From the Executive Editor

Aug. 6, 2020

I am gearing up for vacation next week, so the introduction to the articles will be shorter than usual. Vacation in the pandemic age is a bit different. My plans went from a week in Toronto (cancelled) to a week in Kiawah Island, SC (quarantine required upon return) to a few days in Virginia (added to quarantine list) to finally a few days in Greenwood Lake, NY.

I was supposed to be in Toronto for the EA-2L exam committee meeting. The show went on, but via GotoMeeting. Not quite the same as in person, but we worked hard. As a sequel to Valerie Lopez’ Life on the Exam Writer’s Committee article from April 2019, I had our beat reporter write about his experiences as the new co-chair who joined Valerie. You can find his article here.

John Bury, President of Bury and Associates, allowed me to use one of his recent blog posts on as a featured article. I think many of you math types will enjoy his take on the drop in retirees in New Jersey during the pandemic age. You can find his article here.

Whenever I take over a plan, almost without fail there is no fidelity bond in place. That grinds my gears – making me the bad guy to give the client a new task (though it shows we are paying attention to the details). David J. Kupstas, Chief Actuary of ACG Retirement’s Plan Design and Administration Division, provides the next article, one on fidelity bonds. You may think you know it all about bonds, but I would read David’s article and make sure. David’s article is here.

This month we say goodbye to Lauren Okum as President of ASEA. Lauren, if I weren’t already in vacation mode, I would use all the superlatives you deserve. We hope you know how much we appreciate and respect you. 

Lauren passes the mantle as President to Justin Bonestroo at the virtual ASEA business meeting on Aug. 20. You better sign up now if you haven’t already. The details are here, along with information about the ARA/ASPPA annual business meeting in October.

Finally, good news: the Joint Board has waived the physical presence requirement for Enrolled Actuaries. The details are here.

OK, folks, be well – as of right now, I can’t get work emails on my new phone. It would be joyous to be away for a few days and not check work emails out of habit.