Celebrating the 2025 CAS Volunteer Award Winners

ach year, thousands of CAS volunteers contribute their time, expertise, and energy in ways that strengthen our profession and support members at every stage of their careers. The 2025 Volunteer Award recipients represent the many paths through which volunteers make a difference — from education and research to engagement, leadership, and community building. As National Volunteer Week approaches, running from April 19 to April 25 this year, it’s the perfect time to spotlight these inspiring volunteers.

What follows are reflections shared directly by many of this year’s honorees, along with profiles highlighting the service and impact of others, all of which showcase the passion, commitment, and collaborative spirit that define CAS volunteerism.

Jessica Ackley, ACAS 2022

“I always say that I volunteer for the CAS because so many of the people closest to me are actuaries, and I want to provide the varied perspectives of everyone I know and do what I can to help improve things. My husband is an FSA, my younger brother recently earned his ASA, two of my very best friends are an FSA and an FCAS, and I still see many of my college friends (actuarial science majors) regularly. I joke that I can’t seem to get away from actuaries. I joined a small triathlon club a few years ago and, after a few workouts, found out that one of the women was an FSA.

“One of my favorite things about volunteering is getting to ‘work’ with past coworkers again. Many professions don’t have this opportunity; if a coworker leaves or moves, that’s often the end of the professional relationship. So, I love that volunteering for the CAS allows us to stay in touch with colleagues and work on projects together, even if our careers go in different directions.

“I really enjoyed writing an article in Future Fellows last spring that covered details on how the PCPA transition deadline would work. Based on the conversations we were having while I wrote the article and questions that I raised, the deadline changed to January 1, 2026, and we were able to make the transition timeline a bit smoother for candidates. I felt like the article was a really helpful resource for candidates and employers as they navigated the change.

“Don’t be afraid to ‘shop around’ a bit regarding volunteering; all of the CAS groups I’ve volunteered with have a different structure and feel to them. If you join a group and don’t feel like it’s a good fit for whatever reason, try a different group when the next volunteer survey rolls around.

“Since I’m in the Candidate Advocate Working Group, please tell the candidates you know to keep an eye out for the Candidate Survey coming out later in 2026. The survey results are intended to directly influence the priorities of our group and other groups in the CAS.”

Josh Meyers, FCAS 2023

“What I enjoy most about volunteering is the chance to connect with people throughout our profession. Working on the CAS AI Fast Track gave me the opportunity to talk to actuaries from all over who are helping push the profession forward. When I worked with an exam committee, I spent several months with the same group, and it was great to build relationships with people I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. Getting to meet and learn from so many different people has been the most rewarding part of volunteering for me.

“One benefit that stands out to me is how volunteering has helped me grow as an actuary. I have been able to work on projects and think through problems that I probably never would have come across in my regular job. I have also been able to watch how other volunteers approach things and how they carry themselves. It is funny sometimes, because part of me thinks, ‘These are just regular people like me,’ and at the same time, I catch myself thinking, ‘Wow, this profession has some really smart people in it, and there is a lot I can learn from them.’ That mix has been encouraging and motivating for me.

“I’m going to pass along the same advice I saw in the Actuarial Review a few years ago: Just jump in. There are so many ways to volunteer with the CAS, and you do not need to have it all figured out at the start. There are also plenty of opportunities to start small with just an hour or two each week. Try a few different things and see what works best for you.

“Do not be afraid to reach out and talk to the CAS staff. I have worked with staff across the organization, including people who design exams, organize events, and support continuing education, and every one of them has been friendly and great to work with. Even if there are no volunteer opportunities listed, reach out and ask what is in the works. They are always happy to help you get connected.”

Sandra Maria Nawar, FCAS 2024
“Volunteering for the CAS has been a great learning experience, whether by doing my own research to write various articles or from discussions with other CAS volunteers who are quite accomplished, and I consider them thought leaders in the field. Writing is also a skill I’ve been meaning to cultivate, so volunteering with the CAS has given me the opportunity to develop this skill and get feedback from professionals to help my career growth.

