Welcome to the CAS Staff Spotlight, a column featuring members of the CAS staff. For this spotlight, we are proud to introduce you to Annmarie Geddes Baribeau.
- What do you do at the CAS?
As the organization’s research manager, I partner with dedicated volunteers who contribute to nearly every stage of the research process. - How does your role support the strategic plan/envisioned future?
Part of my job is to promote CAS research to elevate the CAS brand. The CAS supports awesome research, and it is an honor to help spread the word. - Describe your educational and professional background.
I attended Cuyahoga Community College while in high school before high schools and community colleges developed formal programs. I graduated with honors with a BS degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens (not to be confused with the Buckeyes in Columbus!).My career started at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), a self-contained single-line insurance system, where I learned about actuarial topics like ratemaking and self-insurance for employers and groups. I have worked with actuaries ever since.After leaving the Ohio BWC, I worked for two separate publishing companies and then, to achieve a work/life balance, I started my own company that I ran for more than 20 years.
- What do you bring to the organization?
More than 30 years of communications experience ranging from investigative journalism to marketing. My clients ranged from publishing companies to insurers, actuarial firms, insurance organizations and a lobbying association. I have written at least 75 feature stories combined for Actuarial Review and the American Academy of Actuaries’ Contingencies magazine. - What inspires you in your job? What do you most love about your job?
Working with actuaries. They inspire me for many reasons. I like to work with actuaries because they prefer to work with objective facts, as I do given my journalism background. Actuaries also hold each other accountable with stated professional standards, which relates to their strong work ethic and high ethical standards. They also possess the perseverance necessary to get through famously difficult actuarial exams.Actuaries are thought leaders who deserve greater attention from the insurance industry. Being the research manager for the CAS affords me more opportunities to promote critical actuarial insight to a variety of audiences, including consumers.On a personal note, several actuaries have supported me professionally, and a few have personally as well. I’ve tried to pay it forward by volunteering at different actuarial groups as a speaker upon request.
- What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
Genealogical research has led to a book I am writing about the Civil War in Virginia. I also enjoy gardening, cooking and sewing. - What would your colleagues find surprising about you?
I had a live, call-in radio show in Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to the Washington, D.C. area. - How would your friends and family describe you?
Genuine.
