The Making Things Happen column features CAS and iCAS members who serve the organizations in many capacities and enrich the volunteer experience for all.
Among the many dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and talents to the CAS, Jamie Mills, FCAS, stands out for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to collaboration. As the volunteer chair of the Ratemaking, Product, and Modeling (RPM) Planning Working Group, Mills plays a key role in shaping one of the CAS’s most dynamic educational events — the RPM Seminar. With a balanced mix of strategic vision and hands-on coordination, he has helped grow the event’s attendance and relevance for actuaries at every stage of their careers.
The RPM Seminar is one of the CAS’s five signature annual events and is one of the cornerstones of CAS professional education. From general sessions and workshops to concurrent tracks and roundtable discussions, Mills guides a dedicated planning group through both the creative and operational aspects of the seminar.
“Our main goal,” Mills explains, “is to deliver an RPM Seminar that brings real value to the CAS membership and the broader actuarial community. We focus not just on strong content but also on how that content is delivered—whether through sessions, workshops, or other formats.”
His approach supports the CAS Strategic Plan and the CAS Capability Model by expanding content accessibility and embracing a variety of interactive learning technologies.
One of Mills’s proudest achievements is the committee’s dedication to meeting attendees wherever they are in their career journey — from early-career professionals to seasoned actuaries. Recognizing the diversity in learning styles, the team has prioritized content variety and innovative delivery formats, making the seminar more relevant and engaging for all.
“It’s a fun challenge to rethink the one-size-fits-all approach,” Mills says. “We want every attendee to walk away feeling like their professional growth was truly supported.”
Behind the scenes, Mills cultivates a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. His leadership fosters a space where every member of the working group is empowered to contribute and grow.
“I’m incredibly proud of how engaged and collaborative our working group is,” he says. “The teamwork makes the process both productive and enjoyable, and the relationships we’ve built are a big part of what makes the experience so rewarding.”
This sentiment is echoed by Kellee Jenkins, the staff chair of the RPM Seminar Planning Working Group. “Not only does Jamie dedicate an incredible number of hours as the RPM Seminar volunteer chair, but he is also amazing with making others feel included, responding to prickly moments with grace, and projecting a sense of calm and peace when faced with challenges. Jamie truly exemplifies servant leadership and equips all stakeholders who engage with him to be their most efficient and best selves. He is an absolute gem to work with!”
Mills’s history with CAS volunteering is both rich and inspiring. He began as a university liaison, sharing his passion for the actuarial profession with students. After becoming a Fellow, he joined the Syllabus and Examination Working Group — contributing as a writer, grader, part vice chair, and part chair.
Following a short break, Mills returned to volunteer service through the RPM Seminar Planning Working Group, eventually serving as co-chair before assuming his current leadership position.
“Volunteering is my way of giving back,” Mills says. “The actuarial career has given me so many opportunities to grow, learn, and do meaningful work. I want to help create similar opportunities for others.”
Mills holds a double major in mathematics and physics from Illinois Wesleyan University. He discovered actuarial science through a friend and began his career with Allstate, moving into pricing roles spanning auto, home, and specialty lines. Today, his work focuses on automation and AI in the actuarial space, an exciting intersection of technology and analytical rigor.
Away from the spreadsheets and seminar planning, Mills is a proud father of four. His weekends are often spent on the sidelines of youth sports games or cheering at dance and cheer events. The Mills family also shares a love for travel and baseball, with a mission to catch Cubs games in new cities across the country. As for titles, Mills reveals his most cherished one: “I hold the very official title of ‘Coolest Dad Ever,’ which is proudly on display on my calls when working from home.”
Mills is not just a skilled actuary — he’s a generous mentor, a thoughtful leader, and a true ambassador of the CAS mission. Through his volunteerism, Mills continues to elevate the value of professional education while building a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful actuarial community. And it is no wonder that Mills received notice in July that he won the 2025 CAS Above and Beyond Achievement Award. He will be recognized at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.