“I enjoy the intellectual challenge the most where any idea can be an insurance problem. Taking this idea and translating it into context for actuaries to help them in their day-to-day work and to help them stay ahead with the latest news or trends in the industry is very satisfying.

“When I started volunteering with the CAS, I was impressed by how motivated, engaged, and dedicated everyone is. While brainstorming with Jim Weiss on the thesis of one of my papers, we spent over an hour slicing and dicing all the arguments until we were able to come up with a great conclusion. I got very motivated having this discussion, especially with someone as brilliant as Jim. When my colleagues and friends come to me asking questions about my ideas, it’s quite rewarding.

“Find a working group whose mandate is something you’re passionate about and then give it your best. It’s a very rewarding experience and I’m lucky to be part of the Actuarial Review Writing Subgroup.”

Rehan Siddique, FCAS 2021
Rehan has been a driving force in expanding the CAS’s influence and leadership on the global stage. Through his work as vice chair of the International Actuarial Association Climate & Sustainability committee and as an active member of the CAS Climate and Sustainability Working Group, he has helped raise the Society’s profile on climate and sustainability topics among international peers.

Beyond climate work, Rehan has served the CAS in multiple leadership roles, including volunteer chair of the International Member Services Working Group, where he facilitated engagement with global partners and shared CAS resources with groups from Africa to South Asia. He currently serves as president of the South Asian Network of Actuaries, strengthening connections among actuaries across the region and amplifying CAS’s impact. Earlier in his career, Rehan volunteered with the Candidate Advocate Working Group, supporting exam candidates through every step of their credentialing journey.

Louis-Philippe Caron, FCAS

“As a person and an insurance professional, I always believed in the importance of personal and professional growth, networking, and giving back to the community and the industry that has shaped my career. Serving not only allows you to volunteer your expertise and time to support an organization but also benefits you personally and professionally. It is a transformative opportunity to build your skills in new areas, work on projects you ordinarily do not have the chance to, and build new connections with professionals in your industry and beyond. Building on my passion for advocating and contributing to my community and our profession is and has been an ongoing source of fulfillment and happiness for me.

“While some suggest belonging to only a few committees to avoid burnout, I have found value in being involved in multiple committees and organizations. Each situation provided unique opportunities for growth and contribution, and I was dedicated to all of them, balancing my commitments while staying committed to making a difference.

“What stands out to me is how passionate and determined the great majority of volunteers are. That passion is contagious and helps the teams deliver better outcomes together; the group is always better than the sum of the individuals.

“As a co-lead of the Future of Volunteerism Task Force, I strongly advocated for the shift to a more balanced staff and volunteer model with better defined accountabilities and objectives. I am very happy with the recent evolution of the CAS and am convinced that we have put in place the right model to accelerate our growth and ensure a better future for all stakeholders.

“You are never too young or inexperienced to start your giving back journey. Go at your own pace, given the time that you have; small is beautiful. Micro-volunteering is a great way to get your feet wet and to start your CAS volunteering journey.

“Get involved. You will never regret it. It will be rewarding on both a personal and professional level.”

Melissa Huenefeldt, FCAS
“I volunteer for the CAS because I care deeply about the profession and the people in it. The CAS played a huge role in my own development, and volunteering is my way of giving back while helping shape what comes next. I’m energized by collaborating with passionate volunteers and staff to create meaningful education, promote professionalism, and build a community that supports actuaries at every stage of their careers.

“One of my favorite parts of volunteering is getting to meet candidates early in their careers, especially through the Course on Professionalism, and then having the privilege of following their journeys as they finish exams, earn their credentials, and grow into the profession. Seeing those milestones show up later on LinkedIn is a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of volunteering.

