NCSL Staff Directory

Louise McGinty supports NCSL’s Washington, D.C.,-based staff, specifically the standing committees and task forces. McGinty comes to NSCL with experience in nonprofit events and fundraising, project management, relationship building, administrative operations and communications. She studied politics at Catholic University of America, earned an MPA in nonprofit administration from West Chester University, and a master’s degree in political science from Villanova University. 

As a policy associate, Maddy Tyner supports the work of NCSL’s Center for Results-Driven Governing to help states practice evidence-informed policymaking. Previously, Tyner conducted research on public safety programs. She completed her master’s in criminal justice and master’s in public administration at the University of Colorado Denver.

Mandy Rafool is the director of the Fiscal Affairs Program, where she oversees the products and services NCSL delivers on state budgets, state taxes, economic development and financial services. Rafool has more than 25 years of experience at NCSL, where she has produced numerous state policy research reports and regularly provides information on state fiscal matters to legislatures, trade associations and members of the press. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver.

As program coordinator of the Center for Results-Driven Governing, Marc Worden contributes to the work of helping states use data and evidence to inform policy decisions. Prior to joining NCSL, Worden served as Program Coordinator for the Northwestern Prison Education Program, and has experience working with both state and federal government agencies. He earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Studies at Northwestern University.

Marco Savarin works with NCSL's Leader's Center and Institute for International Cooperation. Savarin comes to NCSL with several years of experience as a congressional staffer working on defense and foreign policy related issues. He attended Michigan State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in international relations. He also holds a master's degree in international security from the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Relations.

As a senior policy specialist with the Center for Legislative Strengthening, Mari Henderson focuses on committees, continuity of government issues, including COVID-19-related rules and procedural change, and legislative rules, protocols and procedures. Henderson comes to NCSL with experience in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Denver, as a Fulbright Fellow in Bulgaria, and with the U.S. House of Representatives and C-SPAN. She earned a bachelor’s in global affairs from George Mason University and a master’s degree in international relations and public diplomacy from the University of Denver.

As a project manager with the Employment, Labor and Retirement Program, Marilyn Villalobos focuses on disability employment policy. She also serves as the New Mexico state liaison. Previously, Villalobos worked for the Colorado Department of Higher Education. She has a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and psychology, and a master's degree in education policy and practice from the University of Colorado-Boulder. 

As the Director of Meetings, Marisa Sterling-Abram directs the overall planning and strategy for the NCSL Legislative Summit in addition to leading a team of six that manages the logistics for over 80 meetings a year. She comes to NCSL with over 14 years of experience organizing and executing conferences and meetings for several associations in the Washington DC area, ranging in size from 400 to 10,000 attendees. She holds a master’s degree in tourism with an emphasis in event and meeting management from the George Washington University as well as a certified meeting professional certificate.

Mark Quiner is an experienced group facilitator with over 40 years of experience. He currently serves as director of NCSL’s Center for Ethics in Government, whose mission is to restore trust and confidence in representative government by promoting responsible behavior in legislatures and educating the public on the importance of the legislative process. Previously, Quiner was the acting director of the Wyoming Legislative Service Office, where he served for 26 years. Following law school at the University of Wyoming, he worked for Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Stuart Brown, then served as the state’s assistant attorney general. Quiner is the father of one grown son and two grandsons.

Mark Wolf is a senior editor at NCSL. He edits reports, stories, webpages and other communications and covers live sessions of NCSL’s Legislative Summit, Base Camp and other events. Before joining NCSL in 2012 he wrote for newspapers.

As associate director of the Women's Legislative Network and the Quad Caucus, Martha Saenz leads strategic programs and events designed to serve targeted members. She has been with NCSL for more than a decade, specializing in research, engagement and development. Saenz is passionate about public policy and enjoys serving groups that bring unique strengths to legislatures and fulfill NCSL's mission. 

Matthew Nelson contributes to the continuous development and improvement of NCSL's website and digital presence. Nelson comes to NCSL with nearly 20 years of experience developing websites, software and digital strategies across numerous industries, most recently with a nonpartisan, pro-democracy data and research firm. A graduate of Indiana University Kokomo, Nelson holds certifications in front-end web development, SEO and web analytics.