Leadership Team
Passionate. Compassionate. Approachable.
We take a great deal of pride in our leadership team. We are united in our passion for our clients, and the important role we each play in your life. Please take a moment to get to know us, and what led us to a career in advocacy.
Mike Shunney
Chief Executive Officer
Mike joined SSAD’s parent organization, The Advocator Group, in 2014 after several months of working with the company as a strategic leadership consultant through his advisory firm Shunney and Associates, LLC. Mike spent over 20 years as a senior executive with Sun Life Financial, including roles as P&L leader of their Employee Benefits Group and Presi dent of U.S. Distribution. His expertise includes business strategy, particularly knowledge in distribution & sales, profit building, mergers & acquisitions, and organizational development. He is known for recognizing and rewarding talent and instilling strong competitive drive in team members to achieve organizational success. Mike graduated from Merrimack College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance. He has served on advisory boards at Mobile Health Consumer (corporate health management technology) and Assist America (global emergency travel assistance provider), and on the Board of Directors for the Doug Flutie Jr. Autism Foundation.
Megan Reid
Vice President, Account Management Operations
Megan joined Social Security Advocates for the Disabled (SSAD) in 2002 and currently serves as Vice President, Account Management Operations for both SSAD and its parent company, The Advocator Group. In her years with the organization, Megan has developed a deep subject matter expertise in SSDI advocacy and an extensive background in SSDI and LTD benefit integration. She has held a variety of leadership roles, from managing operational teams to legal strategy and internal compliance. She works closely with corporate customers to deliver industry-leading services and provide them with critical benchmarking data and guidance as to how to optimize the results of their SSDI programs. She is known for developing customized solutions to meet unique customer needs and building strong, lasting partnerships. Megan graduated from Stonehill College earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English and acts as an Authorized SSDI Representative.
Sean Sullivan
Senior Vice President, Operations and Performance
Sean joined The Advocator Group, parent organization of SSAD, in 2006 and currently serves in the role of Senior Vice President of Operations and Performance. In this role, Sean oversees the entire operation from the moment a new client is onboarded through their SSDI award and reimbursement. He also manages company-wide data analytics, focusing heavily on metrics and forecasting. During his tenure with The Advocator Group, Sean has managed several departments and has spent a considerable amount of time working directly with corporate customers. Sean works to turn data into information that drives the business forward. He is able to build strong teams that push for results and execution. Sean graduated from Dartmouth College earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Government, while participating as a member of multiple leadership tribunals. He also received a Juris Doctor from New England Law and acts as an Authorized SSDI Representative.
Nelson Acosta
Vice President, Information Technology
Nelson Acosta joined SSAD’s parent company, The Advocator Group, in January 2011. As the Vice President of Information Technology, Nelson is responsible for technology development and information technology and infrastructure. During his time at The Advocator Group, his commitment to innovation has supported key business growth and operational optimization. Nelson graduated from Universidad Simon Bolivar in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering with concentrations in database design, operating systems, and software engineering. Nelson earned his Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Boston University in 2004, receiving the Distinction for Academic Excellence award upon graduation. His graduate work with the Information Security Lab enabled Boston University to be named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Nelson has been recognized twice as Brown & Brown Information Business Partner of the Year by peers, senior management and the executive leaders.
Seth Matthews
Director of Hearing Operations
Seth is the Director of Hearing Operations for SSAD and its parent organization, The Advocator Group. With twenty years of Social Security disability experience, Seth manages the companies’ teams of legal writers and attorney vendors. Seth also assists with teammate training and provides strategic insight that is instrumental in the development of corporate policy, operational procedures, and long-term planning initiatives. Prior to embarking on his legal career, Seth earned a Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School, a Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Arlington. Seth is admitted to the bars of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts.