Messages from the President
 Shawna Ackerman |
Shawna Ackerman, President (2019)In her President's Message, Academy President Shawna Ackerman discusses the Academy's role in the actuarial profession as a unified voice to speak to national issues, as well as to address basic qualifications for actuarial competency. (Contingencies, September/October) In her President’s Message, Academy President Shawna Ackerman discusses the importance of respecting differences and independence in the actuarial profession. Read it in the July/August issue of Contingencies. (Contingencies, July/August 2019) Academy President Shawna Ackerman asks members to take the 2019 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available on the members-only section of our website. (July 11, 2019) Over the years, the Academy has built up a professionalism infrastructure consisting of four essential elements: the Code of Professional Conduct, actuarial standards of practice (ASOPs), the U.S. Qualification Standards (USQS), and the Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline. Building the infrastructure is the first step. Maintaining and improving that infrastructure are necessary steps to retain our resiliency. Read more in Shawna Ackerman’s President’s Message. (Contingencies, May/June 2019)Read Academy President Shawna Ackerman’s letter to Academy members attending the 44th Enrolled Actuaries Meeting. (April 02, 2019) In her March/April President’s Message for Contingencies, “Doing Well by Doing Good: Professionalism and the Continued Success of the Profession,” Academy President Shawna Ackerman writes about actuaries’ professionalism serving the common welfare, with millions of Americans relying on their work. (Contingencies, March/April 2019) |
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Steve Alpert, President (2018)Academy President Steve Alpert delivers his farewell address at the 2018 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 1, 2018) Voting has begun on two proposed bylaw amendments—your vote is critically important to the long-term future of how the Academy is governed and its ability to deliver on its mission of serving the public and the U.S. actuarial profession objectively, independently and effectively. Read Academy President Steve Alpert’s letter to members. (Oct. 29, 2018) In his President’s Message for Contingencies, “The Academy as the Fulcrum of Self-Regulation,” Academy President Steve Alpert discusses the Academy’s central mission of maintaining and strengthening self-regulation in the actuarial profession. (Contingencies, September/October 2018) On Sept. 4, 2018, the Academy’s Board of Directors, after careful deliberation, voted to amend the Academy’s Bylaws to change the composition of the Academy’s Selection Committee. This committee is established by the Academy Bylaws and appoints members of the Actuarial Standards Board (ASB) and the Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline (ABCD), both of which are housed within the Academy. Effective immediately, the Selection Committee will be composed only of the presidents and presidents-elect of the Academy, the Society of Actuaries, and the Casualty Actuarial Society. Read Academy President Steve Alpert’s letter to members. (Sept. 7, 2018) Academy President Steve Alpert asks members to take the 2018 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available on the members-only section of our website. (July 24, 2018) In “Professionalism: Our Ongoing Conversation With the Public,” Academy President Steve Alpert writes about professionalism’s broader context regarding how actuaries’ daily work benefits the public, drawing on more than two centuries of the profession’s dialog with the public. (Contingencies, July/August 2018) In his President’s Message, “Passing the Test: Transparency, Trust, and Professionalism,” Academy President Steve Alpert discusses the importance of demonstrating and maintaining transparency in the actuarial profession. (Contingencies, May/June 2018) Read Academy President Steve Alpert’s letter to Academy members attending the 43rd Enrolled Actuaries Meeting. (April 04, 2018) In his President’s Message, “What’s Fair?” Academy President Steve Alpert looks at the actuarial profession’s navigation of the dynamic tension created by two concepts that are at the heart of financial security programs: fairness and security, and notes that asking the right questions while adhering to the Code of Professional Conduct are good ways to maintain fairness while upholding the profession’s reputation for objectivity and independence. (Contingencies, March/April 2018) In his first presidential message in Contingencies, Academy President Steve Alpert writes on “The Profession, Professionalism, and the Public,” emphasizing—and expounding upon—the Academy’s mission statement ““To serve the public and the United States actuarial profession.” (Contingencies, January/February 2018) Steve Alpert delivers his inaugural remarks as the 53rd president of the American Academy of Actuaries at the 2017 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 14, 2017) |
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Bob Beuerlein |
Bob Beuerlein, President (2017)In his letter introducing the 2017 edition of The Record, Academy President Bob Beuerlein discusses professionalism in a changing world, pointing out that the actuarial profession is evolving to meet new challenges and new opportunities. Academy President Bob Beuerlein delivers his farewell address at the 2017 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 14, 2017) Read Academy President Bob Beuerlein’s letter to members on renewing membership in the American Academy of Actuaries. (Nov. 1, 2017) In the October issue of Actuarial Update, Academy President Bob Beuerlein provides an overview of the Academy Board’s recent decisions and actions regarding para-actuaries, a position statement on lifetime income, and the Joint Discipline Council. (Oct. 31, 2017) Read Academy President Bob Beuerlein’s letter to members introducing the Academy’s upcycling program to benefit The Actuarial Foundation. (October 10, 2017) In his President’s Message, “Developing a Game Plan,” Academy President Bob Beuerlein discusses the importance of applying knowledge, experience, and professional judgment when addressing actuarial assignments. (Contingencies, September/October 2017) In the fourth and final installment of his presidential papers series “Professionalism in Action,” Academy President Bob Beuerlein focuses on the importance of implementing professional and ethical standards in the actuarial profession. (Contingencies, September/October 2017) Academy President Bob Beuerlein sent a memo to Academy volunteers underscoring the importance of Academy policies in the context of committee work. Volunteers and interested parties “must do that work solely in the best interest of the Academy,” Beuerlein writes, and that means keeping drafts and deliberations of Academy groups confidential and adhering to the Academy’s Conflict of Interest policy. (August 11, 2017) In his President’s Message “Creating Your Glass Box," Academy President Bob Beuerlein discusses the importance of effective communication in the actuarial profession. (Contingencies, July/August 2017) In Part 3 of the “Professionalism in Action” series, Academy President Bob Beuerlein explores professionalism and new and emerging practice areas. (Contingencies, July/August 2017) Academy President Bob Beuerlein asks members to take the 2017 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available on the members-only section of our website. (June 28, 2017) Using a comparison of recreational to professional golfers, Academy President Bob Beuerlein in his President’s Message emphasizes the planning and execution required of professional actuaries, and highlights the U.S. Qualification Standards’ frequently asked questions (FAQs) as a good resource. (Contingencies, May/June 2017) In Part 2 of the “Professionalism in Action” series, Academy President Bob Beuerlein explores actuary-to-actuary communications, including elements of Actuarial Standards of Practice (ASOPs) No. 1 and No. 41, Precepts 10 and 13 from the Actuarial Code of Professional Conduct, and the Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline’s request for guidance process. (Contingencies, May/June 2017) Read Academy President Bob Beuerlein’s letter to members explaining why the Academy is reaching out to various segments of our membership to gather data on para-actuaries. (April 06, 2017) In his President’s Message, Academy President Bob Beuerlein underscores the need for actuaries to continually hone their skills through continuing education. (Contingencies, March/April 2017) Using a timely baseball opening analogy to his first Presidential Papers column, Academy President Bob Beuerlein asks, “Are You Modeling Professionalism?” He notes that actuaries have the opportunity to be teachers and role models to other actuaries, and cites the importance of the Code of Professional Conduct. “Walk the walk,” he writes, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. (Contingencies, March/April 2017) In his president’s message “What’s Your Big Data Opportunity?” Academy President Bob Beuerlein takes a look at Big Data’s applications—which can be in actuarial areas such as health care, principle-based reserving, and more—and its descriptors including volume, veracity, velocity, variety, and value. Even actuaries who may not be working directly with Big Data have seen their services change in the past five years—offering an opportunity. (Contingencies, January/February 2017). Bob Beuerlein delivers his inaugural remarks as the 52nd president of the American Academy of Actuaries at the 2016 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 3, 2016) |
 Tom Wildsmith
