After completing his first term of volunteer service, Consulting Actuary Dane Grand-Maison, FCIA, at Eckler, received an Award of Merit at the 2021 CIA Legacy Awards – a recognition given to CIA volunteers whose demonstrated commitment to both the profession and Institute has resulted in outstanding achievement.
However, it was not the acknowledgement that motivated Dane to become a CIA volunteer in 2018. Rather, it was a strong-held belief not only in the profession’s potential, but also its purpose.
“I wanted to help my profession. Having seen so many examples of other individuals who have done a lot of good, I wanted to be a part of that legacy and ensure that it kept going and that we, as a profession and Institute, kept growing.”
Now a member of two CIA volunteer groups Dane splits his duties between co-chairing the Continuing Education Committee’s P&C Insurance Subcommittee and serving on the Property and Casualty Insurance Pricing Committee. Roles, he says, that have fostered learning and networking opportunities that might otherwise have been missed.
Although fond of his experience, it hasn’t been without some challenges, the most recent being COVID-19. While the last year presented its fair share of difficulties, what came out of it is what Dane refers to as “his proudest accomplishment.”
Entrusted with the no-small task of planning act21, the CIA’s annual conference, and the Appointed Actuary Seminar while under strict lockdown orders, he and members of the Continuing Education Committee, along with Head Office staff, had to pivot.
“Normally CIA events are in person, and now we had to deliver everything virtually,” recalls Dane of the process. “It was interesting having to adapt and learn. In a sense, we had to change how we do things. We surprised ourselves with how we were able to leverage the uncertainty of what was happening around us and channel it into delivering an event experience members could get excited about.”
Despite having achieved success in his role as a CIA volunteer, Dane feels this is just at the beginning, believing that there is still much to be learned and gained from the experience.
“The growth you’ll experience is immeasurable,” says Dane. “But start gradually. Get to know the Institute, take on one or two committee positions, and be open to the possibilities. Volunteers are integral to the CIA, and it is our responsibility to ensure it remains the respected and standing Institution it has come to be.”
Learn more about Dane and his desire to contribute in 5 minutes with….
This article is part of our monthly profile of recipients of the CIA Legacy Awards, our annual appreciation program that recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers who move the CIA forward. This spotlight is recognition of those efforts, but most importantly, it is thanks.
