Innovation, Leadership, and Family Impact: The 2026 NCSEA Outstanding Leader Award

Innovation, Leadership, and Family Impact: The 2026 NCSEA Outstanding Leader Award

Author: NCSEA August 19, 2026 Duration: 23:33

On this episode of On Location, Pat O’Donnell (YoungWilliams) sits down with Chris Tran (Director of the Alaska Child Support Program) to discuss a huge win: going from concept to a fully operational statewide system in under three years. Chris spotlights the incredible teamwork behind the scenes and the lasting impact this work will have on families across the state. Listen to a conversation about leadership, teamwork, and turning ambitious vision into reality.


Ever wonder what happens when you pull a microphone out at a conference or a community meeting? That's the spirit of NCSEA On Location. Instead of polished studio sessions, this podcast captures conversations where they naturally happen-in hallways after a panel, at international gatherings, or in quiet corners of bustling events. You'll hear directly from Human Services professionals, from caseworkers to policy architects, along with advocates and community stakeholders who are deeply involved in the system. The discussions are immediate and grounded, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges and innovations in public service. Each episode feels like you’ve stepped into a meaningful, spontaneous dialogue, one that continues long after the formal agenda ends. The authentic atmosphere is even complemented by original music from Joe Mamlin, whose granted compositions frame these real-world recordings. Brought to you by NCSEA, this series is for anyone curious about the human stories behind government services, preferring the sound of genuine exchange over a rehearsed script. Tune in to a podcast that truly travels, bringing you voices from the field exactly as they were heard on the ground.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

NCSEA On Location
Podcast Episodes
The Power of Connection: Fresh Groups, Real Conversations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
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 opp…
Beyond Self-Care: Wellness for Child Support Workers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:35
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, Bas…
Inside NCSEA U: Building the Next Generation of Child Support Leaders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:21
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 Se…
Across Country Boundaries: Understanding Important Nuances [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:04
On this episode of On Location, join host David Kilgore (CGITechnologies and Solutions) and guests Kristen Donadee (IV-D Director, California Department of Child Support Services) and Hannah Roots (Attorney at Law). They…
The NCSEA 2026 Leadership Symposium Preview Exclusive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:26
On this week’s NCSEA On Location, Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) is joined by Kelly Micka (Information Technology Senior Manager, NTT DATA Services), Connie Chesnik (NCSEA President; Administrator, Division of Famil…