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Tom Wildsmith, President (2016)Academy President Tom Wildsmith’s letter to members in the 2016 edition of The Record underscores the role the Academy plays in serving the American public on behalf of the actuarial profession. In the fourth and final installment of his presidential papers series “The Academy and the Web of Professionalism,” Past Academy President Tom Wildsmith writes about discipline, tracing the Academy’s early efforts in this area that led to the founding of the Actuarial Standards Board (ASB) and the Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline (ABCD). The ABCD, along with the ASB and the U.S. Qualification Standards, form the triad of the Code of Professional Conduct. “Dealing with disciplinary matters is never pleasant, but it is an essential part of any self-regulating profession,” he writes. (Contingencies, January/February 2017) Academy President Tom Wildsmith delivers his farewell address at the 2016 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 3, 2016) Actuaries have unique skills—and promises, ethical obligations, and public trust to keep—no matter what their practice area, or where they are from, along with common responsibilities. Academy President Tom Wildsmith looks at the actuarial profession through the intersection of business and mathematics in his column, “Who Are We, Anyway?” (Contingencies, November/December 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith looks at the foundation of the Actuarial Standards Board (ASB) in “The Academy and the Web of Professionalism,” part three of his presidential papers, focusing on the development of actuarial standards of practice (ASOPs). Defining best practices—and preserving the public’s trust through a flexible, self-regulatory system—is and always has been at the at the heart of the ASB and ASOPs, and the ASB’s integrity and transparency will ensure that appropriate ASOPs serve the profession and the public well into the future, Wildsmith writes. (Contingencies, November/December 2016) Letter to members regarding the composition of the Academy Board of Directors. (October 19, 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith says fixing Social Security and Medicare will require tough decisions, which is why each of us has a responsibility to understand the candidates’ positions on these vital programs before entering the voting booth this November. (Contingencies, September/October 2016) In his second of a four-part series, President Tom Wildsmith explores how the U.S. Qualification Standards have helped create and support the infrastructure of U.S. actuarial professionalism. (Contingencies, September/October 2016) Letter to members regarding the financial economics perspective on public pension plan funding. (Aug. 31, 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith invites members to join him at the 2016 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. “This is the one event that provides a comprehensive overview of the top public policy questions facing our nation, and the key professionalism challenges facing actuaries,” he writes. (Aug. 29, 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith asks members to take the 2016 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available in the members-only website. (Aug. 10, 2016) Letter to members regarding the joint Academy/Society of Actuaries Pension Finance Task Force. (Aug. 9, 2016, updated Aug. 22, 2016) In a new department in Contingencies, Academy President Tom Wildsmith examines the infrastructure of actuarial professionalism, beginning with the Code of Professional Conduct. The Code is at the center of what Wildsmith terms a “web of professionalism”—the key elements that the Academy developed to support the U.S. actuarial profession. (Contingencies, July/August 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith muses about how his generation has influenced the country—first in the realms of popular culture and politics, and now via strains to social insurance programs like Social Security and Medicare. But Wildsmith argues that technological advancements and actuarial foresight can help us meet the challenges surfaced by an aging America. (Contingencies, July/August 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith’s column, “Part of a Complete Breakfast,” explains the importance of continuing education, which is intended to make sure a practicing actuary remains competent to perform actuarial duties. (Actuarial Update, July 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith makes remarks on May 16, 2016, at the New York City Office of the Actuary’s Centennial Dedication of the issuance of the Report on the Pension Funds of the City of New York, Part II, which contained the first complete actuarial investigation of the city’s nine then-existing pension systems. Wildsmith honored the three living and two deceased chief actuaries and the hundred-year heritage of public service and professional excellence they established. “We celebrate a legacy of professionalism,” he says. “We celebrate the contribution that dedicated actuaries can make towards prudent, deliberative public policy. We celebrate a legacy, and an example.” (May 16, 2016) President Tom Wildsmith looks back at the circumstances leading up to the Academy’s founding, and explores how the Academy was created to