The professional education (PE) programs at the CAS lead the industry and help members and other insurance professionals stay current in a fast-changing field. PE volunteers and staff are responsible for developing the CAS Online Learning Center, where CAS members find resources for all their continuing education needs, and ensuring that content offered at the organization’s big five events stay topical and of interest to the modern-day actuary. They are also behind the development of the CAS Capability Model. At the volunteer helm of PE is Anthony Bustillo, VP-Professional Education.
“I oversee all things PE and work with the wonderful volunteers and CAS staff in doing our part for the Envisioned Future and the CAS Strategic Plan,” Bustillo says. “My goals are to help the CAS move forward in building our skills in all areas of professional development, including a focus on providing quality offerings at our in-person meetings and virtual education in the best possible way.”
Bustillo is most excited about implementing the CAS Capability Model. Now in its second phase, the CAS Capability Model is a visual framework guide that allows members to search for PE content based on the traits, skills and knowledge important for most property-casualty actuaries.
In addition to categorizing continuing education content for the Capability Model, Bustillo and his team of volunteers are working on implementing ADA requirements for presenters across all offerings to make sessions more inclusive and accessible.
I oversee all things PE and work with the wonderful volunteers and CAS staff in doing our part for the Envisioned Future and the CAS Strategic Plan.
CAS Director of Professional Education Nora Potter says that the major goals for the PE Department are providing education in leadership, predictive analytics and business analytics at CAS major events and webinars. Under the direction of Bustillo, PE volunteers and staff are also building a new self-assessment tool so that actuaries can see how they rate themselves against the competencies in the Capability Model.
“Anthony brings extensive experience in the Professional Education world,” says Potter. “He has practical insights, a down-to-earth attitude and a strong sense of collaboration.”
Bustillo has a long history of volunteerism with the CAS. He started out helping write a paper and serving on a health care committee. That led to other opportunities such as being part of a meeting planning group and various task forces.
“All the positive experiences with those roles gave me the honor to serve as vice chair and chair for professional education working groups,” says Bustillo. “I guess a few people thought I was doing a good job, so they asked me to be a VP.”
Bustillo was interested in leading PE because he saw it as an area with the CAS that has a lot of touchpoints.
“You get the opportunity to drive the CAS on a path forward as to what we want actuaries to know and learn,” Bustillo says. “But it is not a one-way street. I love that we get a lot of feedback on what we do. Good and bad!”
Bustillo attended the University of Michigan where he studied math with a concentration in actuarial science.
“I’ve made my way through numerous insurance companies and as a consultant. I’ve had the honor of helping colleagues write papers and present, and I love giving back that way to the profession.”
For those looking to make their way up to volunteer leadership roles, Bustillo has this advice:
“It’s definitely a cliché, but network as much as you can. Some of us have lost or haven’t honed the art of that since we only see some people virtually these days,” Bustillo says. “In those instances, take the time to get to know the people you interact with through the CAS and other industry activities.”
“Get out there and volunteer! Whatever your skill sets, there are CAS volunteer opportunities to showcase them. Also, continue to focus on developing professionally, as we’re in a constantly evolving industry with many opportunities to exhibit your gifts and talents.”
