Diana Pisanu, FCIA(2008)
Director candidate
Primary practice area: Life insurance
Employer: Manulife
Province: Quebec
CIA Legacy Award level: Award of Distinction (2019)
Position statement
I am excited to submit my name for the CIA Board and to have an opportunity to further serve the CIA and its members.
Having received the Award of Distinction for my past service and contribution, I look forward to continuing the great work the Institute has been doing in the recent years, particularly concerning the advancement of actuarial science through research and ensuring members meet our high professional standards. In the past two decades, I have participated in multiple subcommittees and industry working groups, including chairing the Annuitant Mortality Subcommittee. It is through this work, as well as my work experience in assumption review, that I came to appreciate the impact that research has in our industry and the CIA’s dedication to advancing that research.
Throughout my twenty-plus year career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to the actuarial profession. My experience includes roles in valuation, experience analytics, capital and group actuarial policy for a medium- and large-sized insurance company. My current role in group actuarial policy has provided me with experience on research, establishing actuarial policies and assumptions that meet both the Standards of Practice and the transition to IFRS 17. Throughout my previous work on domestications, demutualization, mergers, systems transformations and the adoption of international standards, I have consistently sought to enhance my knowledge and skills and actively participate in professional development opportunities, such as in ad hoc working groups and task forces.
I have been on or chairing the student actuarial committee of my companies for years and have closely followed the evolving programs and the changes to the actuarial examination systems in Canada and the United States, which I believe would be valuable to the Board. Making sure we provide a proper and robust exam system to ensure the qualifications of our prospective members is dear to my heart.
As the world continues to evolve, I believe the CIA must continue to respond to these new challenges. The CIA guideline principles that interest me the most are (i) advancing and fostering the development of actuarial science and (ii) providing a robust system of professional accreditation, as well as maintaining initial and continuing educational systems that support high levels of competence. I believe I have the experience and the commitment to help the CIA continue to progress in these areas.
My experience has made me passionate about the development of actuarial science/research, advancing opportunities for professional collaboration and growth, and maintaining educational systems to help develop the actuaries of the future. I am excited about the opportunity to team up with other Board members and contribute to the strategic direction of the Institute. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and I am eager to bring my perspective and skills to the Board.
2009-17 – Research Committee
- 2013-15 – Member
- 2015-17 – Pension and Group Annuity Experience Subcommittee
- 2014-17 – Project Oversight Group – Group Annuitant Mortality Experience Study
- 2013-15 – Group Annuitant Mortality Experience Subcommittee
- 2013-15 – Annuitant Experience Subcommittee, Chair
- 2009-13 – Annuitant Experience Subcommittee, Member
2013-15 – Committee on Risk Management and Capital Requirements
I have a long history of volunteering in my community. I have organized fundraising for student scholarships and have been a volunteer in minor-league hockey for nearly two decades.
What do you think of the effectiveness and importance of the CIA in its core functions?
The CIA plays a crucial role in advancing the actuarial profession through its core functions. Continuing professional development opportunities offered by the Institute have helped actuaries stay updated with emerging practices and new technologies by presenting and sharing information through a variety of mediums. The offering of podcasts, webcasts and conferences is effective and shows how the CIA is always evolving by adapting to the different needs of its members. The CIA has also been effective with research and provides tools to its members to help manage risk and better decision-making.
Furthermore, I believe the CIA truly values its reputation and standing in the public by promoting and protecting the actuarial profession through continuous professional development and codes of conduct. By engaging internationally, maintaining the high standards of its members and protecting the public interest the CIA has successfully shown how actuaries can serve the public. Overall, the CIA has been very effective in the execution of its core functions.