Bill Shipman

Bill Shipman is a Social Security Reform Advocate with a profound understanding of Social Security and retirement finance reform. He has played a significant role in assisting U.S. Congress with drafting the H.R. 4851, Social Security Personal Savings Guarantee and Prosperity Act. Shipman's expertise is well-regarded, having studied, written, and lectured extensively on these issues. He has offered counsel to government officials and dignitaries across six continents, helping them comprehend the impact of Social Security on various facets of life and governance.

In the early 1990s, Shipman organized a significant meeting in Boston, inviting 25 influential individuals responsible for the retirement plans of America’s largest corporations and state pension funds. This meeting, led by the Commissioner of Social Security who served under Presidents Reagan and Bush (41), served as a foundational discussion on Social Security. Following this, in 1994, the Commissioner invited Shipman to testify before Congress, where he advocated for a shift from a tax-based system to a market-based structure for Social Security, emphasizing the need for individuals to save and invest for their retirement.

Shipman's testimony caught the attention of the Cato Institute, leading to his role as Co-Chairman of the Cato Project on Social Security Choice. In 1996, he co-authored "Promises to Keep: Saving Social Security’s Dream," proposing significant reforms for Social Security. This book and his other writings, including research published by the Financial Analysts Journal and The Heritage Foundation, have influenced discussions on retirement finance reform globally. Shipman has also been a delegate to the White House Conference on Social Security, further highlighting his involvement at the highest levels of policy-making.

Beyond his advocacy, Bill Shipman is the chairman of CarriageOaks Partners LLC, a consulting firm specializing in retirement finance, and has previously served as a principal of State Street Global Advisors. His extensive experience and insights continue to shape the discourse on Social Security reform, both in the United States and internationally.