NCSL Staff Directory

Bryan Law oversees NCSL's Energy Program. Prior to joining NCSL, Law worked extensively as a legislative staffer in the Texas and Rhode Island state legislatures on energy and health policy respectively. Dedicated to the ideals of state sovereignty and representative democracy, Law strongly believes in the mission of NCSL. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education and holds bachelor's and master's degrees in government and political science.

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 policy analyst, Abby Francl supports the Environment, Energy and Transportation Program by conducting environmental policy research. She comes to NCSL with experience in policy research, data analysis, and constituent services through internships with Future Caucus, U.S. Senate, and Women In Government. Francl studied political science and Spanish at the University of Denver.

As a policy associate, Matt Wicks supports the Transportation team at NCSL in public safety and tax policies. Wicks comes to NCSL with experience in public service with nonprofits and state agencies. He is passionate about public service and is currently earning a graduate degree in public policy.

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.

As a policy associate, Dalton Oberfoell supports the Environment, Energy and Transportation team through energy policy research. His research primarily focuses on energy security, tribal energy, fossil fuels, emissions and carbon capture. Prior to joining NCSL, Oberfoell studied at Loras College and will be obtaining his masters of public policy from the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

In his role as a policy associate, Tom Klein supports the Environment, Energy and Transporation Program at NCSL. Prior to joining NCSL, Klein worked as an Associate Wildlife Biologist, working on wildlife management and conservation projects with agencies/organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Wildlife Ecology Institute. Klein earned a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science and Environmental Policy & Communication and is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Policy and Administration.

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.

Amy Fidelis oversees NCSL's marketing team in the Communications Division. She comes to the organization with 20-plus years of leadership experience in a variety of industries in both the public and private sectors, including education, energy, financial services, government, martial arts and nonprofits. A graduate of the University of Colorado at Denver, she has traveled the world through work, study, sport and service opportunities. 

As a policy analyst, Aneesa Turbovsky researches a wide range of trending topics for both the population health and health care workforce team. Prior to joining NCSL, Turbovsky worked for the Utah and Oregon legislatures assisting as a legislative and committee aide. She recently received her master's degree in public policy at Portland State University and has her bachelor's in political science with an emphasis in American government from Utah Valley 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.

Jacquelyn Bayard supports the work of the NCSL Foundation as a senior program coordinator. Previously, Bayard managed multiple teams and projects for several of Colorado’s government institutions, including the state legislature, Arapahoe County and the city of Aurora. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on public policy at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and she is dedicated to NCSL’s mission.

As a senior program coordinator in NCSL’s Foundation for State Legislatures, Elizabeth Johnston provides overall development support. With a strong foundation in public service, Johnston spent two years with the Meals on Wheels program and served as a team leader for the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. She earned a bachelor’s in global studies and political science and is committed to servant leadership and strengthening our democratic institutions.

Jay Gideon is a policy analyst with the Civil and Criminal Justice team, and researches topics related to adult criminal justice such as law enforcement and sentencing.  Prior to joining the NCSL, Gideon spent time in Eswatini, Africa, for the Peace Corps. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree in criminology from Regis University.

As a legislative director, Ben Nasta leads legislative advocacy and engagement strategies for NCSL’s Transportation and Natural Resources, Energy and Environment committees. Nasta comes to NCSL with nearly 10 years of experience in Washington, D.C., working on natural resources, public lands and waters, infrastructure and much more. Passionate about working to improve the lives of people across the country, he is dedicated to strengthening the ties between state legislatures, agencies and their federal counterparts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ithaca College.

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.

Megan Bland supports the efforts of the Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee. Prior to joining NCSL, Bland worked as a policy analyst for the Council Oak, a small women-owned public policy consulting firm. Bland earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and history from the College of William and Mary.

As a policy associate for the Legislative Staff Services Program, Ta’Vion Hampton supports the professional staff associations and state services division. Prior to joining NCSL, he served as the logistics and scheduling coordinator in the office of the governor for the state of Colorado. Hampton is dedicated to promoting democracy and strengthening our state government institutions.