NCSL Staff Directory

As a meetings specialist, Jackie Zimmermann supports NCSL’s meetings division. Zimmermann has more than nine years of experience in meetings management. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and holds a certified meeting professional designation.  

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 legislative specialist, Emily Katz works on federal education, health and human services policies that are of interest to states. Katz comes to NCSL with experience in policy research on school climate, school health, social-emotional learning and the educator workforce. She earned a master’s degree in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor's degree in sociology and policy management from Dickinson College.

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.

As a design specialist, Rachel Macias supports the associate director of design in designing reports, event collateral and social media graphics. Prior to joining NCSL, Macias worked for the bipartisan nonprofit Education Commission of the States as a graphic designer. She takes great pride in designing for nonprofits to create policy-based solutions. 

Philene Taormina leads a team of energy analysts who specialize in state and federal energy policy and legislative, statutory and regulatory research. The team delivers energy policy expertise and nonpartisan research and analysis for state legislators, legislative staff and stakeholders. Taormina holds a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and has more than 25 years of experience working with federal and state policymakers and cultivating public policy.

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.

In her role, Jennifer Kraft supports the Environment, Energy and Transportation Program as a program coordinator. She comes to NCSL with more than 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant and program manager. She attended Colorado State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in natural resources management.

Helen Brewer works on statewide ballot measures and focuses on a wide array of elections and redistricting topics as part of the Elections and Redistricting Program. Prior to joining NCSL, she worked in policy and litigation capacities for nonpartisan voting rights and redistricting organizations. Brewer has appeared in The Washington Post, has a J.D. from William & Mary, a bachelor’s from the University of Northern Colorado and is a member of the Colorado Bar.

As a policy analyst, Jessica Guarino supports the Civil and Criminal Justice Program by researching a variety of topics related to criminal records, human trafficking, firearms policy and questions relating to the Constitution. Prior to joining NCSL, Guarino earned her J.D. and LL.M. from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and worked as a postdoctoral legal research associate for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She has published several law review and peer-reviewed articles and is dedicated to providing accurate and accessible policy data.

In her role as a program coordinator, Brenna Nelson supports NCSL's Children and Families Program. Prior to joining NCSL, Nelson worked at nonprofit organizations and interned with the Colorado General Assembly while studying human development and family relations at the University of Colorado Denver. She is dedicated to supporting state legislators and legislative staff as they work to improve the lives of children and families in their states.

As a policy specialist, Angela Rowe focuses on pensions, retirement and public sector employment issues. Previously, Rowe worked at the Colorado House of Representatives and state Senate. She earned a B.A. in international studies from Portland State University and received master’s degrees in social work and international human rights from the University of Denver.

Bio coming soon. 

As a training specialist, Jessica Hoffman helps to design and deliver custom training on a wide range of topics and skills. Hoffman has 13 years of experience in education, working with AmeriCorps, public schools and higher education programs. She is dedicated to providing high-quality professional development to legislators, legislative leaders and legislative staff.

In her role as a senior policy specialist in the Health Program, Shannon Kolman serves as a subject matter expert on public health topics. She has more than 25 years of experience working in the fields of public health and community health. Kolman enjoys researching public health-related policies and supporting legislative excellence by informing NCSL members and partners on policy issues and strategies.

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, including harassment and DEI. 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, and 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 the HR director, Kazia Washington, SHRM-CP, PHR, oversees NCSL's Human Resources Office. Washington comes to NCSL with 10-plus years of experience utilizing innovation and strategy to translate business vision into healthy HR initiatives. Passionate about all things people, she is dedicated to meeting NCSL's staff where they are by cultivating an inclusive culture and nurturing the human experience of belonging.

Alyssa Vigil is a program coordinator at NCSL, where she supports the Criminal and Civil Justice Program. Previously, Vigil worked in administrative support and research roles for the University of Colorado Boulder. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in business, also from the University of Colorado.