We’re excited to launch our new Employee Spotlight series! At Ezra Penland, our exceptional team and company culture are the foundation of our success. Throughout the year, we’ll introduce you to our talented recruiters so you can get to know the personalities and passion behind the professionals who connect actuaries with their perfect career match.
For our first spotlight, we’re delighted to introduce you to Jennifer Retford, one of our dedicated actuarial recruiters who brings enthusiasm and expertise to every placement.
Meet Jennifer Retford, Partner at Ezra Penland
Hobbies: Occasional acoustic guitar playing, weightlifting, backyard fire pit parties, and being with my kids.
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio. Graduated from Sycamore High School.
Little-known fact: I served in the Peace Corps for two years in Gabon, Africa, where I taught math and became fluent in French. One of the most special parts of that experience was finding Annie, a dog I rescued and brought back to the States. She was my faithful companion for 14 years.
Last book you read: I’m currently working through Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, though I’ll admit I’m behind on my reading goal. Before that, I enjoyed a fascinating book about Chicago ghost stories, particularly those from around the turn of the century.
Favorite quote: “The only failure is quitting. Everything else is just gathering information.”
Happiest when: Right after a great workout, spending time with my kids.
What is the most rewarding thing about working with actuaries?
I find it fascinating to learn about insurance and how the industry evolves over time—that’s what makes working with actuaries so engaging. But what I truly love is sharing insights that help them make the best career decisions for their unique situations.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the actuarial field?
I’m on the phone with members of the actuarial community all day, every day—that’s where I learn the most. These daily conversations keep me plugged into what’s really happening in the field.
What advice would you give to an actuary looking for new opportunities?
The best time to consider a job change is when it feels right for you personally. Don’t let external factors like credentialing timelines, upcoming exams, lease renewals, or bonus cycles hold you back. If a client is genuinely interested in your skill set and your interviews go well, they’ll make you a competitive offer that works with your timeline.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an actuarial recruiter and what drew you to this field?
I graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering and have always had a passion for mathematics. I somewhat fell into actuarial recruiting, but it’s proven to be an ideal fit. My technical background helps me understand the profession at a deeper level, while my real fulfillment comes from providing guidance based on years of experience. My ultimate goal is to equip actuaries with comprehensive information so they can make informed decisions about their career paths.
If you want to learn more about Jennifer, please reach out to her directly or connect with her on LinkedIn. She would be delighted to share her expertise and discuss how she can help you navigate your actuarial career journey.
We look forward to sharing more of our team with you in our next Employee Spotlight. Stay tuned to meet another exceptional member of the Ezra Penland team!