“Incidentally, many of my favorite volunteering memories involve karaoke, which may or may not say something about me! From belting out songs in Vegas with fellow facilitators after the Course on Professionalism, to karaoke nights at the CAS Leadership Summit with volunteers and staff, to heading out with friends after speaking at CLRS or the Annual Meeting — those moments always rise to the top. They’re a reminder that while the work we do for the CAS is important, the friendships, laughter, and occasional off-key singing along the way are what make volunteering truly unforgettable. (And in case anyone was wondering, my go-to karaoke song is ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ by Bonnie Tyler.)

“What I’m most proud of in my volunteering is helping move meaningful professionalism initiatives from idea to execution. During my leadership roles with the Professional Education Working Group, I had the opportunity to help expand the Course on Professionalism to better reflect the skills actuaries need in practice, most notably incorporating communication skills in 2019.

In 2020, when the pandemic disrupted in-person courses, we quickly pivoted to create a virtual option so candidates could continue progressing toward their credentials without interruption. More recently, when bias topics were added as a requirement to the U.S. Qualification Standards, we developed content to ensure candidates could meaningfully fulfill that requirement. Together, these efforts helped keep professionalism education relevant, accessible, and aligned with the evolving expectations of the profession.”

Jamie Mills, FCAS

“The actuarial career has given me so many opportunities to grow, learn, and do meaningful work. Volunteering is my way of giving back, to help create similar opportunities for others entering or advancing within the profession.

“It’s also energizing to work with other volunteers who share that same commitment to the profession. We all bring different experiences and perspectives, and that collaboration not only benefits CAS members, but makes me better at my day job, too. Volunteering is a two-way street; I contribute what I can, but I gain just as much in return: new ideas, professional connections, and a deeper sense of purpose in the work we do.

“For each of the committees I’ve had the privilege of leading, I have always been impressed with the engagement and drive of the committee members. It’s inspiring to witness the engagement and passion of the volunteers, and it emphasizes what all we can accomplish when we bring a great group of actuaries together with a common goal.

“I’m incredibly proud of how engaged and collaborative our Ratemaking, Product and Modeling Seminar Working Group is. Everyone is genuinely committed to putting on a world-class seminar, and the teamwork makes the process both productive and enjoyable. The relationships we’ve built along the way are a big part of what makes the experience so rewarding.

“My recommendation to new members is to find something that interests them and that they are passionate about. Being engaged from the start will serve you and the CAS well and will help you on your volunteering journey.”

Terence “Terry” Richard Robinson, ACAS

Posthumous Award Recipient Terence (Terry) Richard Robinson was a dedicated CAS volunteer, respected colleague, and deeply engaged member of the actuarial community whose impact continues to be felt across the Society. Terry passed away unexpectedly in December 2024. He served as chair of the Reinsurance Working Group within the Research Council.

Terry began volunteering shortly after earning his ACAS in 2013. He had remained actively engaged until just days before his passing. Over more than a decade of service, he held numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including four years as chair of the Reinsurance Working Group and service as a University Liaison with Temple University, where he earned his actuarial science degree. As chair of the Reinsurance Working Group, he was passionate about ensuring the working group served as a meaningful forum for strengthening actuarial knowledge and advancing reinsurance research.

Known for his intellectual curiosity and generosity with his time, Terry was a steady and enthusiastic contributor to CAS research initiatives. Even in his final days, he remained focused on supporting a research project, reflecting his deep commitment to the profession and the Society. He also had an active presence on LinkedIn, where he shared insights with a wide professional audience and helped extend CAS conversations.

Professionally, Terry was an assistant vice president at Old Republic Specialty Insurance Underwriters and previously worked at JLT Towers Re, Guy Carpenter, and Towers Watson. Beyond his actuarial work, he was a person of eclectic interests and talents — an Eagle Scout, writer, photographer, performer, and co-host of “Mage: The Podcast.” He lived by a principle he often quoted after acts of generosity: “A Scout is helpful.”

Terry is remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and ability to connect people across disciplines. This award honors his lasting contributions to the CAS and the generous spirit with which he served the actuarial community.

