NCSSMA Members,

One of our National Past Presidents, Don Seatter, passed away on November 24, 2020. Don served as NCSSMA President from 1995 to 1997 after serving as Vice President for two years and President of the Atlanta Region Management Association (ARMA) for three years.

Don retired in 1999 after serving as the District Manager of the Charleston, South Carolina, Office for 12 years.  Prior to that, he worked in Central Office (CO) for 17 years. His last CO assignment was as Division Director in the Office of Supplemental Security Income.  Don started as a Claims Representative in the Chicago Region in 1962.

As National President of NCSSMA, Don was very committed to addressing concerns of field and TSC management. This is often challenging as serving as President is combined with your existing responsibilities as an SSA manager. In Don’s case, he was the District Manager of Charleston, South Carolina, and four branch offices.

A significant challenge during Don’s tenure as NCSSMA President was the agency’s work measurement system and how it was utilized to allocate staff. After his Presidency, Don participated on a SUMS workgroup to address this issue. NCSSMA was able to contribute to changes in the way staffing allocations were determined.

Don also played a key role in pay upgrades that occurred during his and subsequent NCSSMA President’s tenure. For example, Operation Supervisors were upgraded to GS-12, Branch Managers were upgraded to GS-13 and GS-14, and Claims Specialists were upgraded to GS-11. It is easy to take for granted the current grade structure we fall under if we do not know the history behind how we got here. Don played a significant role in getting us to this point. Other benefits from his efforts included a change to using a high three-year valuation for our pensions.

The following are tributes from other NCSSMA Past Presidents regarding Don:

I am so saddened to hear about Don Seatter’s death. He was an asset to NCSSMA. I very much appreciated, and enjoyed, working with him on several important issues when he was my NCSSMA Vice President, and then when he became NCSSMA President. During that time, we became very close friends. I will very much miss him. I have always been grateful for the marvelous people I have come to know through SSA and NCSSMA. Don, certainly, is one of these whom I will always remember fondly.

-- Mary Chatel, NCSSMA President 1993-1995

I am very sorry to hear of this news.  Having followed Don as the NCSSMA President, I always appreciated his sound advice and counsel as I stepped into my new role.  Don was always quite gracious, willing to be an insightful sounding board, and we had a wonderful transition, which made things so much easier for the "new NCSSMA team".  His insight into the workings of CO was always invaluable.  I still enjoy the History of Charleston that I received from Don. Condolences to Don's family.

-- Ron Niesing, NCSSMA President 1997-1999

Very sorry to hear of Don’s passing.  I served as Secretary during his 2 years as President and spent many enjoyable dinners with Don.  Don also served as host for our Annual Meeting in Charleston in 1999 where I was first elected President. Don was a passionate voice for the field.

-- Steve Korn, NCSSMA President 1999-2001

Don Seatter was an important transitional NCSSMA President.  His Central Office experience, background and contacts helped establish a more effective relationship between NCSSMA and SSA leadership.  I had the opportunity to work closely with Don on management upgrades.  He set a tone that was consummately professional, yet persistent and focused.  He gave meaning to the maxim “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.”  Don never raised his voice, but profoundly raised NCSSMA’s accomplishments.  Condolences to his loved ones. God Rest His Soul.

-- Tony Pezza, NCSSMA President 2001-2003

So sorry to hear about Don.  He (and Jan McDonald) took me under their wings when I joined the ARMA board as an Area Vice President and guided me throughout my ARMA and NCSSMA career.  Don was always willing to listen and freely give me his advice on difficult issues.  He will be missed.

-- Ron Buffaloe, NCSSMA President 2003-2005

Let us all honor Don’s efforts, on our behalf, as our tribute to him. If you would like to share anything with Don’s family, you can post to the guestbook.

Rick Warsinskey, NCSSMA Past President