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Academy Engages With Stakeholders at SOA ImpACT Conference

Kent (at podium) with Slotznick (left) & Damler at SOA
The Academy hosted a packed professionalism breakfast Tuesday at the Society of Actuaries (SOA) ImpACT Conference in Indianapolis. Academy leaders, including President Ken Kent, addressed professionalism topics including artificial intelligence and climate change. President-Elect Lisa Slotznick, Actuarial Standards Board Chairperson Rob Damler, and Executive Director Bill Michalisin attended the conference in support of the SOA and members. The Academy also hosted a booth, with publications, membership, and other information for attendees.
Other Events
Academy Attends ASPPA, NCTM Events

An NCTM attendee (right) at the Academy’s booth
Also this week, Academy staff attended the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., and the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) Annual Conference in National Harbor, Md., offering information on Academy activities to attendees of both events.
Professionalism Webinar Examines Data Bias
The Academy continued its look at issues surrounding data bias with Thursday’s professionalism webinar, in which Data Science and Analytics Committee Chairperson Dorothy Andrews discussed the importance of identifying bias in data and algorithms. Explaining the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s “iceberg model” of bias, Andrews said that statistical biases lie above the waterline and are the easiest to see and resolve, while systemic biases lie at the base of the iceberg and are the most difficult to detect and change. “Diversity is the key to detecting and mitigating these biases in modeling,” she said. A recording and slides will be available soon, as a member benefit.
Actuary Voices Features Rising Actuary Award Recipient Sam Tashima
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, a new Actuary Voices episode features Sam Tashima-a 2023 Rising Actuary Award recipient-who talks about the cyber insurance landscape and how actuaries can adjust to emerging risks. Listen and subscribe to Actuary Voices wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
November Symposiums to Focus on Health Equity, the Future of Retirement
The Academy is hosting two free symposiums on Nov. 15 in Washington, D.C., following Envision Tomorrow, which will bring together thought leaders to discuss key issues.
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Health Benefit Design Innovations for Advancing Health Equity-Building off the findings from a series of multi-disciplinary conversations facilitated by the Health Equity Committee, this symposium will bring together leaders for a series of interactive sessions and thoughtful conversations on how to advance health equity through equity-enhancing plan designs. Both in-person and virtual options available-learn more.
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The Future of Retirement-This in-person event will raise retirement issues and engage lively discussion as speakers review historical trends, discuss the changing retirement landscape, examine DEI issues in retirement, and consider how best to educate plan participants about preparing for their retirements. Limited space is available-register soon to save your spot.
Envision Tomorrow-In-person and virtual registration options are still available for Envision Tomorrow, the Academy’s Annual Meeting being held Nov. 13-14 in Washington, D.C. A Digital Pass offers access to all general sessions and a curated selection of breakout sessions. Registration deadlines are approaching soon-register today.
Recently Released
The Fall Casualty Quarterly leads with a look at the Academy’s extensive work in the cyber risk area during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, including an Oct. 10 Committee on Cyber Risk webinar. Also in the issue, a preview of Envision Tomorrow casualty breakout sessions, and recent legislative and regulatory activity.
JBEA Seeks Advisory Committee Members
The Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (JBEA) is seeking applications for the Advisory Committee on Actuarial Examinations for a term from March 1, 2024, to Feb. 28, 2025. The committee plays an integral role in assisting the JBEA to offer examinations that test the knowledge necessary to qualify for enrollment. Applications are due Dec. 1-visit the IRS/JBEA webpage for information on how to apply.
Public Policy News in Brief
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The Life Practice Council and Casualty Practice Council submitted comments to the Colorado Division of Insurance (CDOI) on its draft regulation on insurance discrimination. The comments reiterated support for Colorado’s initiative to prevent unfairly discriminatory practices in insurance and shared actuarial perspectives related to the design of the data testing requirement.
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The Long-Term Care Reform Committee submitted comments to Washington state’s Office of the State Actuary on key issues related to long-term care financing and risk management, providing information on considerations necessary to achieve and maintain long-term services and supports trust solvency for the WA Cares Fund Program.
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The Annuity Reserve and Capital Subcommittee submitted comments to the NAIC’s Valuation Manual (VM)-22 Subgroup on the July 2023 exposure draft of the VM-22 Standard Projection Amount (SPA), reiterating its recommendation that the regulation not include a binding SPA.
Visit the Public Policy webpage to stay on top of the latest news and activity.
Is Your Membership Profile Up to Date?
To continue receiving This Week, Actuarial Update, Contingencies, and other Academy publications-and to keep your credentials up to date in our records-please make sure the Academy has your current contact information. Members can update their profile, subscribe to Academy alerts, pay dues, and review archived professionalism and public policy webinars via the member login page.
Events Calendar Highlights
Visit the Events Calendar for a complete listing of Academy events, including links to post-webinar slides and recordings.
Save the Date-New Member Information Session
The Academy will host a New Member Information Session on Dec. 1 from noon to 1 p.m. EST. Look for details and registration to open soon.
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