Meet the 2024 Rising Actuary Award recipients
As the actuarial profession continues to evolve, the next generation of actuaries is stepping up to shape the future. The Rising Actuary Award recognizes outstanding earlycareer actuaries who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the field. In the profiles that follow, we introduce you to the 2024 class of Rising Actuary Award recipients. Through their insights and experiences, you’ll see how these young professionals are navigating the complexities of the actuarial landscape, staying ahead of industry trends, and upholding the values that define our profession. Let’s meet these rising stars and learn more about what drives them.
Here’s what we asked them:
- What was your reaction when you heard you were among the 2024 class of Rising Actuary Award recipients?
- Do you have a mentor? Tell me about them.
- What is one piece of advice that you always give actuaries just starting in their careers?
- Do you see many differences in how different so-called generations—Millennials, Gen Xers, baby boomers—go about their work tasks?
- Do you find that you’re using next-gen tools like large language models, machine learning, or other AI applications in your workstreams? If so, talk a bit about how you make sure you’re adhering to the tenets of actuarial professionalism while using these cutting-edge techniques.
- What’s the biggest benefit you’ve derived from your Academy membership?
Emma Casehart, MAAA, FCAS
Managing Actuary, Allstate Insurance Company
Your reaction:
I may or may not have leapt out of my office chair to run and tell my husband! I am excited, grateful, and humbled to be part of such a wonderful group of peers from across the actuarial profession.
On mentors:
I’m so thankful that I’ve had numerous mentors in my career. Some have pushed me to work on projects I didn’t feel I was ready for, but they believed in my ability to rise to the challenge. I almost refused a programming project because I didn’t know how to code—until my mentor explained to me that I would take on the project to learn to code! I’m grateful to her every day when I use R to conduct analyses with millions of records.
Other mentors have shown me the power of asking the “dumb” questions in every meeting. One manager asked questions about the most basic assumptions of our project work in every meeting. I thought there was no way anyone could have different understandings of such fundamental building blocks. But you know the saying about making assumptions! He consistently uncovered issues in projects before they had the chance to form, just from asking questions. From him, I learned to slowly keep digging to get to the heart of a problem.
Still others have sponsored me, encouraged me to apply for new roles, supported me as I volunteer for new positions at the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and the Academy, and given me the gift of their time and experience.
Key advice:
The most important thing you can do is connect with people.
No one is an island. Working relationships enrich your professional network and your impact. Being an actuary can sometimes feel isolating. No one at parties knows what I do, and when I say I work in insurance … the conversation usually turns to ask the next person in the group what they do! Having strong working relationships with people who understand what I do is valuable. I have found ways to make a social impact through CAS and Academy volunteering on issues I care about, like climate change and public policy, that combine my professional skills and personal passions. None of that would be possible without the colleagues and friends I’ve made as part of the journey.
Generational differences:
Depending on how generations are defined, I’m either the youngest Millennial, or the oldest Gen Z. People have a lot of stereotypes around how different generations act in the office. Some think that my Gen X colleagues are stuck in their Office Space days, or that Gen Z employees are watching short-form video content instead of deeply focusing on work.
I don’t think those stereotypes have much merit. There’s a lot more differentiation between individuals than similarities within generations, and everyone at work contributes to a shared workplace culture that has much more influence than generation. I’m thankful that I work with colleagues in a culture that values work-life balance and professional development, regardless of generation.
Next-gen tool use:
I tend to use large language model tools like ChatGPT for coding. When I’m unable to find a similar prior situation, and I’m stuck on writing code, it’s a nice tool to provide a starting point. Before implementing the code, I make sure I understand what it’s doing, how it works, and that I can explain it to someone else maintaining the code in the future. While LLMs are great tools, they are a means to an end, and we have an obligation to understand the tools we use to produce results.
On Academy benefits:
Actuaries have a blend of business and technical skills that make us a unique voice. We have a reputation for professionalism and thoughtful risk assessment. I want to use that foundation to explore key societal issues, like climate change, that affect actuaries and the public.
