2026 Recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Award
Roba Riad Bairakdar, ASA
Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Actuarial Science, The American University in Cairo (AUC).
As Vice Chair of the SOA Middle East, Africa and Pakistan Committee, Dr. Roba Bairakdar has helped strengthen actuarial education and professional engagement across the region. She played a key role in SOA regional symposiums as well as Actuaries Connect events, and spearheaded the Student Success Program at AUC. Through mentorship, university outreach and industry partnerships, she has helped develop the region’s next generation of actuarial talent.
Adam J. Barnhart, FSA, MAAA
Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Adam is an active leader in the Society of Actuaries’ Health Community. As co-chair of the Health Community Advisory Team, Adam has brought a collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership, helping guide the community through the SOA’s transition to its Community model. He has contributed as a speaker, moderator and session coordinator on Medicare Advantage and other actuarial health topics. Adam is recognized for his enthusiasm, responsiveness and commitment to serving Community members.
Kristi M. Bohn, FSA, MAAA
Senior Vice President, RGA
Kristi is a longtime Society of Actuaries volunteer with extensive experience in health actuarial education. A member of the Group and Health Curriculum Committee, Kristi played a leading role in developing the new Health Regulatory Certificate, creating more than a quarter of its content while coordinating and reviewing additional materials. Her volunteer service spans curriculum development, examination and assessment work, speaking engagements and reinsurance education. Kristi’s commitment to accurate and accessible educational content has helped strengthen professional development opportunities.
Mary Elizabeth Caramagno, FSA, MAAA
Corporate Vice President & Actuary, New York Life
As general officer of the Individual Life and Annuities Curriculum Committee, Mary Elizabeth has played a pivotal role in modernizing the SOA’s fellowship education. She helped coordinate the redesign of five fellowship courses and establish enhanced curriculum resources and AI guardrails. A longtime volunteer with experience in taxation and education, she is recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to preparing the next generation of actuaries.
Yan Fridman, FSA, MAAA
Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Yan is a longtime Society of Actuaries volunteer dedicated to advancing actuarial education, as well as the SOA's governance and knowledge-sharing efforts. As the general officer for the SOA’s corporate finance assessment committees, Yan has overseen exam development, quality and grading across enterprise risk management, corporate finance and strategic management fellowship courses. He has been a key leader in the redesign of FSA assessments and has also contributed to AI policy and best practices that strengthen the educational experience for future actuaries.
Christopher T. Lombardi, FSA, MAAA, CERA
Senior Director, WTW
Christopher has served for many years as an active Society of Actuaries volunteer focused on professional development and innovation. Through service on the Professional Development Committee, PD Curriculum and Content Creation Council and AI-focused initiatives, Chris has helped actuaries better understand emerging technologies. His contributions include educational videos, podcasts, presentations and projects addressing generative AI, ethics and bias mitigation. Chris is committed to connecting technical innovation with practical actuarial applications and advancing responsible AI use throughout the profession.
Bryan Liu, FSA, FCIA
Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Bryan is an active Society of Actuaries volunteer, dedicating his time to delivering risk management thought leadership and shaping professional development. He has served as Vice Chair of the Investment and Risk Management Community Advisory Team and Chair of the Actuary of the Future Section. Bryan has expanded member learning through conference sessions, webcasts, publications and innovative programs, including the “Risk and Refreshment” series and “Launching Your Actuarial Career” podcast. His collaborative nature and thought leadership have supported and strengthened the profession.
Tanner McKerlie, FSA, MAAA, CERA
Consulting Actuary, Milliman
Tanner volunteers to advance career growth and leadership development. As co-chair of the Career Development Community Advisory Team, Tanner has helped guide the Community through its first year with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. He is currently serving as this year's ImpACT Planning Committee Vice-Chair and previously served on the Leadership & Development Section Council. Tanner has focused on mentoring, networking, leadership and change management.
Igor Nikitin, ASA, MAAA
Co-Founder & CEO, Nice Technologies
Igor is an actuary and technology leader whose SOA volunteer service focuses on education, innovation, research and professional development. He serves on the Professional Development Curriculum and Content Creation Council Leadership Team and has contributed expertise to the SOA Modeling Boot Camp. Igor has delivered numerous presentations, webcasts and podcasts on artificial intelligence, actuarial technology and pension risk transfer. His educational programming earned the SOA ImpACT 2025 Outstanding Session Award, reflecting his commitment to helping actuaries prepare for emerging technologies and the profession’s future.
Joseph “Taylor” Pickett, FSA, MAAA
Vice President & Actuary, RGA
Taylor is a passionate Society of Actuaries volunteer focused on professional development and underwriting innovation. He serves on the ImpACT Conference Planning Committee and has chaired the SOA Professional Development Committee, helping shape high-quality continuing education for members. Taylor has also contributed extensively as a speaker, moderator and session coordinator on accelerated underwriting and emerging industry topics. Known for his collaborative and inclusive leadership style, he brings a distinctive combination of actuarial and underwriting expertise to help advance the profession.
Kyle M. Rudden, FSA, FIA, ACAS, FCA
Managing Director & Consulting Actuary, KR Services Limited
Kyle has demonstrated his commitment to the Society of Actuaries as a volunteer since 1997. With his service to actuarial education spanning multiple decades, Kyle has contributed to numerous Fellowship and General Insurance examination committees and currently chairs the GI301 Exam Committee. His work in question development, review and final sign-off has helped strengthen the quality and integrity of SOA credentialing. Kyle has also served as an SOA Ambassador and contributed to international actuarial development through the Caribbean Actuarial Association and International Actuarial Association.
Yukki Yeung, FSA, MAAA
Head of Actuarial Audit, Banner Life Family of Companies
Yukki's leadership has spanned professional development, actuarial education, research and emerging technology, including service on the Professional Development Committee, Nominating Committee, and Predictive Analytics Exam Grading Committee. Yukki has been a leading educator on artificial intelligence, developing presentations, workshops and PD Edge+ content on Al governance, bias and professionalism. Through her multidisciplinary expertise, mentorship and collaborative leadership, she has helped actuaries navigate, strengthen continuing education and professional development.