Keeping you in the know—the latest news from the Academy
RECENT ACADEMY ACTIVITY | Oct. 23–27, 2023
This Week … In a Minute
Have a minute? Catch up on the week’s top stories with the latest “This Week … In a Minute” video. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive alerts as they are released.
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.
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.
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
The Life Practice Council and Casualty Practice Councilsubmitted 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.
The Long-Term Care Reform Committeesubmitted 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.
The Annuity Reserve and Capital Subcommitteesubmitted 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.
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