Volunteering with the Academy has already let me use the influence actuaries wield. Whether it’s through a public policy fly-in to Washington, D.C., or through connections to other actuaries through committee work, I want to engage in the big questions with like-minded professionals. The Academy is full of interested professionals working towards a larger goal, and I’m so happy to be part of it.
Joe Dorocak, MAAA, ASA
Senior Director—Actuary, Mount Sinai Health System
Your reaction:
I was incredibly honored and humbled when I found out the news that I was among the Rising Actuary Award recipients this year. It’s obviously exciting to be recognized among your peers, but this award is a great opportunity to reflect on the work accomplishments up to this point in my career, as well as the relationships I’ve built with colleagues. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with many phenomenal people in my young career and I don’t take that for granted.
On mentors:
I look all over for mentorship, and for me, it comes in a variety of places, both personally and professionally. My parents are the first people I think of. My dad, a firefighter, and my mom, a nurse, instilled in my siblings and me a sense of community service without having to actively direct us that way. Service to the community runs deep in my family with my sister, an Air Force veteran, my brother, lieutenant in a local fire department, and my brother, city attorney in Las Vegas. My opportunity has been giving back to patients who come through the hospital system by helping to build analytic solutions that make their care better and more efficient. In my professional career, I’ve had an unbelievable opportunity to emulate some great leaders at Cleveland Clinic including former supervisors and colleagues like Prashant Nayak, Jacob Raciniewski, Chris Donovan and Dr. Nirav Vakharia. Without them knowing it, I’ve borrowed a lot of their leadership style. Strong culture, servant leadership, and lifelong dedication to learning have all been key principles I’ve seen them reinforce.
Key advice:
Be eager to learn. Technology, policy, and the workforce are changing at a rapid clip. For those individuals who are committed to investing in their continued education and staying open minded about new techniques and methods, the future is very bright. You simply can’t get stuck in your ways, because there is so much to learn from counterparts and colleagues.
Generational differences:
It’s been quite eye-opening seeing the difference in work styles among different generations. I think the pandemic and the popularity of remote work has illuminated it. My perception has been the younger generations have a huge appetite for team-based work. Within the data science team I managed at Cleveland Clinic, we moved to a style where two to three data scientists were assigned a project that we would have previously had a single employee working on. This approach gave the younger data scientists a chance to try new techniques and more seasoned data scientists a chance to mentor and coach. The collaborative work has been a great way to keep team engagement up. We extended this style to monthly hackathons, where the entire team would get into the same room onsite for one day and work through a project together. Remote work seemingly eliminated the “coffee talk” and “hallway conversations” that would often times lead to experimentation with new technologies and tools. The monthly hackathons gave our team a chance to look over one another’s shoulders and learn together.
Next-gen tool use:
I’m engulfed in next-gen tools like LLMs and machine learning. And the best advice I received about adhering to the actuarial professionalism tenets came early in the craze of ChatGPT. The actuarial standards of practice reinforce that an actuary should understand the underlying models when utilizing them. I think it’s good practice, and I’ve encouraged my team to really understand the data, methods, and performance statistics when utilizing “out-of-the-box” AI tools. Knowing this information will position anyone to know the limitations, constraints, and expectations of AI. On the development side, rigorous peer review is essential. Understanding the real problem space is crucial. And being able to monitor the results of these tools is the responsible thing to do.
On Academy benefits:
This past year I had the opportunity to participate in my first committee through the Academy. The Health Equity Committee has been an amazing community to join because it has allowed me to pick up new perspectives, learn from fellow actuaries, and really stretch my problem-solving skills. I’ve been impressed by these types of collaborations that membership has provided and look forward to contributing to them more consistently in the future.
Tina Kang, MAAA, ASA
Associate Actuary, Prudential
Your reaction:
I was thrilled! It really gave me reassurance that my hard work and dedication—both in my professional role and through my contributions to the South Asian Network of Actuaries (SANA)—are being recognized and valued. This acknowledgment motivates me even more to continue paying it forward and making a positive impact in the actuarial community.