institutionalize the bedrock of actuarial professionalism in the United States. “The Academy was established in 1965,” Wildsmith writes, “to professionalize the U.S. actuarial community by providing the standards and disciplinary process necessary to be recognized as a self-regulating profession—to ensure that U.S. actuaries serve the public with the professionalism that it needs and deserves.” (Contingencies, May/June 2016) In the May issue of Actuarial Update, President Tom Wildsmith looks at the personal responsibilities actuaries bear, and how each individual’s commitment to ethical behavior provides the foundation for the public’s trust in the entire profession. (Actuarial Update, May 2016) A column by Academy President Tom Wildsmith is featured in the April newsletter of the International Actuarial Association. In “Meet the American Academy of Actuaries,” Wildsmith lays out the framework of professionalism that is central to the Academy’s charge as the national association for actuaries in the United States. (April 29, 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith delivers remarks at the opening plenary session of the 41st Enrolled Actuaries Meeting in Washington. (April 11, 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith discusses how regulations that affect actuaries’ work vary across different countries, and the need for actuaries to recognize their professional obligation to follow and abide by those rules. “Actuaries don’t work in a vacuum,” he notes, citing several nations’ actuarial associations and the work of the International Actuarial Association, which serves as a “United Nations” for the actuarial profession globally. (Contingencies, March/April 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith discusses how transparency in the context of pensions—and clarity of actuarial communications regarding various types of pension estimates—is vital for assuring the profession’s public trust. (Actuarial Update, Feb. 29, 2016) Academy President Tom Wildsmith asks what the terms “profession” and “professional” really mean. He notes that “professionalism” is the recognition that there is a moral and ethical responsibility to all those who may be affected by actuaries’ work, and that actuaries have a professional obligation to the public. While individual actuaries have a clear responsibility to their clients, they in fact are the actuarial profession and have as much of a responsibility to be trusted by the public as the profession does as a whole. (Contingencies, January/February 2016) Tom Wildsmith discusses his vision for the actuarial profession in the November issue of Actuarial Update. (Nov. 30, 2015) Tom Wildsmith delivers his inaugural remarks as the 51st president of the American Academy of Actuaries at the 2015 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 12, 2015) |
 Mary D. Miller |
Mary D. Miller, President (2015)Academy President Mary D. Miller delivers her farewell address at the 2015 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington, marking the Academy’s 50th anniversary. (Nov. 12, 2015) Academy President Mary D. Miller details how the Academy’s 50th anniversary provides the opportunity to look back at how the Academy began, discusses the current issues facing the U.S. actuarial profession, and notes that our mission remains vital to ensuring the sustainability of U.S. financial security systems for the next 50 years. (Contingencies, November/December 2015) Academy President Mary D. Miller discusses the Actuaries Climate Index (ACI), a large-scale, joint effort of several North American actuarial organizations including the Academy that will allow insurers and the public to quantify and assess risks associated with climate change. (Contingencies, September/October 2015) Academy President Mary D. Miller asks members to take the 2015 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available in the members-only website. (July 24, 2015) Academy President Mary D. Miller reflects on 50 years of actuarial professionalism and shares her thoughts on how the Actuarial Standards Board (ASB) and the Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline (ABCD) were formed to strengthen the core values of the actuarial profession. (Contingencies, July/August 2015) Academy President Mary D. Miller discusses how the concept of aging can help actuaries explain risk to the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders, and presents details from the Academy’s aging initiative. (Contingencies, May/June 2015) In an email to members, Academy President Mary D. Miller praised the “spirit of service” of those honored in recent years with the Academy’s highest awards, the Robert J. Myers Public Service Award and the Jarvis Farley Service Award, and urged members to submit nominations for this year’s awards. (April 23, 2015) Academy President Mary D. Miller offers her perspective on how actuaries can adapt to changing environments, offering data-driven analyses of complex and emerging problems in our tech-centric world. (Contingencies, March/April 2015) In recognition