Sean Somermeyer

Sean Somermeyer helps colleges and universities navigate complex institutional challenges with practical guidance, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of how decisions affect the broader campus community. 

As Managing Director of Ballast, Sean works with institutional leaders on matters involving Title IX, civil rights compliance, investigations, student conduct, faculty issues, disability accommodations, institutional policies, and other issues where regulatory requirements intersect with the realities of running an educational institution. 

Over the course of his career, Sean has developed extensive experience working with educational institutions. He has advised colleges, universities, and secondary schools on complex and often sensitive matters, giving him extensive insight into the distinctive environments in which education leaders make decisions. He understands that institutional challenges rarely exist in isolation. A decision involving one student, employee, policy, or process can have implications for departments across campus, institutional culture, and the broader community. 

That perspective shapes Sean’s approach at Ballast.  

Rather than beginning with a predetermined solution, Sean works to understand the institution, the circumstances surrounding the issue, and what campus leaders are trying to accomplish. He brings together regulatory knowledge, institutional experience, and practical judgment to help leaders identify solutions that are thoughtful, workable, and appropriate for their communities.  

Sean also brings significant experience with investigations and dispute resolution. He has led and participated in investigation teams and has worked extensively with matters involving Title IX, discrimination and harassment, employee concerns, government investigations, and other complex institutional issues. That experience gives him a valuable perspective on both the immediate decisions institutions face and the ways policies, procedures, documentation, communication, and training can help prevent or better manage future challenges. 

His work with colleges and universities also includes training and professional development. Sean has presented on higher education issues and has helped institutional leaders understand evolving requirements in areas such as Title IX, disability accommodations, discrimination, and other civil rights matters. 

As one of the leaders behind Ballast, Sean is committed to a consulting model built around collaboration rather than one-size-fits-all answers. He believes effective consulting begins by listening, asking the right questions, and recognizing the institutional knowledge that campus leaders already bring to the table. 

Whether an institution needs support with an immediate issue or an experienced advisor who can help leaders think more broadly about policies, processes, and institutional risk, Sean’s goal is to provide perspective that helps leaders make well-informed decisions and continue moving forward.