Jaris Wicklund, FCAS

“I’m very proud of being a member of the CAS, and I want to help ensure it becomes the best organization that it can be. The vast majority of my volunteering to-date has been in the area of university engagement. The future of the CAS is dependent on finding, attracting, and educating the next generation of members, and I have always been passionate about being involved in these efforts.

“The opportunity to interact with and learn from actuaries from a wide variety of organizations is deeply fulfilling. CAS volunteers are a diverse and passionate group, and I have become a better actuary and better leader from having had the opportunity to work with and learn from them.

“I think the thing I am most proud of from my time volunteering so far is helping craft the initial CAS Student Central Summer Program. In 2020, a large number of students had internships canceled, and a small group of us were challenged to create something to fill that gap. I think we built a truly meaningful and valuable experience for those students in a very short time, and I’m really proud of how we all pulled together to make it happen. That program has become a pillar of the CAS’s offerings to university students, and I am proud to have had a hand in creating it.

“Lean into what you are passionate about. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities from research to engagement to exam writing to finance and investments. Anything you are interested in, I am certain there is a volunteer opportunity for you. Please feel free to reach out. I would love to connect and learn more about what you are passionate about!”

Janet Yang, FCAS

Janet Yang has long been a dedicated volunteer for the CAS and a passionate advocate for the actuarial community in Asia. Her service began with significant contributions to the CAS Exam Committee in Canada and has continued with sustained impact since relocating to Hong Kong. Yang has worked tirelessly to strengthen CAS’s visibility and engagement in the region, fostering collaboration across local actuarial organizations and serving as a key liaison for CAS activities.

Through her involvement with Asia Region Casualty Actuaries (ARECA), she helped restructure the ARECA Scholarship and secure sponsorship for its inaugural case competition — initiatives that have meaningfully advanced student engagement. She regularly leads CAS information sessions at universities in Hong Kong and contributes to professional education programs across the region.

Building on this extensive volunteer experience, Janet Yang has recently taken on the role of president of ARECA, where she will continue to expand member engagement, facilitate conferences and university outreach, and deepen connections with actuarial partners across more than a dozen markets.

Sean McDermott, FCAS

“Years ago, I would have replied with the typical ‘to give back’ answer. Now, many years later, I volunteer to stay connected, maintain old friendships, meet new people, and stay relevant.

“I enjoy the teamwork, diversity of thought, and camaraderie. Most of my volunteering has been on the administrative side of the CAS. In the various roles I have had, I have had the privilege of working with the CAS staff. I can remember when the office staff was in New York and comprised two or three people.

“Over the years, I have watched the CAS team grow, and I have many fond memories and valuable CAS staff friendships.

“I was on the Executive Council during the CAS/SOA merger discussions and in the room for the final decision. This was an interesting time to be part of the CAS leadership, and the memories of the meetings/discussions will always be a highlight.

“I am proud of the support of my family during my years as a CAS volunteer. During certain times, the CAS volunteer commitment required additional travel that was added to an already busy work life and travel schedule. We made it work! The advice is simple. Just start!

“Pick a committee that interests you and look for ways to improve the committee’s process and create valuable changes to the tasks at hand. Do not be afraid to challenge your committee’s status quo or long-term embedded processes. You are on your committee to lead and make intelligent changes. Change is good!”

Jim Merz, FCAS

“I feel that I have gained so much from being a member of the CAS that it is my obligation to give back to the community. It is fulfilling to feel a sense of accomplishment when working with other like-minded professionals for the good of the Society.

“I personally have made lifelong friendships through my various volunteer commitments. In addition to giving back, I have received this invaluable gift.

“One of my fondest CAS memories is the celebration dinners when I first joined a grading committee. There was a sense of accomplishment and joy to have worked hard to get the exams graded and pass marks set.

“I am most proud of the variety of types of volunteering and the length of continued service. Try volunteering because you might find that you like it!”

On behalf of the entire CAS family, we are grateful to all our volunteers who make a difference each year!