NCSL Staff Directory

In her role, Samantha Scotti focuses on state policy issues relating to health care access, costs and coverage. She has over six years of experience working with state legislators, legislative staff and other partners on a variety of health topics, developing tools, publications and collaborative meetings. Prior to joining NCSL, she worked as legislative staff at the Colorado General Assembly and has a dual degree in political science and international studies from Colorado State University. 

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.

As a legislative specialist, Sanam Hooshidary works on federal budget process, federal and state revenues and taxes, banking, financial technology and digital currencies, internet and technology, as well as consumer and financial services. Prior to joining NCSL, Hooshidary worked for the United States House of Representatives and the California State Senate. She earned her master’s degree in political science with an emphasis in California politics from California State University, Sacramento and a bachelor’s degree in English literature and political science from the University of San Francisco.

Sarah Altshuler is a policy associate supporting the Legislative Staff Services. Previously, Altshuler was lead intern with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s Denver office, where she oversaw and trained new interns, supported Colorado constituents and supported full-time staff with constituent advocacy work. She studied political science, philosophy, and communication at the University of Colorado-Boulder and graduated summa cum laude. 

Sarah Brown is the director of the Criminal and Civil Justice Program (CCJ) at NCSL. As the director, she oversees all of NCSL’s criminal and civil justice work, with specific expertise in juvenile justice. Brown has been with NCSL for 20 years working on informing state legislatures on criminal and civil justice issues across the nation. Prior to joining NCSL, Brown worked for five years as a legislative assistant to a United States Senator in Washington, D.C. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado and earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law. Brown has been admitted to practice law in Colorado.

Sarah Chavez is a dedicated program coordinator with NCSL's Energy team. With more than a decade of experience in hospitality, event planning and administration support, she has honed her skills while working for esteemed law firms and nonprofit organizations in Denver and New York City. Chavez is deeply committed to NCSL's mission, finding fulfillment in contributing to an organization dedicated to enhancing the legislative institution through education and research.

As a policy specialist in the Health Program, Sarah Jaromin focuses on access, cost and coverage issues with a particular emphasis on health technology, health care costs and health care facilities. She has considerable experience in health policy, having previously worked with the policy division of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, where she concentrated on Medicaid policy and addressing behavioral health workforce shortages. Jaromin earned her master’s degree in social work from the State University of New York at Albany after completing a bachelor’s in sociology at Brandeis University.

As a senior policy specialist with the Center for Legislative Strengthening, Selena Saucedo focuses on legislative sessions, legislative staffing and structure, human resource management, compensation and classification, and personnel policies and practices. Saucedo comes to NCSL with more than 10 years of experience in both the public and private sectors focusing on public relations, public affairs, policy and communication, with legislative experience in the Texas House of Representatives. Saucedo earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

As a senior policy specialist in the Legislative Staff Services Program, she supports the Research, Editorial, Legal and Committee Staff association, responds to research and information requests, and develops programs and meetings for legislative staff. She previously worked as a senior policy specialist in NCSL's Health Program and has over 25 years of experience working for government agencies and non-profit organizations as a health researcher and analyst, project manager and legislative policy manager. She enjoys strengthening the legislative institution by supporting the important work of legislative staff.

As a program coordinator, Stephanie McCormick supports the Children and Families team in the pursuit of NCSL’s mission. Prior to joining NCSL, McCormick spent time in education and as a coordinator in public engagement, communications and management consulting. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Sewanee: The University of the South and her master’s degree in philosophy from Colorado State University.

As associate director for design, Steve Miller leads design for NCSL, including reports, State Legislatures Magazine, graphics and marketing. Miller has 20 years of experience in journalism, where he earned numerous awards in editorial and advertising design. He also has led design efforts in the corporate world and academia. His varied experience has instilled an appreciation of, and dedication to, the importance of an informed society to democracy. He is proud to be part of working to strengthen state legislatures through the research, information and training that NCSL provides.

As software product coordinator in the information technology department, Steve Holz-Russell supports NCSL staff in the use of applications that help them do their work. Previously, Holz-Russell managed the district-wide student computer program for Denver Public Schools. He is passionate about providing excellent customer service to NCSL staff so they can effectively serve the needs of state legislatures.