We are an independent and non-partisan Legislative agency and work primarily on the funding and benefit issues of the state’s public retirement systems. OSA was created in 1977 and its duties are listed in
Chapters 44.44 and
41.24 RCW. Our office is led by the State Actuary. You can read his bio below. The State Actuary is appointed by the State Actuary Appointment Committee. More information is available in
RCW 44.44.013.
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| Our Mission |
We model the highest level of professionalism and strive to provide clear, impartial, and expert analysis to assist our clients in making informed decisions and navigating the uncertainties of the future.
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| Our Vision |
Sound programs that provide financial security for Washingtonians today and for generations to come.
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| Our Shared Values |
By collaborating, clarifying expectations, and innovating, we aim to continually improve the quality of our services and working relationships. As colleagues, we work together to promote a fun, friendly and respectful office culture, which emphasizes work-life balance and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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State Actuary Biography |
Matthew M. Smith
FCA, EA, MAAA
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Biography
Matthew M. Smith is a Fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries (FCA), an Enrolled Actuary (EA), and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA). He received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. Matt started his actuarial career as an actuarial assistant with the Office of the State Actuary (OSA). Prior to his appointment as the State Actuary in November 2002, he worked for Willis Towers Watson, Milliman, and Howard Johnson/Merrill Lynch in various actuarial and consulting roles.
Matt is Washington’s third State Actuary and serves as executive head of OSA. To learn more about OSA duties and responsibilities, see the
What We Do and Who We Serve page. As the State Actuary, Matt oversees the annual actuarial valuations of 14 public retirement plans. He directs the actuarial services for the state’s prepaid tuition program, certain medical programs, and the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program. OSA also provides staff and assistance to the
Select Committee on Pension Policy (SCPP), a 20-member statutory committee. The SCPP studies issues and policies affecting the Washington State Retirement Systems and makes recommendations to the Legislature. Matt directs research and policy staff in support of the SCPP. Matt believes that actuaries help the public identify, quantify, and manage risk. As State Actuary, he strives to support the soundness of Washington State financial security programs by simplifying and clearly explaining actuarial concepts. By translating complex information into easy to understand non-actuarial terms, plan members, legislators, citizens, and other stakeholders are able to make informed decisions about program benefits and policies. Matt and his wife Kimberly reside in Olympia and have three children.
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Staff List |
All staff can be reached at our main number, 360.786.6140, or by email:
state.actuary@leg.wa.gov |
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State Actuary |
| Matthew M. Smith, FCA, EA, MAAA |
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Operations Staff |
| Cristina Diaz, Operations Analyst |
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| Actuarial Staff |
| Lisa A. Won, ASA, FCA, MAAA; Deputy State Actuary |
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| Luke Masselink, ASA, EA, MAAA; Senior Actuary |
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| Michael T. Harbour, ASA, MAAA; Actuary |
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| Kyle Stineman, ASA, MAAA; Actuary |
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| Sarah A. Baker, ASA, MAAA; Senior Actuarial Analyst |
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| Frank Serra, ASA, MAAA; Senior Actuarial Analyst |
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| Graham Dyer, Senior Actuarial Analyst |
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| Mitch DeCamp, Senior Actuarial Analyst |
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| Kevin Lee, Actuarial Analyst |
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| Policy and Research Staff |
| Darren Painter, Policy and Research Services Manager |
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| Aaron Gutierrez, MPA, JD; Senior Policy Analyst |
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| Melinda Aslakson, Senior Policy Analyst |
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| Administrative Staff |
| Kelly Burkhart, Administrative Services Manager |
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| Keri Wallis, Senior Project Coordinator |
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| Katie Bennington, Executive Assistant |
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| Beth Halverson, Senior Administrative Assistant |
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| Laylani Tatum, Administrative Assistant |
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