Lawson Named Academy Executive Director

The American Academy of Actuaries has selected Richard C. Lawson as Academy executive director. Lawson, who assumed his responsibilities on January 1, replaces Wilson Wyatt Jr.

Formerly vice president for federal affairs of the American Insurance Association, Lawson has 20 years' experience in legislation and policy. He has served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Labor, chief of staff to Senator Don Nickles (R-Okla.), and staff director of the Senate Republican Policy Committee

Lawson will oversee the Academy's public policy initiatives at the state and federal levels. "The actuarial profession has an important contribution to make to public policy," he said. "I am excited to join the Academy at a time when so many important issues that require actuarial expertise, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Superfund, are on the public agenda."

A native of Perry, Georgia, Lawson hold a B.A. in business administration from the College of William and Mary and a J.D. from Emory University.

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