CCA Member Spotlight

My father was an actuary (Northwestern Mutual) so I naturally learned about actuarial science through discussion with him. Math always came somewhat naturally for me, as may be true for many who are reading this.  While considering my options after my undergraduate studies, my father (re)explained the opportunities and challenges he found working as an actuary. I decided to give it a serious try by enrolling in the Masters program at UW Madison. I achieved my MS degree, gained experience as a teaching assistant, and passed a few of the actuarial exams along the way. Madison’s actuarial program was both rigorous and rewarding. 

Other than the joke about Actuaries studying birds, made somewhat more famous by the comedian Nate Bargatze, I haven’t heard too many strange misperceptions about the profession. I have found that many people (appropriately) assume our profession involves a lot of math and probability. 

I love traveling, hiking, sailing, SCUBA and ceramics. I also have a passion for photography to focus on some of the beauty all around us. During the summer before my first actuarial job, I joined a sailing club and took a course in ceramics.   

• "The Purpose Driven Life" (Rick Warren)
• "Atomic Habits" (James Clear)
• “The Anxious Generation” (Jonathan Haidt)

Steve Wagner and Bob Leone at Hewitt Associates. Each taught me valuable skills about listening well, presenting effectively, and about group dynamics and decision making.

Marrying Beth, the love of my life, and raising three amazing children. I have much joy in life because of these and many other important relationships, both personal and professional. I have also learned that being a grandparent is even better than people say.

Having the courage to accept a speaking role very early in my career was a stretch for me. While I was a bit nervous at the time, this experience expanded my professional horizons. This and other leadership opportunities have shaped my career as a consulting actuary, including networking with many others in the profession.

I graduated from Wheaton College (IL) with a BS in Mathematics. While in college I played volleyball and was involved with mentoring inner-city youth through the Office of Christian Outreach. Later I earned an MS degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

I define success as living in alignment with your deeply rooted beliefs and principles, which can look different for each person.  For me, as a committed Christian, this means living with a sense of joy and purpose, where my life, my relationships, my work, and my choices are aligned with the faith I profess. 

If you envision a solution or new idea, discuss it and refine it with others you respect.  Have the courage to try new things, to develop new solutions, and to experience some failure along the way.

Actuaries must learn and grow in our rapidly changing world. We need to be flexible, adaptable, learn new skills, and apply our expertise in order to remain relevant. For retirement systems we should focus on sustainable employer-based systems and always keep the end in mind (lifetime income).

Being a good consultant includes listening in order to learn, appreciate and understand.  Be flexible and open to change, always keeping the big picture in mind.  Learn from others, teaming with them to develop solutions in a way that is more like an orchestra than a soloist.  Work 'with' rather than 'for' your clients, and you will gradually become their “trusted advisor.”

I don’t have strong opinions about calculators, but I do rely on my calculator almost daily, and I clearly prefer my HP12C.  I still have the same calculator I was issued at my first actuarial position. 

I have often thought about being a teacher or professor. More recently i have thought about financial planning and helping people with real life financial issues. It would also have been fun to serve as a National Park Ranger, or to have my own ceramics studio, or maybe a tree farm.

My most favorite activities involve spending time with my wife and three young-adult children and their families. I also enjoy exercising (walking, hiking, biking), sailing, collecting seashells, and church activities such as Bible study and small group discussions.