Joe Nichols is this year’s recipient of ASEA’s Edward E. Burrows Distinguished Achievement Award. The honor recognizes his years of service and leadership, as well as the steady mentorship, judgment, and generosity he has shared with the actuarial and retirement plan professions.
Presented annually by ASEA, the Edward E. Burrows Distinguished Achievement Award honors a pension actuary who sets an example for others through exceptional contributions to ethics, education, beneficial legislation or regulations, and the professionalism of enrolled actuaries. Named for Ed Burrows, the award recognizes those who share his dedication to strengthening the private pension system and the actuarial profession.
Joe’s service spans ASEA, ASPPA, and ARA. Through all three organizations, he has given his time, knowledge, and judgment in countless ways. He has served as President of each one, a rare distinction that reflects both the breadth of his commitment and the trust his colleagues have placed in him. His involvement also reaches the American Academy of Actuaries, the International Actuarial Association, and the Actuarial Foundation.
Through these roles, Joe has strengthened ASEA’s relationships with other organizations. He has also helped ensure ASEA’s voice is present in important professional discussions. Those who have worked with him know this kind of leadership requires more than technical knowledge. It takes diplomacy, patience, perspective, and more than a little fortitude.
Not every leader is someone members see on stage at every conference. Much of Joe’s influence has come through quieter work, the kind that sustains a profession over time. He has attended meetings, built relationships, advocated for sound policy, mentored others, and helped prepare future leaders. That work does not always come with applause. Its effect, however, is felt throughout the actuarial community.
“It is humbling to receive an award named after someone who was so instrumental in making ASEA what it is today,” Nichols said. “I am honored considering the time and effort past recipients have devoted to make ASEA the premier actuarial organization of our profession and proud to accept the Edward E. Burrows Award.”
Leadership is rarely a solo effort. Joe’s work left a strong impression on those who served alongside him. During his service as President Elect and President of both ASPPA and ARA, he worked closely with the Management Council. Kyla Keck saw firsthand the time, thought, and dedication he brought to those roles.
“While I knew Joe from serving together on boards, it was when we worked together as President Elect and President of both ASPPA and ARA that I truly witnessed the depth of his dedication,” Kyla said. “Joe’s commitment was as broad as it was deep.”
She described Nichols as a lifelong learner who continually expanded his mastery of actuarial science. She also praised the way he shared that knowledge with others. He mentored students and young actuaries, encouraged peers, raised professional standards, and devoted countless hours to advocacy and education.
“He was committed to the long-term health of the private pension system, shown by his countless hours spent in advocacy, presenting and preparing others,” Kyla said. “Having been privileged to know Burrows Award recipients, it is with immense pride and a full heart that I see Joe join them in this well-deserved honor.”
As a past recipient of the Burrows Award, I know how meaningful this recognition is. Seeing Joe receiving it feels especially fitting because his service reflects so many of the qualities Ed Burrows represented.
Joe’s service may often take place behind the scenes. Even so, his influence is easy to see. It is found in the people he has mentored, the organizations he has strengthened, and the profession to which he has devoted so much of his career. His selection for the Edward E. Burrows Distinguished Achievement Award is a fitting and heartfelt recognition of that service.