadership is a guiding light, as she frequently steps up and fosters team collaboration.
Stephen Rulis, FSA, MAAA
2nd VP and Group Actuary, Munich Re
Steve is a distinguished leader in the actuarial community, serving as Chair of the Group Life Experience Committee. Under his guidance, the highly impactful Group Life COVID-19 Mortality Survey has thrived, with Steve taking on the crucial responsibility of composing monthly reports to disseminate current mortality trends within the industry. Steve's exceptional commitment to this project provides group life actuaries with essential insights into pandemic-related effects on their field. Steve's dedication is evident through his multifaceted contributions, including research and writing, which have been instrumental in driving impactful work that greatly benefits the broader actuarial community.
William Sayre, FSA, MAAA
Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Bill's dedication to the actuarial community is commendable, evident in his role as a faculty member during the March 2023 Fellowship Admission Course (FAC) and facilitator of both in-person and virtual FACs. Bill's willingness to guide new faculty members underscores his commitment to collaboration and mentorship. His inclusive approach during candidate discussions and valuable guidance immensely contribute to growth and learning. Bill's remarkable ability to communicate and create a comfortable environment for FAC candidates fosters their confidence and instills a willingness to contribute back to the profession.
Meipan Tian, FSA
General Manager, China Life Reinsurance Company Limited
Meipan, an esteemed figure in the actuarial landscape, has held the role of General Manager at China Re Life since 2001. A vanguard in actuarial research and industry standard development, he has spearheaded notable projects such as China's morbidity and mortality tables and groundbreaking insurance studies. His leadership extends to his tenure on the China committee, including two years as Vice Chair, where he steered global initiatives, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. As Vice-Chair of the SOA China Committee, his efforts led to the organization of local activities and fostered growth within the industry.