NARSSA names Melissa Vannette as vice president of public affairs

The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts has appointed former Social Security Administration employee Melissa Vannette to lead its public affairs work. She will also moderate the RSSA Social Security Summit today at Protectors 2026 in Las Vegas, as the organization steps up its education and policy push around Social Security claiming decisions.

Why it matters: - NARSSA is adding a former Social Security Administration insider to lead its external affairs as Social Security faces pressure from rising beneficiary demand and trust fund insolvency risk. - The appointment puts more focus on education, public policy, and retirement-planning guidance at a moment when baby boomers and Gen X are collecting benefits. - Vannette will also moderate what NARSSA calls the industry’s first major Social Security summit, giving the organization a larger platform with financial professionals and policymakers.

What happened: - NARSSA appointed Melissa Vannette as vice president of public affairs. - Vannette previously worked at the Social Security Administration as a claims specialist. - NARSSA announced the appointment on Nov. 9, 2026, in New York City. - Vannette will moderate the RSSA Social Security Summit today during Protectors 2026 Vegas at The Venetian in Las Vegas. - Protectors 2026 runs from Nov. 9-11 and is powered by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

The details: - NARSSA said Vannette will expand the organization’s educational and public-policy efforts. - Her role includes building Social Security thought leadership and strengthening relationships with policymakers, industry organizations, the media, and other stakeholders. - She will also help develop educational resources and public-facing communications on Social Security, retirement planning, and public policy. - Martha Shedden, NARSSA president and co-founder, said Vannette brings Social Security expertise, firsthand experience helping Americans navigate the program, and a commitment to public education. - Vannette spent more than 10 years at the Social Security Administration helping people with retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits. - At SSA, she spoke with financial advisors and the public about Social Security laws, rules, and benefit programs. - She also served in an operations supervisor detail, sat on committees focused on internal workflows and public outreach, and received recognition for public service. - Since leaving SSA, Vannette has worked as an independent consultant for investment firms and financial advisors nationwide. - Her background also includes work as a writer, public speaker, on-camera talent, and university adjunct professor. - The summit will feature Social Security thought leaders, industry experts, and practicing professionals discussing how better claiming decisions can support retirement strategy. - Speakers are set to include Joel Eskovitz of AARP Public Policy Institute, Carroll Golden of NAIFA, Heather Schreiber of HLS Retirement Consulting, and Matt McClure of Active Wealth Management. - NARSSA said the summit will also address questions clients commonly bring to advisors, including when to retire, how to coordinate household benefits, and how to build income that lasts through retirement. - More information is available at the RSSA Social Security Summit page.

Between the lines: - The hire gives NARSSA a public-facing executive with direct agency experience at a time when Social Security planning is becoming a bigger advisory need. - The summit suggests NARSSA wants to position Social Security education as a mainstream retirement-planning topic, not just a niche technical issue. - The move also deepens NARSSA’s connection to the broader insurance and financial-advice ecosystem by tying the summit to Protectors 2026.

What's next: - Vannette is expected to lead NARSSA’s outreach to policymakers, media, and retirement-industry stakeholders. - The RSSA Social Security Summit will continue today and through the rest of Protectors 2026 in Las Vegas. - NARSSA is likely to use the appointment and summit to expand awareness of its RSSA credential, education programs, and software tools.