Strengthening Our Board
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) is continually improving how we operate to be well-positioned for the future. In 2024, the SOA Board of Directors (Board) established a Task Force to evaluate Board governance, review leading practices, and gather member feedback. That work led to a package of proposed SOA Bylaws changes, which Fellows voted on in 2025. While the package did not receive the required two-thirds approval, the feedback shared by Fellows provided valuable insights to shape next steps. In response, the Board approved three separate proposed changes that reflect member feedback. During the 2026 Board elections, Fellows will vote on each one individually.
2026 SOA Bylaws Proposals
Through the Task Force’s discovery processes, key challenges were identified and a set of three proposals were recommended to enhance Board effectiveness. This time, the proposals are presented separately and not as a package. Fellows will be voting on each proposal individually.
How Members Benefit
Our profession faces a rapidly changing environment, and we must adapt and respond. While leading practices for association governance have evolved, the SOA’s governance processes haven’t materially changed in many years
Strong Board governance is critical to the SOA’s long-term growth and future success. The proposed SOA Bylaws changes are intended to provide:
- A Board structure that fosters in-depth discussion and rigorous debate, allowing the SOA to more rapidly address emerging opportunities and challenges
- Effective Board leadership supported by clearly defined leadership roles
- Leadership that reflects our growing membership and includes valuable perspectives
Inside the Process
Following the SOA Bylaws vote in October 2025, the SOA Board moved forward with enhancements to its processes that strengthen Board governance and do not require a member vote. Additionally, the Governance Implementation Task Force reviewed member feedback and conducted additional research to better understand member preferences.
Based on this input, the Task Force developed revised proposals for Bylaws amendments. In March 2026, the Board approved moving the recommendations to a member vote and in June 2026, the proposals were approved as three separate ballot items during the 2026 SOA elections.