On mentors:
I don’t have a mentor at the moment, but I have a memorable piece of advice from one of my early-career mentors that I still value to this day. He suggested that when meeting new people at work, you should write down one or two facts about them in your phone’s notes. This can then help you remember them both professionally and, more importantly, personally. Then the next time you meet, you can reference the note for a quick refresh and ask about one of their personal hobbies, for example. They’ll often be pleasantly surprised that you remembered that small detail. Creating these personal connections in the professional workplace goes a long way in building your network.
Key advice:
Change can be daunting—but think of it as an opportunity to learn something new, whether its business knowledge or even working with different types of people. Keep an open mind and embrace the change.
Generational differences:
Absolutely, I see many differences in how different generations approach their work tasks, particularly with baby boomers. They are a unique group of individuals who spent much of their careers working from first principles and building models from scratch, which required extensive foundational actuarial knowledge, review, and reliance. Nowadays, they leverage their solid understanding to guide later generations, helping them enhance and convert models to Python and other actuarial software. Each generation brings its own strengths, and together they complement one another, creating a stronger actuarial community.
Next-gen tool use:
Yes, I’m increasingly integrating AI tools into my daily workstreams, particularly for getting a head start on coding tasks. While I could achieve the same results through some Googling, AI helps me get there much faster. It’s crucial to review that all outputs for accuracy. Because AI is just one part of our toolkit, I always validate AI-generated results to ensure high standards of quality and maintain actuarial professionalism. This approach allows me to leverage cutting-edge techniques while upholding the core principles of our profession.
On Academy benefits:
I’ve personally benefited from the Academy’s network and resources in support of DE&I initiatives around the globe. In SANA, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor actuarial students, guiding them to success by leveraging the foundational professional standards and values set in place by the Academy. While numbers are essential, diverse perspectives backed by core actuarial principles truly pave the way for meaningful and impactful narratives in the workplace.
Kirsten Knutson, MAAA, ASA
Senior Director, Risk Adjustment, Blue Cross of Idaho
Your reaction:
I am so honored and humbled to be receiving this award along with such talented recipients. Having spent most of my professional career working outside traditional actuarial roles, it is inspiring that the Academy acknowledges the incredible opportunities available to those who choose to venture outside of those pathways. My career path and success are fundamentally rooted in the core values and skills that I developed during my time in this profession.
On mentors:
I have been fortunate enough to work with many leaders at my organization who I have considered mentors. Their feedback, interest in my career, and supply of opportunities has allowed me to grow and progress in my career faster than I could have imagined. I am forever grateful for them investing their time in my career and being willing to take a risk on me.
Notably, Marc Roberts, chief actuary & analytics officer for Blue Cross of Idaho, has exemplified what I believe is the dynamic skillset and caliber the actuarial profession brings. Utilizing this skillset to take on challenges typically seen for those in a non-actuarial profession, I have spent most of my career embracing the lessons and challenges he sent my way. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and look forward to continuing to work under his leadership.
Key advice:
Be curious, courageous, and candid.
Curious: Asking the right questions, challenging the status quo, and being open to new or different ideas leads to defining the right problem and developing innovative solutions.
Courageous: Willingness to do hard things and take on new challenges will only help you deepen your knowledge and develop professionally.
Candid: Speak up and be yourself!
Generational differences:
Being a Millennial myself, it has been both humbling and rewarding to work alongside colleagues from Generation Z to baby boomer. A healthy organization strives to bring as much diversity of thought as possible and generational diversity is no different. Being exposed to this diversity of thought has allowed me to broaden my own perspective and tackle tasks and challenges in ways I would have never considered. While it can be easy to reflect more so on how generation differences can divide us, I have found in my career that embracing those differences has brought about the most success.
Next-gen tool use:
AI applications, particularly related to NLP capabilities and machine learning, are different areas we are exploring and developing to improve our risk adjustment accuracy by helping members not only receive high-quality care, but also improve their health outcomes.
