SSA Commissioners

Martha A. McSteen

September 14, 1983 to June 25, 1986 (Acting)

Martha McSteen was born in Iowa Park, Texas. She attended Rice University where she received a bachelor's degree in 1944, and the University of Oklahoma where she obtained a master of science degree. Mrs. McSteen joined Social Security in 1947 as a claims representative in Wichita Falls, Texas. For the next 18 years she held increasingly responsible field positions, including District Manager, before being selected as the Regional Representative for Health Insurance in Denver, Colorado in 1965. In 1968, Mrs. McSteen was chosen as one of the first participants in SSA's Executive Development program. After completing that program she held a number of high level SSA management positions prior to her appointment as Dallas Regional Commissioner in 1976. In 1983 she became the first woman to hold SSA's top position when she was named Acting Commissioner of Social Security. Mrs. McSteen occupied this position until 1986 when she retired after being succeeded by a Presidentially appointed Commissioner.