Volunteering

Steve Bowen, FSA, MAAA

Chief Science Officer, Gallagher Re

Steve is an outstanding contributor to advancing SOA research and public awareness in catastrophe and climate risk. As a prominent meteorologist and insurance industry researcher, Steve has played a critical role in bridging climate science with actuarial practice.

Over several years, Steve has served as a key contributor to multiple SOA research committees, including the Catastrophe and Climate Strategic Research Program, the General Insurance Research Committee, and the Research Executive Committee. Through these roles, he has helped shape the SOA’s strategic approach to climate-related risks, provided technical insights, and supported the expansion of the SOA’s research agenda in this growing area.

Steve has gone above and beyond traditional volunteer expectations, leading brainstorming efforts, advising on disaster finance topics, and contributing to the Actuarial Weather Extreme Series. He has helped interpret complex weather and catastrophe data for actuarial use and encouraged collaboration between scientific and actuarial communities.

His contributions have elevated him as a thought leader in climate risk, helped inform regulatory conversations, and opened the door for a new generation of actuarial volunteers interested in environmental risk. He has also spoken at events like ReFocus to highlight the expanding relevance of climate risk to life and health insurance sectors.

Steve’s leadership, insight, and cross-disciplinary collaboration have left a lasting impact on the actuarial profession, making him a deserving recipient of this award.

Dave Friesen

Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Data & Analytics, Standard Insurance Company

Dave put a lot of time and dedication into his volunteer efforts, particularly in the areas of innovation, education, and artificial intelligence (AI). As a non-member volunteer, Dave has consistently gone above and beyond in supporting the SOA’s mission through curriculum design, speaking engagements, and collaborative leadership.

Dave has played a pivotal role in the development of the Professional Development Edge+ program, including scripting educational content and outlining AI-focused curriculum. He has also served as a speaker and highlight guest at the AI Insights for Actuaries: A Virtual Symposium in 2024 and 2025, and contributed to SOA podcast episodes focused on bridging actuarial practice with data science. His participation on the Professional Development Curriculum and Content Creation Council and involvement in the AI Safety Consortium further illustrate his depth of engagement.

Dave’s proactive approach and thought leadership have significantly advanced actuarial understanding of AI’s impact. He has helped actuaries interpret emerging technologies and apply them to real-world challenges, while also fostering a collaborative environment for learning and dialogue. His work ensures the profession remains adaptable and forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Dave’s consistent, high-impact contributions make him a standout partner to the SOA. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and education underscores the values of this award and has left a lasting mark on the profession.