2023 Board Member Candidate
Dave Dillon, FSA 2004, MAAA 2002
SVP & Principal, Lewis & Ellis, Inc., Dallas, TX
Instructor, School of Risk Science, Georgia State University
Message One
As actuaries, our career paths can take us in many different directions. Mine has led me to a long and rewarding career as a consulting actuary and devoted volunteer with the Society of Actuaries, including serving on the Board of Directors from 2018 to 2021.
After 15 years of continuous volunteer service, I feel well prepared to lead our organization and to serve more than 30,000 members and expand our professional footprint. I am incredibly excited to be a candidate for President-Elect; I ask for your support.
In the past, some candidates for President have waited until retirement to seek office, and I completely understand that because of the time commitment. But personally, I believe I am in a unique position to offer my years of experience while I am still active in my actuarial career. Several pivotal initiatives that I passionately supported as a Board Member are still in the pipeline. I know the impact they can make, and I want to see them through to fruition.
Commitment
When I received the Presidential Award last year, I was delighted to be recognized for my volunteer commitment and passion for the SOA. When I started volunteering, I was primarily focused on advancing the role of actuaries in business and the industry through Professional Development. Upon reflection, I realize how deeply I have become immersed in this community. The following are some highlights of how I have served:
- Presidential Award (2022)
- Volunteer of the Year Award (2017)
- Chair, Commercial Healthcare Strategic Initiative (2017-2018)
- National media spokesperson for the SOA on health issues (2016 to present)
- Health Section Council (2015-2016) and Research Committee (2014-2018)
- SOA Health Section Council Educational Podcast Series (since 2015)
- Coordinator for 45+ sessions at SOA events, with four receiving Outstanding Session Awards
- Serving on the American Academy of Actuaries' Health Financial Reporting Committee (since 2017), Individual and Small Group Markets Committee (since 2019), and as an instructor for the Life and Health Qualification Seminar (since 2021)
- National Math Foundation Board of Directors (2019)
- Board advisor to the University of Iowa’s actuarial science program
- Instructor for Georgia State University’s actuarial science program
Over the 24 years I have worked at Lewis & Ellis, I have focused on healthcare and insurance issues. From the rollercoaster ride that began with passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, to consulting with 23 states on healthcare insurance issues, my journey has been more exciting than anything I could have imagined when I first started out. Navigating various perspectives has taught me the art of building consensus with respect, transparency, and authenticity. These skills aren't just fancy buzzwords; they're my guiding stars.
Recently I was interviewed by a New York City reporter on the issue of drug coverage. As I was speaking with her, I once again recognized the public’s appetite for an actuary’s perspective on the role we play in society’s most pressing issues. As the SOA’s lead ambassador, I promise to take the necessary steps to meet this demand.
The Next Step
In a future message, I’ll talk more about the SOA and moving the needle in our profession. For now, I’ll conclude by saying, “Thank you.” This is an exciting time to be an actuary and a member of our organization, the largest of its kind in the world. I see a bright future knowing the strength we possess as a community, and I will bring the same dedication and rigor to the role that I have seen so many of my predecessors provide.
I’ll close with this: Please carefully consider all candidates for all of the available SOA positions in this year’s election and vote. The election process begins September 6 and runs through September 27.
I invite you to send your questions and ideas to ddillon@lewisellis.com, and, as always, I look forward to connecting with you on LinkedIn.
Message Two
In Robert Greenleaf's seminal work "Servant Leadership," he eloquently states, "Being a servant-leader starts with a genuine desire to serve others." In the same vein, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have stepped up to run for roles such as President-Elect, Board of Directors, and Section Councils within the SOA. Your willingness to offer your time and expertise as volunteer leaders speaks volumes about your dedication to our profession. This culture of active participation is the backbone of our organization's success and fills me with hope for a collaborative and promising future.
In the coming three years, the SOA must persistently evaluate the effectiveness of our existing strategic initiatives. It's crucial to ascertain whether our actions are yielding the intended results and if our current strategy remains pertinent in a rapidly evolving landscape.
My priorities as President-elect are:
- Reversing the Decline in Exam Candidates My aim is to promote the actuarial profession globally and connect with potential candidates, including extending our reach into the earliest educational stages. Our profession can only remain robust if we have a pipeline of future leaders.
- Strengthening Education and Leadership: It's crucial to enrich our educational and leadership training programs. We must prepare actuaries to excel not just in technical skills, but also as multifaceted leaders in a continually evolving environment.
- Modernizing Credentials: Updating our credentialing process is essential to make the profession more accessible. While barriers to entry exist, I believe we can simplify them without diluting the rigor and quality we're known for.
- Prioritizing Research: Research serves as the cornerstone of our knowledge base. It informs practice and ensures that actuaries remain at the cutting edge.
My candidacy builds on years of committed volunteering and preparedness to lead the SOA. With the support of our outstanding volunteers, I'm optimistic about the SOA's future. Given my zeal, leadership, and volunteer history, I'm well-suited to serve as SOA President-elect. I'd be honored by your vote, allowing me to give back to a profession that has been so rewarding.