2026 Recipients of the Lifetime Volunteer Award 

Jeffrey A. Beckley, FSA, MAAA 

Retired 

Jeffrey is a devoted actuary whose decades of volunteer service have had a lasting impact on actuarial education, research and the broader profession. For more than 40 years, Jeff has provided leadership on SOA examination committees and has contributed to many of the major Education and Examination modernization initiatives of the past three decades. He has also helped guide life insurance research through his involvement with SOA and American Academy of Actuaries research committees, strengthening the connection between actuarial practice, education and applied research. 

Throughout his service, Jeff has been a valued mentor and collaborator, particularly to new FSAs joining his grading teams. His dedication, sound judgment and ability to bring volunteers together have fostered continuous improvement and helped colleagues become stronger contributors to the profession. His work has supported better examinations, stronger actuarial education and relevant research that benefits both actuaries and the public. Jeff’s influence extends well beyond his individual committee assignments: through his guidance, good humor and commitment to excellence. 

Cynthia Edwalds, FSA, ACAS, MAAA 

Retired 

Cynthia is a distinguished actuary whose decades of volunteer service, research and leadership have made a lasting impact on the actuarial profession. A dedicated SOA volunteer since 2001, Cynthia has contributed to an extraordinary range of committees, working groups and research initiatives, often serving as chair or vice chair. Her technical expertise has been particularly influential in mortality and longevity research, including significant contributions to the development of the RP-2000, 2008 VBT, 2015 VBT and CSO tables. She continues to contribute to the Valuation Basic Table Team, Individual Life Insurance Experience Committee and Mortality Improvement Life Working Group. 

Cynthia has also demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing belonging and inclusion within the profession. She served as vice chair and chair of the SOA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEIC) and helped bring more than 45 DEI-related projects to successful completion. Beyond her technical contributions, Cynthia continues to demonstrate her commitment to service and expanding opportunities within the profession as Treasurer of SAGAA and Chair of The Actuarial Foundation’s Access & Opportunity Committee.