of the Academy’s 50th Anniversary, Academy President Mary D. Miller reflects on the Academy’s half-century of service to the public and the profession, and, discusses how examining the past teaches a valuable but perhaps unexpected lesson about preparing for the future. (Contingencies, January/February 2015) The United States Department of Labor (DOL) is asking for Academy members’ help in updating the description of an “actuary” on O*NET (Occupational Information Network), the DOL online occupation database. O*NET is the primary public source for occupational information and provides information about the skills, tasks, work context, and knowledge requirements for 900+ occupations in the U.S. Eligible Academy members have received an email invitation with instructions on how to volunteer from Academy President Mary D. Miller. (Jan. 13, 2015) Academy President Mary D. Miller announces the release of The Record, which highlights the Academy’s 2014 mission-critical achievements. Miller also announced that membership dues will remain the same for a fourth year in a row. (Nov. 18, 2014) Academy President Mary D. Miller delivers her inaugural remarks at the Academy’s 2014 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 13, 2014) |
 Tom Terry |
Tom Terry, President (2014)Academy President Tom Terry delivers his farewell address at the Academy’s 2014 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum in Washington. (Nov. 13, 2014)
In his final President’s Message, outgoing Academy President Tom Terry discusses the institutional importance of public trust, and how the Academy works to build and maintain the trust of actuarial professionals. (Contingencies, November/December 2014) Academy President Tom Terry's statement regarding U.S. Qualification Standards requirements for actuaries who wish to change practice areas. Academy President Tom Terry asks members to take the 2014 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available in the members-only website. (July 28, 2014) Academy President Tom Terry shares a recent experience discussing retirement with Millennials, and how one comment suggests a different way of thinking about security. (Contingencies, July/August 2014) Academy President Tom Terry discusses the importance of public confidence and what actuaries and the Academy must do to foster public trust in our pension and insurance systems. (Contingencies, May/June 2014) Objective. Independent. Effective. What do they mean at the Academy? See what Academy President Tom Terry says about that in the March Actuarial Update. Click here to read the article in full. Academy President Tom Terry discusses how the Academy must walk a careful line to avoid partisan politics in support of sound public policy. (Contingencies, March/April 2014) Academy President Tom Terry provides context to the Academy’s 2014 priorities in his article, “Moving Beyond Solvency to Sustainability.” (Actuarial Update, February 2014) At the Academy’s January Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved a resolution which removed the presidential officers of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) from our Board. This action does not change the Academy’s steadfast commitment to strong relationships with all U.S.-based actuarial associations, including ASPPA-ACOPA, the CAS, the CCA and the SOA. More information about these changes can be found in a member letter from Academy President, Tom Terry, and the resolution, which can be read in full here. Academy President Tom Terry discusses the role of para-actuaries within the U.S. actuarial profession. (Contingencies, January/February 2014) Academy President Tom Terry outlines how the Academy can address the problems of Social Security despite the politically charged climate in Washington. (Contingencies, November/December 2013) Academy President Tom Terry announces the release of The Record, which highlights the Academy’s 2013 mission-critical achievements. Terry also announced that membership dues will remain the same for a third year in a row. (Nov. 7, 2013) Academy President Tom Terry delivers his inaugural speech at the Academy’s 2013 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, which was held on Nov. 4 in conjunction with the 2013 CAS Annual Meeting. (Nov. 4, 2013) |
 Cecil Bykerk |
Cecil Bykerk, President (2013)Academy President Cecil Bykerk delivers his farewell address at the Academy’s 2013 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, which was held on Nov. 4 in conjunction with the 2013 CAS Annual Meeting. (Nov. 4, 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk highlights why LTC, lifetime income, and entitlements should be major focus areas for the Academy in coming years. (Contingencies, September/October 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk highlights the 2013 mission-critical work of the Academy in The Record (pg. 1). (Nov. 