How the Board Operates
Are you considering becoming a candidate for the SOA Board of Directors?
Service as a Board member of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) equates to leadership. The SOA Board of Directors is responsible for leading the organization and helping advance the actuarial profession. SOA Board members serve an important role in helping the organization carry out its mission, realize its opportunities, and fulfill its obligations to members, candidates and other stakeholders.
Board members must:
- Be dedicated to the vitality of the organization,
- Have broad knowledge about the profession, the organization and its stakeholders,
- Make decisions that lead the organization into the future, and
- Empower the SOA staff, members and other volunteers.
SOA Board members must commit the time and effort required to fulfill these obligations and bring with them resources and talents that benefit the long-term viability of the SOA. They serve as advocates for the SOA, share the organization’s purpose and vision, help shape the future direction of the SOA, and actively participate in leadership development activities.
Any questions may be directed to elections@soa.org.
Board Operations
Strategic Board |
The SOA Board of Directors is a strategic Board and is not an operational Board. The Board spends about 90 percent of its time on strategy and policy issues. This reinforces the Board’s leadership role in setting direction and optimally leverages Board members’ expertise and time. View a sample board agenda for reference. |
Strategic Plan-Driven  |
The work of the SOA and the Board is driven by the SOA Strategic Plan, not by any one group or individual. It is important for Board members to be familiar with the current strategic plan. |
Determine the Strategic Direction  |
The SOA Board focuses its efforts on determining what needs to be done next rather than reviewing what was done. The Board sets strategic direction and then turns it over to another volunteer group or staff for action and implementation. The Board also considers issues of capacity (financial and human resources), core capabilities, and strategic positions before deciding what to do. |
Time Commitment
SOA Board members spend 15-20 days a year traveling to and attending required Board meetings held at various locations throughout North America. We strive for a balance between weekends and workdays. There are also monthly Board committee meetings based on two or three additional assignments. If chairing a committee, there could be some additional time setting the meeting agenda. A more detailed list of time commitments is available here.
Three in person Board meetings per year. Other Board meetings, as needed.
- Spring Board meeting is typically held in March during the work week.
- Summer Board meeting is held in conjunction with the SOA Health Meeting, typically on a weekend in June.
- Fall Board meeting is held in conjunction with the SOA Annual ImpACT Conference, typically in October/November on a weekend.
- Additional virtual meetings will be held during the work week between regularly scheduled Board meetings and are 60-240 minutes long.
About the Board meetings
- Each meeting is scheduled for 1.5-2 days and includes a reception/dinner.
- Meetings require preparation in advance. Plan 5-6 hours to read and review the agenda packets to prepare for the meeting.
- SOA will cover reasonable travel expenses.
Board Committees
Each SOA Board member generally has at least two committee or task force assignments outside of the Board meetings. You may serve on one of the standing Board committees and/or receive a liaison assignment to an operational committee. Each Board member could also have two or three annual speaking commitments. Our business model keeps Board members focused on the highest level of involvement. Depending on the assignment, you could spend an average of 3-6 hours a month on these other Board assignments. Presidential officers have extra weekly time commitments including an Executive Committee conference call every two weeks.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
Duty of Care  |
Actively participate in Board discussions. |
Duty of Loyalty  |
Faithfully pursue the interests of the SOA over personal or another organization’s interests. |
Duty of Obedience |
Support the SOA’s mission and avoid undermining Board decisions. |
For more information, visit this video.
What You Gain by Serving
Get a big picture view of the actuarial profession and gain the opportunity to shape the profession’s future. Experience strategic thinking, consensus building, partnership and communication. Work with leaders throughout the organization and profession. Be recognized for your contribution by members and employers. When asked what Board members enjoyed most about serving on the SOA Board, they indicated:
- Personal leadership opportunities,
- Focusing primarily on strategic and business issues,
- Learning about activities throughout the SOA,
- Professional camaraderie with staff and other Board members,
- Making decisions,
- Interesting and exciting opportunities to be involved in new initiatives,
- Experience working on a Board and learning how a Board works, and
- Expanding professional and personal networks.