NCSL Staff Directory

Andrea Jimenez works on tax policy as a member of the fiscal affairs program. Previously, Jimenez spent time at the Connecticut Legislature as an intern during the 2020 legislative session. She is dedicated to advancing NCSL’s mission to strengthen state legislatures.

As a policy associate, Andrew Smalley works on postsecondary education topics and legislative tracking at NCSL. Prior to joining NCSL, he was a legislative intern for three years at the Colorado General Assembly, working with legislators and a lobbying firm. He received his MPP and a BA in political science and public policy from the University of Denver. 

As an associate director in the Criminal and Civil Justice Program, Anne Teigen oversees work related to juvenile justice, criminal records, human trafficking, civil justice and firearms policy. Teigen has 15 years of policy experience with NCSL and is a licensed attorney in the state of Colorado. She educates and informs state legislators and staff by providing testimony, convening meetings and writing reports on a wide array of criminal and civil justice policy areas.

As a senior policy specialist, Annie Kitch focuses on traffic safety and 911-related policy at NCSL. She comes to NCSL with experience in transportation policy, developing and facilitating process improvement trainings and connecting constituents with public services at all levels of government. As a promoter of informed governance, Kitch is dedicated to supporting all of NCSL’s members throughout their legislative journeys. 

As a policy analyst, Annie Miller supports the Employment, Labor and Retirement Program by contributing to research on workforce development and occupational licensing policy. Prior to joining NCSL, Miller served the City and County of Denver in the Department of Housing Stability. Miller recently obtained a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of International Studies. She enjoys conducting bipartisan research to support and uphold the integrity of state legislatures.

As an associate director in the Education Program, Ashley Wallace leads NCSL’s work on afterschool, summer learning, student mental health, social and emotional learning, and other whole child education policy topics. Before joining NCSL in 2008, Wallace was a legislative director for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and later worked in federal relations for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Save the Children. She has degrees in international studies and diplomacy and foreign affairs from Miami University.

Austin Igleheart serves as a policy specialist with NCSL’s Energy, Environment, and Transportation Program. He conducts policy research relating to electric and alternative fuel vehicles, energy security and resilience and energy storage, providing quality, unbiased information to state legislators and legislative staff across the United States. He also serves as NCSL’s staff liaison for the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute. With NCSL since 2021, Igleheart has spent most of his career in state and local policy, and prior to NCSL worked for a nonpartisan organization advocating for county governments. He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and sociology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental policy and management at the University of Denver.

As a policy specialist in NCSL’s Education Program, Autumn Rivera focuses on policy issues related to afterschool, summer learning, LGBTQ+ students, whole child learning and school climate. Rivera comes to NCSL with experience working in after-school and summer learning programs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in justice systems at Truman State University and a master’s degree in applied human rights from the University of York.

As a policy associate, Beatrice O’Connor supports the Environment, Energy and Transportation Program by conducting environmental and water policy research. Prior to joining NCSL, O’Connor worked as a research assistant, legal assistant and legislative aide. She holds a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Studies in environmental, natural resources and energy law from Lewis and Clark Law School.

Betsy Smith’s research focuses on energy and environmental policy issues. She comes to NCSL with experience in research examining policy topics involving natural disasters, public lands and environmental justice. Prior to NCSL, Smith attended the University of Michigan and Montana State University and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs.

Brooke Oleen Tieperman supports NCSL’s Environment, Energy and Transportation Program and NCSL’s Task Force on Military and Veterans Affairs. She has 15 years of experience at NCSL and works in partnership with the U.S. Defense and Energy departments, bringing expertise in state-tribal policy. She staffs the DOE’s Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group, whose delegates include tribal leaders and technical staff from across the country. 

Cameron Rifkin is a policy associate covering topics related to housing and homelessness, economic mobility, child support and family law. Prior to joining NCSL in July 2021, he earned a master’s degree in social work and worked in diverse roles for various nonprofit organizations focused on housing, environmental justice, food security and juvenile justice. Rifkin is dedicated to systemic changes through policy and community empowerment.