In relation to actuarial professionalism, we focus not only on validation of data inputs and outputs, but also understanding the results. This allows us to appropriately communicate the results and model limitations to audiences of different professional backgrounds to ensure proper application and use.
On Academy benefits:
The biggest benefit I have derived from the Academy membership is networking and staying up to date on the latest trends and insights as they relate to the actuarial industry. As I have mentioned previously, spending the majority of my time outside of traditional actuarial roles has meant that there is an extra level of effort required to ensure I keep myself apprised on all that is happening in the industry. My membership in the Academy has alleviated much of that burden by the incredible engagement and outreach opportunities.
Chris Lombardi, MAAA, FSA, CERA
Associate Director, WTW
Your reaction:
It’s probably the cliché answer, but I’d say shocked. I love being an actuary, but it did not (and still does not) come easy to me. I struggled a lot throughout my career, especially early on. I can’t stand here now and say “I’ve made it,” because there are new things to learn every day in the dynamic health care industry, and I’m consistently humbled by the absolutely brilliant colleagues and connections I interact with. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to confidently say “I’ve made it”—but I will admit the award does feel nice.
On mentors:
Jon Forster. The great connector of people. He’s simply incredible. Unbelievably charismatic, always looking for new ways to help those around him. He’s a leader and a pioneer in the actuarial community, one who I will follow in the depths of Mordor if he asks.
Key advice:
Be curious. Not just to search for the things that interest you, but search for the things that are interesting in the things that don’t interest you. If you can’t see why something is interesting, you’re not looking hard enough. Decide to be curious, interested, fascinated in the work that we do, and you will be.
Generational differences:
Not generally. I think there are many types of actuaries but don’t see a particular correlation with age. Young, old, mid-career, there’s always the Sally “Same as Last Year” crew, the pushers of the newest technology, those who can “feel” if a number is reasonable or not, and everywhere in between. The beauty is that the work in this profession lives in the gray area, with no one way to skin a cat. We need diversity of thought to find the best ways to approach the problems of risk that are posed to us, and they would be impossible to think up alone.
Next-gen tool use:
I actually do. It only took a couple times of simply suggesting, “We should use AI for that” to be tagged as an “AI expert” … when I don’t actually know the first thing about how it works! I do think that’s the beauty in it—that we don’t need to know how it works. It’s a chance to embrace our inner child again and let our imaginations run wild, brewing up ideas for what AI can be used for. Instead of “When I grow up, I want to be a…” it’s “When AI grows up, I want it to…”
On Academy benefits:
Networking. The conferences have been such a joy to attend as an opportunity to let go of the daily tasks of work and simply engage in learning. Not only listening to presenters, but being an active participant—asking clarifying questions that can’t be asked watching a recorded video, having conversations with people who I consider way smarter than myself. I feel fed when coming home from an actuarial conference.
Margo MacKenzie, MAAA, FCAS
Senior Manager, EY
Your reaction:
I was excited and so honored! I couldn’t believe I had been nominated when the initial notification came in, so actually receiving the award was an even bigger surprise. I’m very grateful for the nomination and for everybody who has helped to shape my career over the past 10 years.
On mentors:
I’m lucky enough to have a few people that I consider to be mentors, and I’m certain I wouldn’t be receiving this award today if it weren’t for their investments in me as an actuary. The mentor who has had the most profound impact on me and who I am lucky to work with regularly is supportive, encouraging, and has really helped me build confidence in myself as an actuary. She has shown an interest in both my personal and professional well-being and has always managed to find time out of her already busy days to coach and teach me. She is who I look up to most and who I truly aspire to emulate as I continue to advance as an actuary.
Key advice:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions—lots and LOTS of questions. You can only learn so much from actuarial textbooks and exam papers; nothing compares to on-the-job training and the knowledge that you can gain from other actuaries who have been in the field for a while.
Generational differences:
I’ve seen some common themes in terms of working styles across different generations but have also noticed that it varies quite considerably from person to person (regardless of generation), so it’s hard to say where there are clear trends. However, I’d say the most noticeable difference relates to communication styles. Generally, the younger generations tend to be more comfortable with handling communications over Teams chat or a quick email, while the older generations lean more toward in-person meetings or scheduled phone/video calls.
