Former Governor and SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley Appointed Chair of ACRD’s Advisory Board

Former SSA Commissioner to Lead ACRD Advisory Board, Bringing Decades of Reform-Minded Leadership to the Forefront [National] – April 4, 2025 – The Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) today announced the appointment of former Maryland Governor and U.S. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley as Chair of its Advisory Board. With a career defined by public service, data-driven reform, and a strong commitment to equity, O’Malley will play a central role in advancing ACRD’s strategic vision and expanding its national impact. 

ACRD is the nation’s leading membership organization for professionals who represent individuals navigating the Social Security disability system. Through training, leadership development, and collaboration, ACRD equips attorneys and non-attorney representatives with the knowledge and tools to secure just outcomes for their clients. 

“Governor O’Malley’s career has been marked by bold, effective leadership and a dedication to ensuring government works for everyone,” said Rachel Buck, Executive Director of ACRD. “His deep knowledge of the Social Security system, combined with his record of modernizing public institutions, makes him uniquely qualified to guide ACRD through its next chapter of growth and innovation.” 

O’Malley served as the 61st Governor of Maryland from 2007 to 2015, and as Mayor of Baltimore from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure, he earned national recognition for introducing CitiStat and StateStat, real-time data tracking systems that improved public performance and accountability. His leadership helped Maryland achieve the top national ranking for public education and expanded access to health care and public services. 

Most recently, O’Malley served as Commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), where he led efforts to improve customer service, reduce hearing backlogs, and expand access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits by eliminating administrative barriers. These reforms directly benefited individuals with disabilities and demonstrated his enduring commitment to justice and inclusion. 

“ACRD plays a vital role in ensuring our most vulnerable citizens are represented with professionalism and purpose,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I’m honored to join this effort and support the next generation of leaders in disability representation.” 

O’Malley’s appointment comes as ACRD continues to grow its training programs, host national conferences, and strengthen the professional standards of disability representation. As Chair of the Advisory Board, he will provide strategic guidance to ACRD leadership and help elevate the organization’s profile among policymakers, educators, and national partners.

ACRD provides networking opportunities, continuing legal education (CLE) courses, and industry resources to ensure professionals in the disability field are equipped with the knowledge and tools to serve their clients effectively.  

For more information about ACRD, visit www.acrd.org.  

Contact:  

Rachel Buck  

ACRD Executive Director  

rachelb@acrd.org