“Making Things Happen” features CAS and iCAS members who serve the associations in many capacities and enrich the volunteer experience for all.
“Seeing attendees being invested in the sessions that you helped to organize is a great measure of success,” says Meagan Mirkovich, FCAS, MAAA, CAS volunteer chair for the Spring Meeting Working Group. “Whenever we try something new and it gets positive feedback, it gives our working group the drive to continue to look for ways to create innovative content.”
The “we” Mirkovich refers to are those who are part of the team that organizes and plans the content for the Spring Meeting: Volunteer Vice-Chair Ravi Sharma and CAS Staff Chairs Nora Potter and Kathleen Dean.
Mirkovich’s goals include planning a meeting that has valuable content for all members at various stages of their careers. “We are not focused on a specific topic like RPM or CLRS,” she says, “so we need to appeal to a wide range of attendees.”
Mirkovich and her volunteer and staff colleagues are constantly looking for new ways to increase continuing education opportunities for the attendees. “More and more people are attending the Tuesday afternoon events. So, we are looking for new ways to provide continuing education besides the roundtables that have usually been in that time slot,” she says. In 2023 they screened the documentary Elemental, which was a large success. Last year they also offered a volunteer opportunity during some free time at lunch — that gave attendees a chance to give back and network at the same time.”
Meeting attendees volunteered assembling packages to promote the actuarial career to local middle school students. The CAS partnered with the Actuarial Foundation to distribute the packages to local middle school students. They contained calculators, Be An Actuary flyers and the book Magic School Bus Takes a Risk: A Book About Probability.
Mirkovich is known as a standout volunteer because of her leadership skills and impeccable work ethic. “Her dedication and commitment to her volunteer work make her a valuable asset to the Professional Education field,” says Potter, who is director of professional education. “Meagan is not only a hard worker but also a great team player, always willing to go above and beyond to help her fellow volunteers and ensure success. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm make her a delight to work with,” says Potter.
Mirkovich is most proud that the group successfully held two virtual meetings during COVID while gaining volunteers for the Spring Meeting Working Group.
Since earning her credentials, Mirkovich has been a consistent volunteer with the CAS, starting out with the Syllabus and Examination Committee. She was also a leader in Casualty Actuaries of New England (CANE). “CANE helped me to make the switch to the CAS Annual and Spring Meeting Planning Committee,” says Mirkovich.
This year marks Mirkovich’s last Spring Meeting as chair of the Spring Meeting Working Group. “I have enjoyed leading the team and getting to know the other volunteers,” she says. “While it is bittersweet to step down, I know the committee will be in great hands going forward, and I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Mirkovich graduated from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. She had prior roles at The Hartford and Travelers but now serves as Actuary I at NCCI.
“I enjoy giving back to the community and the profession,” says Mirkovich. “I’ve been able to meet other members from across the country and build great friendships through my involvement with the CAS.”