Next-gen tool use:
I think the best way to incorporate these types of tools while making sure to still adhere to the tenets of actuarial professionalism is to do so slowly and with caution and professional skepticism. I think our profession has a lot to gain from technology, but I also acknowledge that there are risks of trying to advance too quickly. In my view, the best way to implement these types of technologies is in a phased approach, with a flexible and open mindset, and with plenty of testing, checks, and reviews.
On Academy benefits:
I’ve really benefitted from all of the learning opportunities that the Academy offers. The Academy does a particularly great job of providing resources and learnings related to professionalism, which I have found to be incredibly helpful.
Isabelle McCullough, MAAA, ACAS
Cyber Reinsurance Pricing Actuary, AXIS
Your reaction:
I was surprised and honored to be selected! I am grateful to my manager for nominating me and to the Academy for selecting me.
On mentors:
I am privileged to have had several mentors over the course of my career. I am forever grateful to my first mentor for helping me navigate the entry-level exam and work stress, and for instilling belief that I could find success in this industry even when I was unsure of myself. I currently have several informal mentors, some of whom are more senior actuaries and underwriters and some of whom are peers. I find that their different perspectives are instrumental in helping me make informed and thoughtful decisions.
Key advice:
Expect to understand your work. Trust yourself: If you cannot explain a result, question it.
Generational differences:
I do, but I also see a lot of individual variation within generations. I enjoy working with teams that have members from various generations because I think that the healthy differences in opinion and discussion that follows often leads to the best outcome for our stakeholders.
Next-gen tool use:
I don’t directly use these tools in my daily work in my current role, but I do try to stay up to date on the latest AI applications, especially those that could affect cyber risk. I’m excited about the potential of these tools to streamline various insurance processes, but we have a responsibility to ensure that these tools are used responsibly in the interest of our policyholders and the public.
On Academy benefits:
The biggest benefit that I’ve derived from Academy membership is volunteering with the Academy’s Committee on Cyber Risk. This work is very much a two-way street: I hope that the work I’ve collaborated on with other committee members benefits the Academy, Academy members, and the public, and I know that I’ve gained invaluable professional experience along the way. For instance, I’ve had the opportunity to network with other Academy members, contribute to new content, speak publicly, and attend the Academy’s Capitol Hill visit this year.
I began volunteering with the Academy after I took a break from exams and wanted another way to engage with the actuarial profession outside of work. I encourage others feeling similarly to explore the various volunteer options that the Academy has to offer.
Amanda Muhlbaier, MAAA, FSA
Actuary & Director, Pacific Life
Your reaction:
Equal parts surprised and proud! I am honored to be recognized by the Academy as the future of the actuarial profession.
On mentors:
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career. Most recently, my mentor was an active listener that empowered me in areas I wanted to develop. She is a leader in the field but in a different practice area, so I valued her unique perspective. This was my first mentorship outside of my company, so I appreciated the safe space we created to be candid. My mentor stood out with creative and actionable exercises that were not only enjoyable but also kept me accountable in my growth.
Key advice:
I always stress the importance of asking “Why?” Early in our actuarial careers, we often work with large datasets or automation projects. When I speak with actuarial students and interns, I encourage them to be intentional about understanding why they’re doing something and questioning if their results make sense. I remember when I was early in my career and tasked with making a slide deck “look pretty” for a project I wasn’t involved in. I was tempted to rush through it, assuming there wasn’t value to be gained. Ultimately, I decided to slow down and ask questions to understand how management arrived at that decision. It may seem obvious now, but that experience has stayed with me all these years!
Generational differences:
While younger generations certainly demonstrate a growing proficiency in technology, I don’t see many differences in how different generations approach their work tasks. However, I have observed shifts in how different generations perceive work as a whole. For instance, younger professionals increasingly prioritize aligning their careers with their personal values. They tend to seek out roles in organizations that reflect their ethical beliefs and social responsibilities. Additionally, flexibility in the workplace, particularly regarding remote work options, has become a defining factor for many Millennials and Gen Z. I’m curious to see how the profession continues to evolve and integrate the diverse values of its workforce.
