Colina Insurance Limited has announced its newest actuary, Leah Major, who qualified as a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) on June 3, 2015.
Leah’s admittance as a Fellow is the single most important credential that an actuary receives, and is earned over many years of post-university independent study and a rigorous examination process. Leah has seven years of experience in the life and health insurance industry, carrying out various pricing, valuation and solvency responsibilities. Currently, Leah leads the Health Unit of Colina’s Actuarial department where she is responsible for the pricing and valuation of the company’s group and individual medical line of business.
With most insurance companies in The Bahamas outsourcing their actuarial functions to overseas firms, Colina continues to strengthen its in-house actuarial team working alongside its external consultants. Leah is now one of four qualified actuaries employed by Colina and one of only two qualified Bahamian actuaries practising in The Bahamas: DeAndrea Lewis, FSA, is also employed at Colina as the company’s Vice President of Life Operations.
“It’s very satisfying to reach this milestone in my career,” said Leah. “As an actuary, I’m in a unique position to make contributions to the company that directly relate to its long-term financial health and its ability to meet the needs of its policyholders. I am proud to be part of a company and an industry that provides vital protection for its customers and the community. I look forward to this being a rewarding career for many years to come.”
Recognizing a proficiency in mathematics during her enrolment at St. Augustine’s College, Leah sought the advice of her mathematics teacher and was urged to research Actuarial Science. While the discipline seemed a “black box” at the time, it was apparent that it merged her interest in business and her affinity for mathematics and, therefore, appeared to be an ideal fit. A Lyford Cay Foundation, Spencer Foundation and CIGNA Foundation scholar, Leah graduated summa cum laude from Fox School of Business, Temple University with a degree in Actuarial Science before joining Colina in 2007 as an Actuarial Assistant.
“I’m delighted with Leah’s accomplishment,” said Colina’s Resident Actuary, Marcus Bosland, FSA. “It enhances her ability to contribute to the Company and further strengthens Colina’s actuarial team. Leah’s diligence in pursuit of her fellowship is both an inspiration and a source of pride for her colleagues. I am certain that Leah will continue to meet the high standards of excellence required of her profession.”
Leah credits determination and focused hard work as the keys to her success, and hopes to help others who are interested in pursuing a career as an actuary.
About Colina Insurance Limited
Colina Insurance Limited (Colina) is the largest and highest rated life and health insurer in The Bahamas, conducting domestic and international life and health insurance, mortgage lending and investments. It is wholly owned by publicly traded Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL), which holds $655 million in total assets and $159 million in total equity (as at 31 March 2015).
CAPTION: Leah Major, FSA is one of four qualified actuaries employed by Colina Insurance Limited and one of only two qualified Bahamian actuaries practising in The Bahamas. PHOTO: Colina Insurance Limited