The CAS Board of Directors is responsible for setting the policy, strategic direction, and long-term plans of the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), while ensuring that appropriate financial and operational controls are in place. The Board is comprised of twelve elected Fellows, up to three appointed individuals, and the President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past President (who serves as Chair).
The Board is accountable to the CAS membership and has key responsibilities, including:
- Electing Vice Presidents and appointing committees such as Audit, Discipline, and Nominating.
- Overseeing CAS finances, including approving the budget and investment policy.
- Representing CAS externally, such as directing votes on international actuarial matters and maintaining liaison with key actuarial organizations.
- Ensuring governance and accountability, including evaluating Board performance and the CAS CEO’s performance.
Additionally, Board members serve as ambassadors for the CAS, proactively identifying issues, contributing to committees, and communicating policies and plans to stakeholders.
More details can be found in the Board of Directors position description.
The nomination process for the CAS Board of Directors involves two primary methods:
Nominations by Members: All CAS members are invited to submit nominations, including self-nominations, for the positions of President-Elect and Board Directors. Members can submit their nominations through a simple online form or by emailing the designated contact person. The call for nominations typically occurs from mid-January to mid-February.
Petition Process: Fellows may also be included on the ballot through a petition process. A petition for a Board of Directors candidate must be signed by at least 1% of the Voting Members, while a petition for a President-Elect candidate requires signatures from at least 2% of the Voting Members. For the 2025 elections, these thresholds equated to 93 and 186 signatures, respectively.
After the nomination and petition periods conclude, the Nominating Committee reviews all submissions and selects a slate of candidates for the election ballot. The final slate is then presented to the Voting Members for election.
More information on the nomination process can be found in the Elections section of the CAS website.
The CAS Board meets in-person quarterly in March, May, August, and November. The Board may hold virtual meetings in-between the quarterly meetings as needed. See the CAS Calendar for the current schedule of Board meetings.
The minimum requirements to serve on the CAS Board of Directors are:
- Service to the CAS – Candidates should have contributed to the CAS in one or more of the following ways:
- Holding a CAS office (including former Presidents).
- Contributing to CAS publications.
- Serving on or leading CAS committees, working groups, task forces, Regional Affiliates, or Special Interest Sections.
- Participating in programs at CAS meetings and seminars.
- Service to the Actuarial Profession – Candidates may also demonstrate leadership through:
- Membership on boards or committees of other actuarial organizations (e.g., the Canadian Institute of Actuaries or the American Academy of Actuaries).
- Attaining recognition within the insurance industry or other actuarial fields.
- Participation in industry committees relevant to actuaries.
- Term Limits – A retiring elected Director cannot be re-elected for at least one year after their term ends.
These criteria help ensure that Board members bring experience, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing the CAS and the actuarial profession.
The key differences between the CAS Board of Directors and the Executive Council (EC) are their respective roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority.
Board of Directors: Strategic Oversight and Governance
The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction, policies, and long-term plans of the CAS. It ensures that financial and operational controls are in place and has ultimate authority over major organizational decisions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Setting policy and approving
- CAS strategies. Electing Vice Presidents and appointing key committees.
- Overseeing CAS finances, including approving the budget and investment policy.
- Supervising and evaluating the CEO.
- Representing CAS externally on international actuarial matters.
- Holding accountability to CAS membership.
The Board provides high-level oversight but delegates operational and administrative duties to the Executive Council.
Executive Council: Operational Leadership and Execution
The Executive Council (EC) is responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of CAS activities. It reports to the Board and ensures that CAS programs, meetings, and initiatives are well-executed.
Key duties include:
- Coordinating CAS activities across committees and functions.
- Managing CAS meetings, seminars, and courses.
- Recommending annual dues to the Board.
- Providing input for the CEO’s annual performance review.
The EC does not have authority to set policy or make high-level governance decisions (e.g., electing Vice Presidents, disciplining members, setting examination fees, or approving major expenditures). These responsibilities remain with the Board.
Summary of the Difference
- The Board sets the vision, policy, and long-term strategy.
- The Executive Council executes and manages CAS’s daily operations.
The Board provides oversight, while the EC ensures smooth implementation of CAS initiatives.
