National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare - History

History

NCPSSM was founded in 1982 by former Congressman James Roosevelt, son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt who signed the Social Security Act into law. Two additional leaders have also headed the organization; from 1989–2001, former Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Martha A. McSteen, and former Congresswoman Barbara B. Kennelly, who served from 2002 to 2011. The National Committee is currently led by President and CEO, Max Richtman.

In 1994, NCPSSM was admitted as a member of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), a coalition of 64 of the nation's non-profit organizations serving older Americans. By unanimous vote in 1999, NCPSSM became one of five chairing organizations for LCAO and since then led the coalition twice. Former NCPSSM President and CEO Barbara B. Kennelly took over as chair of the LCAO for the 2010-2011 year.

NCPSSM members elect the National Committee’s Board of Directors. The Board meets three times per year to provide strategic guidance and support for the work of NCPSSM staff. Leaders in business, government, policy, education, healthcare and advocacy fill the 14 board positions.

The National Committee commemorated 25 years of advocacy in 2008 and launched the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, promote and ensure the financial security, health and well-being of current and future generations of Americans through research, analysis and public education.