Contingencies Online - July/August 2012

I’ve learned a lot
from fellow council
members with different
backgrounds, and,
similarly, I’ve had the
chance to change how
others look at an issue
by providing an
actuarial perspective.

helped me by making me a better actuary with greater sensitivity to the big picture. I now know that when it comes to public policy work, it’s important to think broadly, bring different perspectives to bear, and create solutions that reflect the trade-offs between different points of view and the needs of various stakeholders.

each opening. Don’t be afraid to ask for letters in support of your candidacy from those with whom you have worked professionally and who know your abilities and how you can add value in the advisory committee role.

■ ■ Take advantage of reports and work products, even if you are not directly engaged with a group or committee. They contain a wealth of valuable and interesting information.

■ ■ Consider committee work as part of a phased retirement. If you are seeking to stay engaged in the actuarial community as you near retirement age, these positions allow you to pass along your accrued wisdom and experience. Retirement from a full-time job also frees up the time you may have to devote to an advisory group.

■ ■ Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t appointed on your first attempt. Try again. Several of the advisory or volunteer positions I’ve held in my professional career were the result of multiple attempts on my part.

One of the challenges I’ve had in my work as a federal adviser is that there’s no direct link between specific outcomes and the work I do as a member of the group. Still, I believe that my input to all of the groups in which I have participated has been useful. And it has

ANNA RAPPAPORT is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the Academy. After 28 years with Mercer, she is now a phased retiree and owner of Anna Rappaport Consulting. This article represents her personal views and not those of the ERISA Advisory Council or any other group with which she is affiliated. Nor does it express the official policy of the American Academy of Actuaries or the opinions of the Academy’s individual officers, members, or staff.

Uncle Sam Needs You

E S T A B L I S H E D B Y S T A T U T E , the ERISA Advisory Council is composed of

15 members who represent different constituencies, including actuaries. My three-year term as the ERISA Advisory Council’s representative for actuarial consulting expires Dec. 31, 2012. Based on nominations that are received during an open period to be announced by the Labor Department this summer, the secretary of labor will appoint an actuary to succeed me.

I encourage interested colleagues to consider nominating a qualified actuary. For more information about the council, its work, and the nominating process for new members, go to http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/aboutebsa/erisa_ advisory_council.html#section6.