Next-gen tool use:
I have not used next-gen tools in any of my workstreams personally but have heard about exciting use cases from colleagues.
On Academy benefits:
My Academy membership grants me the privilege of being part of a community of highly respected business professionals who maintain the highest standards. The greatest advantage is the chance to volunteer and influence the future of the insurance industry and our aspiring actuaries. I’ve found it rewarding to connect with colleagues through volunteering, where we engage with a diverse range of perspectives. This diversity is essential for making unbiased decisions and upholding our integrity.
Silver Zhou, FSA, MAAA, CFA
Actuarial Manager, Venerable
Your reaction:
I was totally surprised. It’s one of those moments where you look around thinking, “Are you sure you got the right person?” There are so many brilliant actuaries I’ve had the privilege to work with, so to be recognized like this is pretty humbling. And I’d like to give a shout out to my nominator, Kelly Hennigan—Kelly did a great job keeping it secret until after the award!
On mentors:
I can’t name them all! I’ve been lucky enough to have a whole lineup of mentors throughout my life and career. One of my college friends, who was a year ahead of me, pulled me into the Actuarial Club and gave me the inside scoop on landing that first internship. Then there was Prof. Charles Dunn at my university, whose passion for actuarial science basically hooked me into an actuarial career.
And, of course, there is my dad, who I admire as one of the best communicators I know. I didn’t realize it when I was young, but so much of my emotional intelligence and soft skills were unconsciously developed by him as I grew up.
Key advice:
Run your own race and don’t fall into the FOMO [fear of missing out] trap. You’ll hear stories about people who studied for like two weeks and passed an exam—don’t let that get to you. Stick to your own study plan, focus on actually learning the material, and ignore those “urban legends.”
Same goes for your career. Don’t compare your path to someone else’s. Focus on your own work, challenge yourself to jump out of the comfort zone, build critical skills that are transferrable across roles, and maintain good relationships. The success will come, sooner or later. Remember, everyone is running their own race.
Generational differences:
This one is tricky because it’s hard to tell what’s just personal quirks versus actual generational differences. But I have noticed that the more experienced someone is with the products and/or the company, the better they are at critical thinking and coming up with creative solutions. On the technology adaptability end, we’ve had actuarial interns who don’t know Excel but are very well-versed with Python, while some senior actuaries still find Python’s syntax a bit challenging, to say the least.
Another observation that stands out is how different generations view disruptive technology. A lot of Millennials and younger folks are anxious about GenAI taking over jobs including actuarial, while older generations, who remember things like Lotus 1-2-3, tend to be calmer and see it as another wave of change in the workplace, like when Microsoft shook things up in the ’90s. It’s a matter of perspective!
Next-gen tool use:
While we’re not fully integrating AI into our daily workstreams just yet, there are definitely some experimental groups testing the waters with GenAI and seeing how it might fit into our processes. It’s exciting to see what these tools can do, but of course, with anything cutting-edge, we have to tread carefully. When it comes to actuarial professionalism, the core values don’t change—even if the tools do. That means ensuring that any AI-driven insights are reliable, transparent, and don’t compromise the integrity of our work.
We’re keeping a close eye on how these technologies can assist us without cutting corners. After all, it’s all about enhancing our judgment and not replacing it. The key is to stay curious but responsible—always keeping our professional standards front and center.
Could you tell that the above two paragraphs were generated entirely by ChatGPT? Amazingly, I just feed it the question and a few keywords about the background, and it creates a response in seconds. So, do I find I’m using next-gen tools like this in my workstream? Most likely. But beyond the issues of reliability, transparency, and integrity that it mentioned, it’s also imperative to establish robust industry and company-wide governance and safety training around the use of these technologies.
On Academy benefits:
Definitely the continuing education on the most up-to-date industry trends and relevant projects, as well as the invaluable lessons on professionalism and career development.
