As we continue to mark the 90th anniversary of Social Security and the New Deal, the Academy team is getting excited for this year’s Robert M. Ball Award Gala—the Academy’s signature annual celebration of extraordinary leadership in social insurance.
On the evening of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 6:00-9:30pm EDT, we’ll gather at the historic Mayflower Hotel (1127 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC)—where much of the New Deal itself was conceived and developed in the 1930s—to honor two former Commissioners of the Social Security Administration, Martin O’Malley and Michael Astrue, whose leadership continues to shape the Social Security debate in this critical moment.
This year’s Ball Award gala is more than a celebration—it’s a moment to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead together. At a time where Social Security and other vital social insurance programs face historic challenges, we need strong community and a shared north star more than ever as we work together to build a future where economic security is a shared reality—for all of us.
And given that this is also the 90th anniversary of the New Deal itself, we’ll also be honoring some brilliant rising stars with a new recognition the Academy is thrilled to be launching in partnership with our friends at the Frances Perkins Center – the Frances Perkins Next Generation Award.
Click here to get your ticket.
Click here to read more about this year’s honorees and learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Michael J. Astrue
15th Commissioner, Social Security Administration
Martin O’Malley
17th Commissioner, Social Security Administration