Operations & Finance
As a member of operations management teams, Val has been involved with operational issues for many years, including analyzing internal controls, finding solutions to operational setbacks, and analyzing risks of various types that could affect corporate objectives. He has had the responsibility of examining and creating insurance and reinsurance treaties to determine acceptability and to understand the various provisions in order to help senior management make informed decisions. This broad background gives him the strength to consider these issues at both financial and non-financial institutions.

My vision is that organizations are prepared for all manner of risks that could keep them from meeting their objectives; that they have examined the financial, operational, hazard, reputation and other significant risks, and have put together strategies to finance, mitigate, or capitalize on those risks. I see these organizations having increased cost savings on risk financing, more effective strategic planning, less volatility in their bottom line, increased investor confidence and firm value, and more effective and informed decision making. I see these organizations worrying much less about the potential unknown events of the environment might cause serious problems.

My vision is that organizations are taking full advantage of their hidden resources by using self-discipline to measure and monitor their operational processes, finding and implementing solutions together that are improving those processes. I see those organizations reaping the same large rewards of cost savings that others have received from following this discipline.

My vision is that leaders of organizations have learned the foundational principles of motivating people in positive ways and they have caught hold of their own vision of a possible future that includes success for all stakeholders of the organization. I see leaders of organizations who are successful because they have begun to unlock the creativity and other strengths of their members because they know that it is from them that flows the power for an organization to achieve its goals, and to advance to new frontiers of progress and innovation.

My Mission
To help businesses increase their value by reducing volatility, improved decision making through increased information and through uncovering and taking advantage of hidden capital, personal, and time resources.

To reduce the executive “worry factor” of being blindsided by surprise events.

To help businesses implement proven principles and methods that will make them more efficient, effective, profitable, as well as create a positive environment in which to work.

References
Some leadership references from people that have worked closely with Val over the years.

“Val Smith is a natural leader: a person whose encouragement and enthusiasm empowers others to succeed. His approachable and friendly personality fosters an environment where everyone has a voice, his vision of what might be motivates others to make it so, and his unwavering support helps people locate the tools they need to accomplish their goals. These qualities, combined with his dedication, integrity, and years of experience, all point to the same fact: Val would be an inspiring role model for anyone seeking to improve their leadership skills.”

Karmin Mauritz, Actuarial Assistant, Citizens Insurance Company of America

"Working for Val introduced me to a style of leadership that I still try to practice to this day. He recognized that competent employees are more productive when they are given freedom to accomplish their task, something difficult for many managers to do. He showed me that persuasion and encouragement are almost always more effective than brute force and demands. His positive attitude kept us excited about doing our work. Most importantly, he recognized that having good employees and providing them with both private and public recognition doesn't overshadow the contributions of a manager, but enhances them."

Rob Bachler, Assistant Vice-President, American Reinsurance Company

“I know Val to be a person of high moral character and impeccable integrity. Under his leadership at work, my productivity and satisfaction increased tremendously. Val is one of those rare people who operates from correct principles and acts upon what he knows to be right.”

Kelly Dickens, Systems Actuary, Citizens Life Insurance Company

“Val Smith led our Latin American group insurance actuarial department for three plus years, during which time he demonstrated superior skills and produced excellent results in his supervisory and leadership position. There were many challenges and difficult situations that we encountered, and Val assumed a strong leadership role to guide the department successfully in dealing with the tough issues. Val effectively represented and managed our department while working with a wide variety of people, positions and situations. He successfully interfaced with company personnel ranging from executive senior management to clerical levels, individuals both within and external to the company, as well as in a multicultural and multilingual (English/Spanish) environment.”

Kevin Law, Vice President, Pan American Life Insurance Company

“I can’t think of Val without smiling. Though our ages are a little too close for it to be logical, I couldn’t help looking up to him as a sort of father figure during our time as Executive and Assistant. But, then again, it makes perfect sense to those who know him that a line of children seems to form constantly around his family, eager to be a part of whatever love or magic that surrounds them.

“Instinct tells you to trust Val—He’s the stranger you’d pick out of the little league crowd to watch your kids for a minute. I admired him almost the instant we met, then proudly grew to know him as a champion of integrity and ethical behavior—in business as in every aspect of his life. He is woven of the strongest moral fiber, and character so respectable as to qualify him as a worthy role model and competent advisor. Whatever power he has to inspire loyalty he wields naturally and imperceptibly. If he is willing to share even one of his secrets for being such a quality human being... where do I sign up?”

Michele Wilkinson, Executive Assistant, Citizens Life Insurance Company

“Val is a passionate teacher and a team player. He takes the time to share his knowledge with those he works with. He listens to their insights, integrates their good ideas, and gives them the credit for their contributions.”

Roger Loomis, Associate Actuary, UnumProvident