2023 Board Member Candidate
David Ruiz, FSA 2000, MAAA 1995, FIA 2007
Vice President, Valuation
Pacific Life
Newport Beach, CA
Introduction
I am honored to have been endorsed as a candidate for the Society of Actuaries Board of Directors. With 12 years of volunteer work in the actuarial profession, I am running for election because I would like to take on a greater role in supporting the SOA. I believe I have the vision and drive to help lead the Society as we navigate an increasingly complex world.
The SOA's strategic plan emphasizes the importance of “engaging a diverse community to address key societal issues.” Increasing and leveraging diversity and inclusiveness is key to meeting this challenge. As a board member I will prioritize diversifying the profession, engaging young professionals, and strengthening our partnerships with actuarial organizations across the globe.
Targeted expansion of certificate programs is another key to success, which will enhance our expertise and enable us to address societal issues effectively. The Climate Risk Certificate Program is a fantastic example that positions the SOA as global leaders. As a board member I will support the identification and development of additional programs that strengthen our profession and elevate the global reputation of the SOA.
I excited about the opportunity to serve the SOA at the next level. As a long-time volunteer I have met so many amazing actuaries who chose to step into leadership. They’ve helped our Society navigate through unprecedented times, and I would be honored to follow in their footsteps. With my leadership experience and my passion for DEI, I believe I am the right person to help the SOA evolve into the broadly diverse and inclusive organization we aspire to be. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn and let me earn your vote!
Brief Description of Current Work
As VP, Valuation, I am proud to lead a fantastic hybrid team of actuaries committed to ensuring our policyholders can count on our promise. My key accountabilities include LDTI implementation and Finance Transformation. A long-term volunteer for the actuarial profession, I currently serve on the SOA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Primary Area(s) of Practice
Life, Finance
Bio
David Ruiz is VP, Valuation for Pacific Life’s Consumer Markets Division, responsible for valuation and financial management of Pacific Life’s variable, fixed and indexed life and annuity products. He has over 30 years of experience in the actuarial profession, all as a financial actuary.
Previously, he served as VP, Head Finance Actuary for the company’s Life Insurance Division, and earlier as VP, Valuation actuary for the company’s Retirement Solutions Division. Before joining Pacific Life’s North American business, David spent seven years with Pacific Life Re, including five years as an expat in the UK.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Harvey Mudd College. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries. He currently serves as a member of the SOA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and previously was a member of the SOA/CAS Joint Council on Equity, Inclusion and Diversity (JCEID).
Additional Info
I am an Eagle Scout, a lifelong BSA volunteer and a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of the USA. I currently serve as Scoutmaster for a BSA troop and a Girl Scout troop leader. We are proud to welcome all youth and provide them a safe space for them to live as their authentic selves. I have two Eagle Scout children, one of whom received the Girl Scout Silver award.