I provide actuarial and investment consulting to pension plans, benefit funds and other institutional investors.  This involves analyzing issues, writing reports and letters, and presenting to clients on their options and our recommendations.

Tell us about your education and background.

I was born on Saltspring Island, a small Island between Victoria and Vancouver.  I was raised on Saltspring Island and in Victoria.  I attended the University and graduated in 2000 with a major in Mathematics.  On graduation, I received the Jubilee Medal for receiving the highest graduating GPA in the Faculty of Science.

On graduation, I worked at two multi-national actuarial consulting firms.  My jobs were in Vancouver, however, I worked for three months in Rio de Janeiro on a transfer within one of the firms.  Some of my peers ended up temporarily or permanently working overseas, including in Germany, Singapore, Sweden, France, UK and Italy.

I spent two years in the BC public sector as the Chief Actuary and Chief Investment Officer of a large long-term disability plan.  For the last 5 years, I have worked in a firm that I own with two other partners providing consulting services to clients in Western Canada and Northern Canada.

My work involves a fair number of meetings and a fair amount of travel.  One highlight of my work was providing evidence to a Senate of Canada Subcommittee on the seniority of disabled employees in receiving assets from a bankrupt employer.

How do you use your knowledge of mathematics in your work?

On a day-to-day basis, I don’t use much of my math knowledge directly.  I rely heavily, however, on my numeracy: I review reports that include a fair amount of calculations and I need to be able to identify errors and understand the key outcomes and conclusions quickly, and at times on the fly during meetings and negotiations.

The key to succeeding in my industry is being able to clearly write and talk about technical issues to laypeople.  My clients need my help to understand their options and make confident decisions.  In my field, communication skills are more important than technical skills.

What do you do when you are not at work? What are your hobbies and other interests.

First, my work is, to some extent, also my hobby.  I thoroughly enjoy working in my field and continue to think about client and industry issues outside of work hours.

When not working, I coach my kids in soccer, basketball and baseball.  I attempt to play bridge when I can, but it doesn’t happen often.  And, I’m trying to take up tennis to stay a little active/healthy.