The National Academy of Social Insurance hosted its annual Robert M. Ball Award gala on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event brought together hundreds of leaders across government, business, labor, academia, and advocacy to celebrate bold, visionary leadership advancing the future of economic security for all Americans.
The event honored former Social Security Commissioners Michael J. Astrue and Martin O’Malley for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to strengthening the Social Security Administration. The honorees’ bipartisan service reflects the enduring legacy of Robert M. Ball—Social Security’s longest-serving Commissioner and a transformative force behind the modern social insurance system.
The evening also featured the debut of the Frances Perkins Next Generation Award, presented in partnership with our friends at the Frances Perkins Center. Named for the visionary architect of the New Deal—and the moral compass behind Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and more—the award honors rising leaders who are carrying forward Frances Perkins’ spirit of courage, imagination, and devotion to the common good. The inaugural honorees—Taylor Carty, Johntrell Bowles, and Zane Snyder Cox—were recognized for their early leadership in advancing the future of social insurance policy.
The 2025 gala marked a milestone year as the Academy continued celebrating the 90th anniversary of Social Security’s founding, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the systems that protect Americans across the lifespan—from retirement and disability to caregiving and job loss.
We look forward to the Ball Award gala each year to celebrate outstanding social insurance leaders, honor the legacy of Bob Ball, and toast the work of the Academy’s remarkable member community to elevate and strengthen social insurance. Our deepest gratitude to our 2025 event sponsors. See your support highlighted in our event program. All proceeds go directly to the Academy’s work to advance social insurance.