Social Security Commissioner Bisignano Advocates for Change at NOSSCR Conference in Baltimore

In a significant address at the 2026 Spring National Conference held in Baltimore from April 21 to April 24, Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano engaged with leaders of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR). The conference served as a platform for the Commissioner to articulate his vision for an evolved and modernized Social Security Administration (SSA), focusing on strengthening collaborations with the disability representative community.

Addressing Key Topics

Alongside Jay Ortis, SSA's Chief of Disability Adjudication, Commissioner Bisignano led a comprehensive discussion covering essential topics including operational improvements, advancements in technology, customer service enhancements, and the agency’s forward-looking strategies. Notably, the event featured unscripted Q&A sessions, a rarity for such gatherings, which allowed for open dialogue between the Commissioner and participants. NOSSCR Interim CEO Jennifer Cronenberg and Chief Policy Officer David Camp moderated the discussion, emphasizing the openness of the agency under Bisignano’s leadership.

Rob Wendt, President of NOSSCR, highlighted the importance of having a Commissioner who values cooperation and sees advocates as partners. "Commissioner Bisignano treated our members as partners in a shared mission. That kind of leadership matters to the millions of Americans whose lives depend on Social Security working well," he remarked, underlining the optimistic tone established during the conference.

Progress on Hallmarks of Change

Highlighting substantial operational enhancements, Commissioner Bisignano shared impressive metrics, including a marked reduction in wait times reached via the SSA’s 800-number, growth in online service transactions, and ongoing efforts to leverage artificial intelligence for expedited disability case evaluations. He articulated a clear message: technology within SSA is utilized as a tool for empowering its workforce and enhancing customer service, not as a replacement for personal interaction.

The Commissioner’s commitment to turning the SSA into a “premier service organization” capable of addressing the needs of all Americans underscores his leadership style, characterized by a results-oriented approach. Various participants noted that this was among the most encouraging and constructive interactions they have ever experienced with a Commissioner. David Camp pointed out Bisignano’s transparency about the agency's current situation and future objectives, which resonated well with those in attendance, many of whom represent claimants daily.

A Legacy of Leadership

Bisignano’s career is marked by a series of transformative roles, from managing Citigroup’s protocols in the wake of 9/11 to navigating JPMorgan Chase through the 2008 financial crisis. His strategic insights are now applied to one of the federal government's most crucial modernization initiatives at the SSA, demonstrating his capacity to implement change effectively.

The 2026 NOSSCR Spring National Conference attracted a significant turnout, showcasing legal education programs focused on current practices in hearings, vocational evidence usage, advancements in AI in legal processes, and the latest legislative trends, including the introduction of the RECON Act aimed at reshaping the reconsideration process.

Rob Wendt commended NOSSCR’s historic role as a constructive advocate for the disability community over more than four decades, emphasizing that Commissioner Bisignano’s active participation and candid engagement highlighted the organization's mission and purpose.

“In a world constantly changing, consistent and constructive dialogues between the SSA and its partners like NOSSCR are vital for improving the lives of disabled Americans,” Wendt concluded, eager for ongoing collaboration.

NOSSCR, the leading national bar association for attorneys advocating for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income claimants, has been a pivotal force since 1979. Its dedication to education and advocacy continues to empower professionals serving the disability community across the nation as they strive to help their clients access the benefits they have rightfully earned.