Anniversary

1993

Education

University of Illinois
B.S. Actuarial Science

Credentials

FSA, MAAA

Industry Activities

Former Member, SoA Computer Science Section

Instructor,
GAAP Valuations Workshop

 

 

 

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What type of work do you do at PolySystems? What are your responsibilities?

I review new features made to PolySystems software. This includes reviewing product specifications and approving any screen changes, new input and output variables, and new output files or reports. When features are ready to move forward, I request test configuration files, create test data and submit any changes to our help files and data dictionaries.

In addition to testing new features, I work on general development issues and new product specifications focusing on the Projection Report programs, the Measure Experience Study systems, and LifeSOE. I am also very familiar with the LifeHorizon programs that create the inputs to the Measure and SOE software.

How does your work help your clients be ready for what's next? How has your and your team's work made an impact for your clients?

As the person responsible for most of the new features made to PolySystems software, I really know our software inside and out. Before approving new features, I ensure they will be designed and implemented in the most efficient way possible.

Before joining the Development Team, I spent five years in the PolySystems Production Department installing FAS 97, FAS 120, and statutory valuation systems at several companies. This experience has helped me understand client needs and how to develop solutions with our software.

Specific examples include Asset Delphi design, SOP 03-1 processing, Canadian GAAP reporting functionality (using Asset Delphi) and reinsurance support in LifeSOE.

Tell us about your professional activities.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Actuarial Science.

I am a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

I have participated in the SoA's Computer Science section. I have presented at Chicago Actuarial Association meetings, a XXX workshop, and recently led a GAAP Valuation Issues workshop.

How did you come to work in this line of work?

When in high school, I visited my 8th grade math teacher and asked about careers in which I could use my math skills. He said, "actuary."

What skills do you need to do your job at PolySystems?

I have always been good at math, and at PolySystems I use my math skills all the time.

I also need to be able to write clear and concise program specifications that are both thorough and complete. For example, to maintain the Projection Report Manual.

Problem solving skills and good communication skills come in handy also. I test LifeSOE blocks of data and research "out of balance" issues. I then work with the Life Product Coordinator and Programmer to resolve issues.

Describe your client engagements.

I helped with HealthMeasure Claim Payment study issues and submitted features to get processing improvements made. I also worked with the programmer to speed up HealthMeasure processing by implementing "multi-threading;" the program now runs much faster.

I helped roll-up seven different blocks of UL/Annuity business for a project that had to be finished by a deadline. We had a serious issue causing a large reserve difference that we ran through the debugger and resolved.

The lighter side – tell us something about yourself.

I am 1/16th Cherokee Indian.

I wanted to be a gymnast in the 4th grade, but they said I was already too old to begin training!

I like cats (especially my cats!) better than I like dogs; but I like them both.

I like the Chicago White Sox better than I like the Chicago Cubs; but I like them both.