Working at DFA

A Sales Perspective...

Name: John Keogh
Title: Vice-President, Sales
Location: East Coast, U.S.
Education: Boston University, Bachelor of Arts
Joined DFA: 2007

I chose DFA because the company has all of the ingredients that make a great solution provider: a team of experts with in-depth knowledge, best-in-class technology, and a major market opportunity. I’ve worked with ERM applications before, and I know that what we have to offer is unique and compelling. Our solution can make money for our customers and change the dynamic of how they manage their businesses. Most importantly, DFA completely supports my sales efforts. Our executives and technical experts are always willing to participate in sales calls and write reports for my prospects. DFA also sends me to key industry conferences, not only for demand creation, but also for my professional development. For example, I recently attended the Society of Actuaries conference where I participated as both a solution provider and an attendee at executive sessions.

A Professional Services Perspective…

Name: Chris Suchar
Title: Executive Vice President North American Operations
Location: Purchase, New York
Education: University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, B.S. Economics
Credentials:
- Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA)
- Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS)
- Past Chair of the Casualty Actuarial Society Committee on Casualty Loss Reserve
Joined DFA: 2000

I joined DFA for two reasons. First, I see risk management technology as a high-growth area. It’s one of the next technology revolutions for the insurance industry and DFA is at the forefront of this trend. Second, I enjoy working with a multidisciplinary team of professionals. In addition to actuaries, I also work with experts in finance, economics and software. I started as a principal of DFA’s Insurance Modeling Team and have advanced to my current position, where I’m responsible for all aspects of customer support and professional services. I’m also instrumental in building the company’s sales and marketing capabilities in North America. To achieve this level of success, I drew on my previous work experiences. My actuarial background, technical skills and experiences working with customers enabled me to easily fit in and start contributing right away. Today my job is challenging and rewarding and DFA is certainly an interesting place to work.

A Developer Perspective…

Name: Helge Ramthun
Title: Senior Associate, Product Development
Location: Cologne, Germany
Education: University of Göttingen
Joined DFA: 2006

I could have joined a consulting firm but I didn’t want to travel extensively. Plus, I wanted to work for a smaller company where I could make a real difference and DFA is the perfect size for me. The pay is very competitive and there is a lot of potential for growth. In my current position, I’m responsible for software development for our life modules including programming, testing and documentation. I talk with customers to determine their needs and I make sure that the software meets those needs. I really enjoy working with potential customers and I spend a lot of time giving marketing presentations and product demonstrations. I also train new customers to use ADVISE to model their data. My people skills, technical expertise and actuarial background all contributed to my success at DFA. In fact, DFA completely supported me when I took my actuarial exams. The company gave me time off to study and paid all of my seminar and exam fees. DFA also supports my continuing education by sending me to actuarial seminars twice a year.