NCSL Staff Directory

As a grants accountant, Heather Lopez supports the post-award activities for grants and contracts at NCSL. Lopez has more than nine years of experience in finance and accounting. Prior to joining NCSL, Lopez held roles with PlayerLync LLC, Resource Capital Funds and Los Alamos National Laboratory. She attended the University of New Mexico and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. She is dedicated to supporting NCSL’s mission and focused on maintaining financial integrity.

As the accounting manager of budget and revenue, Kim Pacifico comes to NSCL with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit organizations. She focuses on process improvement, system implementations and data analysis. She has a bachelor’s in accounting. 

As the accounting manager of grants, Laura Buntemeyer oversees the post-award activities for NCSL’s grants and contracts contributing to approximately half of the annual operating budget. Buntemeyer joined NCSL in 2013 and has more than 26 years of progressive work experience in finance and accounting with 20 years directly related to grants and contracts. Prior to NCSL, Buntemeyer held positions with the Cherry Creek School District, Regis University, Arrow Electronics, BKD LLP and US Bank. Buntemeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in accounting, and a Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

As an accounting technician, Layothe Thammasene focuses on ensuring cash receipts are recorded quickly and accurately, while also strengthening the relationships between NCSL and its staff and members. Thammasene has proudly dedicated 15 years of service to the accounting department, where a background in financial research and analysis has helped her succeed. She is dedicated to following through on tasks and addressing the many challenges she encounters in her role.

As accounting manager, Nang Loong oversees the accounts payable and payroll responsibilities, including travel reimbursement, vendor payment processing, procurement and travel and expense card program administration, payroll processing, year-end compliance for payable and payroll, fixed assets, bank reconciliation, general accounting and financial reporting. She has been with NCSL since March 2005 and offers more than a decade of experience in accounting and finance. She received her B.A. in accounting from Pittsburg State University in Kansas and remains current with technology and trends in her area of expertise.

In her role as revenue accountant, Samona Skidmore acts as the primary function liaison for Fonteva financial reporting, revenue collections and process improvements. Previously, Skidmore spent over 10 years in the financial and retirement services industry, providing leadership in regulatory, accounting and financial planning support. After obtaining her master’s degree in accounting from Regis University in 2020, she joined NCSL to engage in work that impacts the people in her community.