NCSL Staff Directory

In his role as a policy analyst, Landon Jacquinot researches state policy on minimum wage, occupational licensing, and workforce development. Jacquinot comes to NCSL with experience working with and around state legislatures as a policy and administrative manager for a hydrogen trade association. He is steadfast in his support for state-level institutions and is happy to be working for an organization with a similar mission.

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.

Laura Carper supports NCSL’s Criminal and Civil Justice Program. Previously, Carper worked in administrative support roles for Xerox and RE/MAX Alliance. She earned a bachelor’s in technical journalism from Colorado State University. 

As senior program coordinator for the Fiscal Affairs Program, Laurel Stiegler coordinates invitations, follow up and logistics for invitational meetings sponsored by The Pew Charitable Trusts. She has 30-plus years of experience in the fields of business, customer service, finance and health care administrative support. She earned a master's degree in communications with a specialization in intercultural communication from Regis University in Denver.

As a policy analyst, Lauren Gendill researches K-12 education policy topics such as school meals, special education, technology and digital learning. Prior to joining NCSL, Gendill was a legislative intern at the Colorado General Assembly. She earned her bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish from the University of Colorado Boulder.

As the senior legislative director for Health and Human Services Policy, Lauren Kallins is the lead staff person in NCSL’s D.C. office working on state-federal HHS policy. Kallins has more than 20 years of experience lobbying on HHS issues, primarily through a disability lens. She is an attorney and recently earned a master’s degree in homeland security and crisis management.

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 data analyst, Leanne Reed works with all NCSL staff. She has over 16 years of experience in the IT field. She is dedicated to providing support to the organization so that we can continue being a source of excellence to the state legislatures.

As a program coordinator, Leila Reynolds supports the Education team. Prior to joining NCSL, Reynolds spent four years working for the state of Utah, first at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel and then at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Reynolds graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in history, foreign relations and security, and a certificate in international relations. A firm believer in informed policy decisions, she is proud to be part of an organization that assists in providing legislatures with the latest in bipartisan policy research.

As a policy specialist in NCSL’s Fiscal Affairs Program, Leo Garcia researches fiscal policy and economic development. Previously, Garcia worked as a legislative aide in the Texas House of Representatives. He earned his bachelor’s in international relations and his master’s degree in international political economy.

Lesley Kennedy oversees NCSL's Publishing and Digital Content team in the Communications Division. An award-winning journalist, Kennedy comes to the organization with 20-plus years of experience, working as a writer and editor for national and regional newspapers, magazines and websites. She is dedicated to NCSL's bipartisan mission of supporting and strengthening state legislatures. 

Lexi Wilson is a Program Coordinator for the Health Program at NCSL. She has nearly 10 years of experience in event coordination and community engagement in the greater Denver area. She is dedicated to bringing communities together by creating and coordinating enriching events, that run smoothly and successfully. She is eager to bring her skills to NCSL to support their mission, and members.