Welcome to the CAS staff spotlight, a column featuring members of the CAS staff. For this issue, we are proud to introduce you to Ashley Zamperini.
- What do you do at the CAS?
I facilitate the entire examination process. My objectives include choosing exam dates, shipping exams to proctors, sorting the exams when they return, running the grading sessions and posting grades. I am also here to listen to candidates about how to make the examination process the best that it can be and ensure that our professional society succeeds in its quest for premier property and casualty certification. - What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy working on the Candidate Liaison Committee. We publish Future Fellows four times a year, and I am always interested in what the committee thinks is important to communicate to the candidates. We switch it up between relevant articles about the industry and what candidates need to know when taking exams. There is a lot of effort and passion on the team, and I love being able to see that in a final product. I was very involved in my college newspaper, The Cavalier Daily, so it is fun that I still get to continue working on a publication that is so important for our professional society. Another thing I enjoy is running the queries and seeing volunteers I work with attain their ACAS and FCAS designations. It always brings a smile to my face seeing someone on my committees have “PASS” next to their final exam. I admire their hard work and really enjoy seeing it being rewarded. - What is the hardest part about your job?
It is always so painful to have to inevitably tell a candidate — it happens every sitting — that he or she missed the registration deadline and that no exceptions are made! - Hometown:
I was born and raised in Northern Virginia; however, the Zamperini family is originally from Verona in Northern Italy. I am frequently asked if I am related to the Olympian and World War II survivor Louis Zamperini. The answer is yes! He is my grandfather’s first cousin. - College and degree:
The University of Virginia, American Studies. - First job out of college:
I was a human resources assistant at the CFA Institute. It was great to gain exposure to the world of professional certification right out of college. - Describe yourself in three words:
Humble, calculating, witty. - Favorite weekend activity:
Cheering on my WAHOOS! But don’t talk to me about the NCAA tournament; that wound is going to take a while to heal. - Favorite travel destination: Dubrovnik, Croatia was the most magical place to which I have traveled. It has the bluest waters, the pinkest flowers — all set against a backdrop seemingly straight from the medieval period. Plus, they had the best gyros ever.
- One interesting or fun fact about you: My first car was a Mini Cooper with checkered mirrors.
Alice Chambers is the marketing and communications coordinator for the CAS.