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk updates members on the election process and upcoming dates. (Aug. 8, 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk discusses tools available for actuaries as they prepare to implement components of the Affordable Care Act. (Contingencies, July/August 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk gives an update on the Affordable Care Act and how the Academy is involved. (Contingencies, May/June 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk announces a slate of candidates for the upcoming regular director election by members, which will be held online from Aug. 26 through Sept. 16. The candidates are: Thomas Campbell, Albert Beer, Audrey Halvorson, and Annie Voldman. (July 3, 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk announces 2013 membership dues and provides instructions on how to pay. (Nov. 6, 2012) Academy President Cecil Bykerk asks members to take the 2013 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available in the members-only website. (April 24, 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk outlines what needs to be done to minimize adverse selection in the health insurance market. (Contingencies, March/April 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk discusses the impacts of the Affordable Care Act and calls on actuaries to work together to serve the citizens of the United States. (Contingencies, January/February 2013) Academy President Cecil Bykerk describes the Academy’s Summer Summit’s focus on health care costs and how the Academy wants to pursue getting actuarial input into the national discussion. (Contingencies, November/December 2012) |
 Dave Sandberg |
Dave Sandberg, President (2012)Academy President Dave Sandberg announces proposed rules of procedure for joint disciplinary actions exposed for comment. (Sept. 4, 2012) Academy President Dave Sandberg asked members to take the 2012 Academy Volunteer Survey which is available now in the members-only section. (June 1, 2012) Academy President Dave Sandberg provided instructions on how to pay membership dues. (Nov. 11, 2011) 2012 Academy President Dave Sandberg outlined his focus for the coming year in his first message to members. (Nov. 11, 2011) |
 Mary Frances Miller |
Mary Frances Miller, President (2011)Academy President Mary Frances Miller advised Academy members that the International Actuarial Association (IAA) has released its first exposure draft of a model International Standard of Actuarial Practice (ISAP). The exposure draft is open for comments from IAA member associations and any individual. The Actuarial Standards Board (ASB) has provided a report to the U.S. based-actuarial associations on the proposed ISAP. (Oct. 14, 2011) Academy President Mary Frances Miller announced that Mary Bahna-Nolan, Ken Kent, and Catherine Murphy-Barron have been elected by the members to fill open regular director positions on the Academy’s board of directors. Complete election results, including the results of two amendments to bylaws, are available in her letter to the members. (Oct. 6, 2011) Read President Mary Frances Miller's message to Academy members announcing dates of the online balloting for Academy elections, the slate of candidates for open Regular Director positions to be voted on by the membership, the slate of candidates for presidential officers and vice presidents to be voted on by the Board of Directors, and the bylaws amendments to be voted on by the membership. (July 28, 2011) Academy President Mary Frances Miller introduced a joint letter from the presidents of the U.S.-based actuarial organizations regarding a proposal to improve the U.S. actuarial profession's discipline process. (July 2011) Academy President Mary Frances Miller announces in her May message proposed changes to improve the U.S. actuarial profession's discipline process. (May 2011) Academy President Mary Frances Miller announces the new trial nomination and election procedures for 2011 and Academy Election Center. (April 2011) Academy President Mary Frances Miller reviews The Actuarial State of the Union and highlights recently approved revisions to the Academy Vision and Mission statements in her latest message to Academy members. (January 2011) Welcome message from Academy President Mary Frances Miller. (November 2010) |
 Ken Hohman
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Ken Hohman, President (2010)A message recapped highlights from the October board meeting as well as a full slate of recent public policy and professionalism activity at home and abroad. (October 2010) A message recapping activities during the summer at the Academy. (August 2010) A message announcing the 2010 Academy Volunteer Survey. (July 2010) A message providing updates from the May 20 board of directors meeting. (June 2010) A message seeking nominations for regular director and announcing the formation of Academy Advisors. (April 2010) A message announcing the Governance Task Force. (March 2010) An update on the Academy's public policy work. (February 2010) A message about the Academy's involvement in health care reform. (November 2009) Welcome message from Academy President Ken Hohman. (October 2009) |
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