Society of Actuaries Announces Transition from Sections to New Member Communities
Chicago, IL, June 16, 2025 – The Society of Actuaries (SOA) is excited to announce a significant enhancement to its member engagement structure with the transition from professional interest groups, formerly known as “Sections,” to newly consolidated “Communities.” This change, effective this fall, is designed to streamline collaboration, expand networking opportunities, and provide greater access to resources for its members.
Enhancing Collaboration and Networking
As part of its ongoing commitment to member development and innovation, the SOA has reimagined its longstanding special interest Sections, consolidating them into Communities. These new Communities will create a more unified and inclusive space for actuaries to engage with peers and industry thought leaders—through topic calls, content collaboration, and flexible participation options.
"Our goal is to ensure that every member of the SOA feels a stronger sense of connection and engagement,” said Courtney Nashan, Chief Global Engagement Officer. “The transition to Communities reflects our dedication to providing an even more collaborative and supportive environment for the actuarial profession.”
Why the Change?
Section membership and volunteer engagement, specifically among early career and international members, declined over the years. After an extensive period of member consultation and analysis, the SOA recognized a growing need for a more flexible, modern approach to connecting professionals. The Community model was tested with the Emerging Topics Community and proved several successes with a stronger focus on member value and engagement. The new Communities will build upon those successes, while offering more focused networking and learning opportunities. Communities will encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and make it easier for members to share insights and resources that reflect the evolving demands of the actuarial profession, allow for greater thought leadership and opportunities for volunteerism.
Member-Driven Evolution
The SOA is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for its members. Current members of Sections will automatically be rehomed into the corresponding Communities, retaining access to the same resources and connections, with the added benefit of expanded opportunities for collaboration. This change is the culmination of volunteer committee work, feedback collected through surveys, focus groups, and discussions with key stakeholders.
What to Expect
The new Communities will officially launch this fall. Members can look forward to a broader range of volunteer opportunities beyond elected positions, all of which will be shared through the SOA Volunteer Opportunity Database. In addition, members will have the option to join specialized subgroups tailored to their practice areas for more focused, curated discussions. Community Newsletters will debut in January 2025, delivering updates and insights straight to your inbox.
"Our Communities are designed to be dynamic, reflecting the needs and interests of our members,” added Courtney Nashan. “We believe this new structure will empower actuaries at all career stages to collaborate more effectively, learn from each other, and shape the future of the profession together.”
For more information about the transition from Sections to Communities, please visit Evolution to Communities page or contact communities@soa.org.
About the Society of Actuaries
With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world’s largest actuarial professional organization with more than 33,000 actuaries as members. Through research and education, the SOA’s mission is to advance actuarial knowledge and enhance actuaries’ ability to provide expert advice and relevant solutions for financial, business and societal challenges. The SOA’s vision is for actuaries to be the leading professionals in measuring and managing risk. To learn more, visit soa.org.