Behind the Balance Sheet: Daniel Jaeger Helps Build a Stronger CAS

ost members experience the CAS through conferences, publications, continuing education, and the value of the credential in their professional life. Few stop to think about the people working behind the scenes who ensure those experiences remain relevant, financially sound, and positioned for the future.

Daniel Jaeger, FCAS, CFA, has spent his volunteer career gaining a unique perspective on both the member-facing and operational sides of the Society. From helping organize educational conferences to overseeing investment strategy and financial stewardship, his volunteer journey has reinforced one central lesson: The long-term success of the CAS depends on dedicated volunteers who contribute their expertise in ways members may never see.

“I’ve become much more aware of what it takes to maintain the value of our credentials,” Jaeger said. “The respect the CAS designation receives from employers, regulators, clients, and the public doesn’t happen automatically. It requires ongoing work from both volunteers and staff.”

Like many CAS volunteers, Jaeger’s involvement began with a simple step — completing the Volunteer Interest & Participation (VIP) survey.

His first assignments placed him on the planning committees for the Casualty Loss Reserve Seminar and Seminar on Reinsurance. At first, he viewed the opportunity as a chance to give back while meeting other actuaries. Beyond that, he gained a much deeper appreciation for everything that goes into producing a successful professional event.

“Serving on those committees made me realize how much I had taken for granted as a conference attendee,” he said. “Before volunteering, I didn’t fully appreciate everything that goes into organizing a multiday event — from coordinating general and breakout sessions to planning the flow of the event.”

Selecting timely topics, recruiting engaging speakers, and coordinating dozens of moving pieces requires months of planning and collaboration. Jaeger found that recruiting subject matter experts, while sometimes challenging, was always rewarding because of the valuable relationships it fostered. In particular, the Seminar on Reinsurance committee grew into a close-knit group whose members developed lasting professional connections while working toward a common goal.

One of Jaeger’s favorite memories was organizing a session on marine and energy insurance. He secured two outstanding speakers and structured the session to link their expertise while delivering his own presentation on recent industry loss events.

Those early volunteer experiences demonstrated something that has been confirmed time and again throughout his CAS service: volunteering not only strengthens the organization but also broadens the volunteer’s own perspective.

After serving on conference planning committees, Jaeger intentionally pursued opportunities that would expose him to operational aspects of the Society.

“I — and I’d wager most members — have never really stopped to think about the CAS’s finances,” he said. “How are revenues trending? How is surplus managed?”

Seeking answers to those questions led him into finance leadership roles, first as chair of the CAS Investment Council and now as Assistant Treasurer, where he helps oversee many of the Society’s financial functions. The transition gave him an entirely new appreciation for the organization.

Instead of focusing on a single conference or initiative, he began thinking about how financial decisions support every aspect of the CAS — from education and member services to strategic investments that ensure the Society remains strong for years to come.

Although finance may not receive the same visibility as educational programming or member events, Jaeger believes it is essential to everything the CAS accomplishes.

“Like any organization, the CAS has to responsibly manage budgets, cash flow, and capital,” Jaeger said. Through the combined efforts of staff and volunteers, those activities help ensure the Society’s long-term financial health.

His philosophy of stewardship extends beyond balancing budgets. To Jaeger, responsible financial management means making thoughtful decisions that allow future generations of actuaries to benefit from a strong professional organization.

“I really like how the CAS manages itself for the long term,” he said. “It doesn’t make knee-jerk reactions. Instead, it makes thoughtful decisions that consider the actuaries of today and tomorrow.”

One memorable insight came through his work with the CAS Investment Council. “I found it particularly interesting to watch the parallels between the CAS’s investment philosophy and insurers’,” he said. “When interest rates sharply increased during 2022, both the CAS and insurers quickly took advantage of attractive overnight risk-free rates because both had some level of conservatism embedded in their investment appetites.”

Serving in multiple volunteer roles has fundamentally changed how Jaeger views the CAS. As a member, it’s easy to see conferences, publications, and professional education as separate offerings. As a volunteer, he has come to appreciate how interconnected those efforts really are. He says conference committees create opportunities for members to learn, collaborate, and build relationships that strengthen the profession. Behind those programs, finance and investment leaders ensure those programs remain sustainable, While staff and volunteers work together to protect and enhance the value of the CAS credentials. Taken together, these efforts advance the Society’s mission in ways that many members may never fully realize.

The experiences have given him an even greater appreciation for the volunteers whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes. Keeping members connected — to one another and to the Society — requires continued creativity and commitment from volunteers.

While volunteering has allowed Jaeger to contribute to the Society, it has also contributed significantly to his own professional development.

“It has been a tremendous networking opportunity,” he said. “I’ve worked alongside people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and leadership styles. Learning from those experiences has been valuable both professionally and personally.”

His advice for members considering volunteering is “Don’t wait — just get involved.” He encourages members not only to complete the VIP survey but also to be proactive if they have a particular interest.

“If you don’t immediately land the role you’re hoping for, reach out directly to someone involved in an area that interests you,” he said. “Showing initiative and expressing genuine interest can go a long way. Opportunities will materialize if you stay engaged.”

Away from actuarial work, Jaeger enjoys amateur woodworking and tennis — two hobbies that provide a welcome change of pace from analytical thinking. “When you’re in the middle of a cut on the table saw or focused on a tennis point, there’s not much room for your mind to wander,” he said. His next woodworking project is building a set of birch plywood Montessori shelves for his baby son.