A New Lineup for SOA's Board in 2026
On the financial frontlines, few organizations hold the clout that the Society of Actuaries (SOA) wields. With their latest round of elections completed, they've named five fresh Board members along with both a new President Elect and Vice Chair for the upcoming 2026-2027 term. These folks are gearing up to take the stage right after the 2026 SOA ImpACT Annual Conference wraps up in October.
Who's In and What's the Deal?
The SOA has ushered in a mix of new blood and seasoned expertise to guide them through another chapter. Here are the faces stepping up to their new roles:
- Jessica Dang, FSA, FCIA, Ph.D.
- Murshid Kuttihassan, FSA, MAAA, CERA, FCIA, FIA, CFA, FRM
- Taylor Pickett, FSA, MAAA
- Greg Warren, FSA, MAAA, FCA
- Andy Wieduwilt, FSA, MAAA
Each of these board members brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table. Their credentials read like a who's who of the actuarial world, each with an alphabet soup of qualifications that's more loaded than a Wall Street résumé.
Sherry Chan: The Next in Command
Hand-picked to serve as President Elect and Vice Chair is Sherry Chan, a heavyweight in the actuarial scene thanks to her comprehensive professional background. Chan's a familiar name courtesy of her strategic roles at EY and as the Chief Actuary for both NYC and Ohio's vast public pension systems. She's a powerhouse, no doubt about it, and she's ready to bring her know-how to the top spot next year.
"With more than three years on the SOA Board, Chan's rise isn't just a step up; it's a natural progression for someone who's been in the trenches of actuarial leadership."
Carrying Forward with Ian Duncan
Not to be overlooked, Ian Duncan takes the helm as SOA's President and Chair for the term. Dave Dillon's the Immediate Past President, ensuring continuity and stability isn't just a hope—it's practically guaranteed. Behind the scenes, these leaders are expected to continue driving strategic initiatives while keeping a keen eye on the future of actuarial practice.
Inside the SOA's Influence
The Society of Actuaries has its roots deep in historical soil, dating back to 1889. It represents over 35,000 actuaries across more than 100 countries and stands as the world’s largest actuarial organization. Their mission? Empower members to push the envelope of financial risk solutions globally.
Attention investors: while this election doesn't ring the market bells directly, understanding the SOA's directional shifts provides valuable insights into the actuarial talent pool shaping risk assessment across industries. With high-caliber leadership like Chan and Duncan directing the next wave, member actuaries will likely continue shaping decisions in insurance, pensions, and beyond.
Implications for Actuarial Influence
Sure, the change of guard at SOA may not mean immediate shifts on the stock ticker, but recognizing the broader impacts of these brainy leaders helps you understand where strategic decisions in finance might head. These actuaries touch everything from pricing bullet-proof pension plans to fine-tuning insurance risk—real change-makers behind the scenes.
Invest in the talent, keep an eye on the boardrooms, and you'll get a feel for how their invisible hand dukes it out with financial uncertainty.
