Riekie Gordon was elected on to IFoA Council in 2024. Riekie began her actuarial career working in Defined Contributions pensions in Namibia and is currently a Senior Actuary in General Insurance pricing at AXA Luxembourg. Here, she shares her experience of becoming a Council member for the first time.
To stand or not to stand (for Council)? That is the question to ask yourself as election season rolls around.
Last year, I stood and got elected! Looking back, I’m glad I did.
Walking into Staple Inn Hall for the first time I felt inspired and uncertain, like I was stepping into something bigger than I had been part of before. I was not quite sure what to expect. I realised the building, and the organisation it represents, carries so much history, so many important discussions had taken place in this very spot. Now I would get to be part of these discussions for the next three years.
My first Council meeting started with introductions around the room – just what a new face like me needed. We moved on to topics I’d read about in previous minutes, but now I got to experience the richness of the conversation. Despite my newness, I was able to contribute to discussions around “little things count”, as well as governance and various other topics.
One of our key Council agenda topics for this past year was defining a vision for the IFoA. Countless hours of work went into creating a collaborative, impactful vision statement, through subcommittee meetings, workshops and engagement sessions. What started as a broad, abstract ambition, slowly took shape. By the March 2025 council meeting, our vision statement had evolved into something which I believe is both sensible and impactful, providing a clear roadmap for future strategic decision making.
So why does being on Council matter? In a team of so many, does one person really make a difference?
I believe you can really make a difference. Each Council member brings a unique perspective and each individual contribution has an impact.
There’s a quote etched onto one of the windows of Staple Inn that has stuck with me:
“I hold every man a debtor to his profession.”.
Being an actuary has opened doors for me. It’s earned me respect, and a seat at tables I wouldn’t otherwise have been at. Serving on Council is a way to give back—to shape our profession so it continues to grow and thrive for future generations.
If you’re thinking about standing for Council: do it. I’m excited to work with new Council members in the year ahead—people I can learn from, collaborate with, and build a profession we can all be proud of.
Riekie Gordon, IFoA Council member
Membership of the IFoA Council means you play a part in the future direction and success of the IFoA.
Our next council election will take place later this year, and nominations are encouraged from any member, anywhere in the world, with the requisite skills and time to take on the role.
If you are Fellow or Associate of the IFoA and are ready to find out more about the nominations and election process, please visit our dedicated nominations website.
