John Rother Receives 2010 Robert M. Ball Award

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization made up of the nation’s leading experts on social insurance, presented John C. Rother with the 2010 Robert M. Ball Award on Tuesday evening, June 22, 2010. The annual award is presented to an individual whose recent work has made a significant impact on the U.S. social insurance system.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award, named after a friend and mentor to me. This year is the 75^th Anniversary of Social Security’s enactment, and it has taken vigilance, backbone and compassion to keep this lifeline program strong and reliable for tens of millions of Americans who depend on it today.  Bob Ball was central to that effort for most of his long career, and he has inspired me to carry on that important cause,” said Rother.

Rother is the long-time Policy and Advocacy Director at AARP. In this role, he is a leading voice on the challenges posed by an aging population in health and long-term care, Social Security, pensions, workforce issues, and generational solidarity. He is responsible for formulating AARP’s policies that guide advocacy both nationally and in the states.

“Like Bob Ball, John has dedicated his entire career, so far spanning over their years, to improving the Social Security and Medicare programs,” said Janice Gregory, NASI President. “John has provided a crucial voice of civility to bridge political gaps and he is dedicated to developing the next generation of social insurance policy leaders.”

Rother has spoken and written extensively on social insurance issues and has presented or taught in most major American universities. Rother is also a frequent media commentator and has appeared on all the major network news shows. He has helped to promote understanding of the U.S. social insurance system through numerous presentations to audiences in Europe and Japan. For a full profile, click here.

More than 350 policy, research, advocacy and business leaders came together to celebrate Rother’s achievements and to share a common passion for social insurance and economic security for all Americans. A full program is available from the event page on NASI’s website.  A tribute video with congratulations from colleagues, the White House, former President Bill Clinton, and other luminaries is posted on NASI’s YouTube channel.