Beyond the Agenda: Making the Most of WICSEC (or ANY conference)
Monday, October 5, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Mountain Time
Description
The most impactful conference experiences do not happen by accident. This one-hour micro-learning session is designed to help attendees approach the WICSEC Annual Training Conference with clear goals, curiosity, and a leadership mindset. Participants will learn strategies for preparing before the conference, building meaningful professional connections, engaging actively during sessions, and capturing ideas that can strengthen their work and teams back home. The session will also cover post-conference reflection and debrief techniques to help attendees turn inspiration into action. Ideal for both new and returning attendees looking to maximize learning, networking, and professional growth.
The most impactful conference experiences do not happen by accident. This one-hour micro-learning session is designed to help attendees approach the WICSEC Annual Training Conference with clear goals, curiosity, and a leadership mindset. Participants will learn strategies for preparing before the conference, building meaningful professional connections, engaging actively during sessions, and capturing ideas that can strengthen their work and teams back home. The session will also cover post-conference reflection and debrief techniques to help attendees turn inspiration into action. Ideal for both new and returning attendees looking to maximize learning, networking, and professional growth.
Moderator:
Jack Umansky, Gov Tech
Jack Umansky is President and CEO of GovTech Advisors. He has more than 20 years of child support consulting experience and has advised government agencies in more than a dozen states on a wide range of child support system modernization initiatives. Previously, Jack led KPMG’s national child support practice in the U.S. Today, through GovTech Advisors, he continues to work with state and county governments and the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement to advance modernization initiatives. His experience includes strategic planning, feasibility studies, procurement support, project management, business process improvement, requirements development, and other services that help agencies plan and successfully implement child support modernization projects. Outside of work, Jack is a proud dad of two daughters and spends much of his time as a dance dad and youth soccer coach.
Presenters:
Laura Roth (President)
Laura spent 28 years in the child support program in California, before retiring in 2014. She then joined the Consulting and IT firm CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc where she led the Child Support practice, developing solutions for child support agencies and providing consulting. Laura is the 2026 President of WICSEC. Laura remains passionate about the Child Support community and is looking forward to seeing you all in Tucson, AZ, for this year’s training conference.
Ellen Rutledge (HLM)
Ellen Rutledge is a child support leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning legal practice, program operations, consulting, and technology. As a Project Manager with CGI, she supports states with modernization and transformation initiatives. Prior to joining CGI, Ellen served in leadership roles with the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office and YoungWilliams, where she managed child support operations and professional development initiatives. She currently serves on the NCSEA Board of Directors and is a WICESC past President. In 2024, Ellen was recognized as a WICSEC Honorary Lifetime Member. When she’s not talking child support, Ellen can usually be found with a good book in one hand and a new recipe in the other.
Natalie Dillon (HLM)
Natalie Dillon is the Director for the Colusa, Sutter, Yolo Regional Child Support Agency. In January 2021, the three local child support agencies merged to create a single regional agency.
Natalie had been the Director of the Yolo County Department of Child Support Services and previously worked as Deputy Director for the California Child Support Directors Association (CSDA). At CSDA she was heavily involved in the coordination of California local child support agency input in matters of automation, policy, and outreach. She was responsible for the Association’s participation in and development of educational material, training and conferences.
Natalie was just elected to the National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) Board of Directors, is the Past President of the Child Support Directors Association of California (CSDA) Board of Directors and is currently a Board member and officer and is a lifetime Board member of WICSEC (the Western Interstate Child Support Engagement Council) as well as Past President. Natalie previously served as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the children’s home, Progress Ranch Treatment Services for Children.
Natalie has worked extensively in the Human Services arena. In addition to the Child Support Program, areas of expertise include public assistance and employment service programs and programs for at risk youth. She was a part-time instructor for the University of California at Davis, Continuing and Professional Development.
Natalie received the CSAC (California State Association of Counties) credential for County Senior Executives and is the recipient of the 2008-09 American Society of Public Administrators (ASPA) Award for Intergovernmental Cooperation, the CSDA CCSAS Excellence Award and in 2022 received the CSDA Truly B. Knox award.
Kim Westerfield (Arizona Representative)
Kimberley (Kim) Westerfield is the Deputy Assistant Director for Arizona’s Division of Child Support Services (DCSS), bringing over 30 years of public and private sector leadership to the role. Throughout her career, Kim has driven key initiatives across Wyoming, Florida, and Arizona child support programs. Her private-sector expertise includes managing state automated reporting systems for child support and overseeing the implementation of The Indiana New Hire Reporting Program. While in Florida, she led statewide training for major system modernizations and helped pioneer the state’s Administrative Paternity and Support Order Establishment processes. Since joining the Arizona Child Support Program in 2022, Kim has focused on advancing operational excellence in child support administration. Off the clock, she enjoys spending time with her family—including her two daughters and four granddaughters—and exploring the Arizona outdoors with her husband of 38 years.
Maureen Leif (HLM)
Maureen Leif leads with heart, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of partnership to create meaningful change. She brings people together across systems state, federal, tribal, and local to design human-centered solutions that improve the lives of children and families. With a background in law, public policy, and systems reform, Maureen is known for her collaborative spirit, strategic thinking, and ability to spark innovation in even the most complex environments.
A graduate of Purdue University and Indiana University School of Law, Maureen has nearly 30 years of experience working in child support and family law. She has held leadership roles in the Colorado Judicial Branch, served as a deputy district attorney, and worked in private practice. Over the years, she’s been recognized by her peers and partners for her commitment to justice, equity, and cross-sector collaboration.
Today, through Grays Peak Strategies, Maureen advises governments, tribes, and organizations on initiatives that center cultural connectedness, community engagement, and dignity. She is proud to continue supporting the next generation of leaders and changemakers.