NCSEA On Location

Welcome back to another edition of NCSEA On Location.  Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) is joined today by NCSEA President Connie Chesnik (Administrator, Division of Family and Economic Security at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families), along with Past-Presidents Charles Smith (Vice President of Business Development atGreenCourt Legal Technologies in Texas) and Jim Fleming (Director, Child Support Section at the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services). Together, we are diving into the landmark April 1st Child Support Briefingsheld for House Ways & Means and Senate Finance committee staffers in Washington, D.C. Stay tuned as they discuss the months of planning behind the event, the key legislative priorities presented, and our guests' key takeaways from reading the room. 
To become an NCSEA individual member, visit Individual Membership | NCSEA,

If you are an NCSEA member, you can view the NCSEA legislative proposals at Legislative-Update.June-2026.pdf.

On this week’s episode of On Location, join Pat O’Donnell(YoungWilliams) and Brandi Gallebo (Franklin County Child Support) as they focus on the achievements of the NCSEA Leadership Symposium Scholarship Awardees: Tamekia Hart, Leslie Mills and Danielle Noe. Each of the awardees have a truly diverse set of responsibilities which make contributions to the success of the child support program in quite different ways. Stay tuned as Tamekia describes her career transition into the child support program and how she inspires her team. Leslie describes the outstanding performance accomplished within her team and their impactful outreach efforts. Danielle shares the “secret sauce” leading to success in her team’s effectiveness in parent locate services and working intergovernmental child support cases. Their passion for excellence as well as their personal commitment shines through in these conversations.

Welcome back to another episode of NCSEA On Location, coming to you from California and Alaska! I’m your host, Tim Lightner, and today we are diving into NCSEA Connects—a vital professional development and networking opportunity for child support professionals. Joining us to discuss its history, impact, and exciting expansion are Laura Van Buskirk (current Director of Placer County Department of Child Support Services, and Kathie Bohacek, Assistant Director of San Joaquin County Department of Child Support Services). Laura and Kathie explore what makes these interactive groups so unique and how you can get involved -- with three brand-new groups launching! 
NCSEA Connects | NCSEA

Today’s episode of On Location explores the critical importance of self-care and overall wellness for child support professionals. Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) welcomes guest Matt Sautter (Founder & Principal, Basepoint Solutions Group).  Matt shares practical tips and insights drawing from his front-line and human services experience, delving into the daily stress, internal battles, and risk of burnout workersface in complex systems, such as child support. Together, the discussion highlights tangible strategies for employees and management alike—such as work flexibility and aligning with holistic family well-being—to create healthier work environments and to better serve families. 
The NCSEA Child Support CommuniQue (CSQ) is a quarterly publication that is a benefit to NCSEA members. If you would like to learn more about membership, please visit our website at https://www.ncsea.org/membership/.

On this week’s episode of On Location, join Tammy Pearson(YoungWilliams) as she hosts the co-chairs of the  NCSEA U Committee, Michele Christello (IV-D Director of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Child Support Services Division) and John Hurst (Government Services Consultant with GreenCourt Technologies).  They dive into the history, impact, and selection process behind NCSEA U, an elite educational initiative established in 2013 for leaders and emerging leaders in the child support community. Listeners will learn exactly what the selection committee looks for in candidates—highlighting the immense power of a sincere, well-crafted application—and how the program has shaped over four hundred professionals across fifteen total cohorts. The discussion also previews the upcoming classes with thirty attendees at the Leadership Symposium in Louisville, KY, outlining both the classroom expectations and the virtual pre- and post-sessions. Finally, the episode offers invaluable, practical advice for future applicants on how to strengthen their profiles and successfully articulate their value for the next round of applications.
And if you have not registered for the 2026 NCSEA Leadership Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky, we would encourage you to register and attend.  It’s going to be a greatopportunity for professional development and networking with other child support professionals. Simply go to the Leadership Symposium website to find information on how to register.