SOA Election Evolution
The SOA is committed to continually improving how we serve our members and the profession. Last year, the Board of Directors completed a comprehensive review of its governance, gathering member feedback, evaluating current practices, and identifying opportunities to evolve.
In 2025, a set of proposed changes to the SOA Bylaws based on this work was brought to FSA members for a vote. While the SOA Bylaws changes were not approved by the required 2/3-member vote, the process highlighted several ways to strengthen Board governance, some of which do not require a member vote.
The SOA Board is moving forward with these steps to enhance its processes, add transparency, and better position the organization for the future, starting with the 2026 election cycle.
Board Recruiting and Selection Committee
Formerly known as the Nominating Committee, the Board Recruiting and Selection Committee consists of nine Fellows serving staggered three-year terms. Its primary responsibility is to develop a ballot with the strongest candidates for the annual SOA Board of Directors election, in alignment with SOA policies. To do this, the committee will assess nominees based on the skills and experience needed on the Board, the SOA’s Strategic Plan and current organizational priorities.
The Board Recruiting and Selection Committee will also partner with an external executive search firm to identify highly qualified candidates.
Individuals can still self-nominate for President Elect and Vice Chair or elected Board member positions. The committee will provide public notice to SOA members about the election and the call for nominations.
Simultaneous Board Member and President Elect and Vice Chair Nomination
SOA Fellows now can put their name in for both President Elect and Vice Chair and to be an elected Board member simultaneously. However, candidates can be selected to run for only one of those positions.
Skills and Experience-Based Candidate Selection
A skills and experience-based approach to Board candidate selection helps ensure the SOA Board has the expertise and perspectives needed to navigate a complex and changing professional landscape. By aligning Board composition more closely with strategic priorities, we can support a governance structure that is resilient, innovative, and prepared for future demands.
The SOA collected information from continuing Board members regarding their skills and experience in certain defined areas. After assessing that information, we have identified areas where the Board would benefit from some additional experience. The Board Recruiting and Selection Committee, in close collaboration with the Board, developed a skills and experience profile that serves as a framework for identifying and evaluating nominees. Working with an external recruiting firm, the committee will use this profile to assess nominees based on how well they align with the sought-after skills and experiences. Every year, a defined set of skills and specific expertise and experience identified as current gaps on the Board will be published, enhancing transparency in the nomination process.
The skills and experiences identified by the SOA Board for the 2026 election, include:
- AI/Technology
- Risk Management
- Global Expertise
Current Board Skills and Experience Profile
The visual below illustrates the skills and experience of continuing Board members across specified categories. A 
circle indicates advanced knowledge, while a 
represents intermediate knowledge. A blank space indicates that the Board member has limited direct experience in this area but is knowledgeable and can engage in conversations on the topic.
Find out more about each skill or experience. View/download a PDF of the current Board skills and experience profile