2024 National UI IB and Federal Programs | Speaker Head Shots & Biographies
Michelle Beebe, Deputy Administrator, Office of the Administrator, US Department of Labor
Michelle Beebe serves as the deputy administrator of the Office of Unemployment Insurance in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. She joined the federal government in December 2019 as director of the Division of Legislation and assumed her current role in July 2022. Prior to her federal service, Michelle oversaw the Unemployment Insurance programs in Utah and then in Michigan –two states of very different sizes and methods of administration. In that role, she chaired the NASWA UI Committee 2017-2018.Michelle also served with the national UI Integrity Center, first as a member of the steering committee and then as a senior subject matter expert in coordinating state intensive services. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science in philosophy and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Utah.
Cicely "CeCe" Bennette, Interstate Program Coordinator, State of Alabama Department of Labor
Cicely (CeCe) Bennette lives in historic Montgomery, Alabama. She has been married to her travel partner and best friend Kingston for 13 years. She has two adult children, Courtne’ and Dorian. In her spare time when she is not working, she loves spending time with her Sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated, line dancing, and traveling. CeCe received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Faulkner University, in Montgomery, AL in December 2000, a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University Montgomery, in Montgomery, AL in December 2010. In 2010, upon the recommendation of a former supervisor, CeCe attended a two-year Certified Public Manager Program in which the State of Alabama agencies afford a limited number of candidates. CeCe completed the program in 2012 and earned the title Certified Public Manager II.
She has been employed with the State of Alabama for over 27 years, in which 22 of those years have been with the Department of Labor (ADOL). She is the Interstate Program Coordinator in which she oversees the best staff ever in the following units: Federal Programs, Redetermination, Combined Wage, IB6 Billing, and Language Interpretation. CeCe has been a member of the NASWA Unemployment Insurance Interstate Benefits Subcommittee since 2021.
She started her career with ADOL in January 2002 with the first call center staff as an Employment Security Representative and has received six promotions during her career. In her different roles, CeCe has gained experience in the following areas: answering inquiry calls, taking claims, conducting fact finding, adjudication, IB6-billing, SAVE, PEUC, PUA and the processing of combined wage claims. She has spent most of her career with ADOL in the role of the Interstate Program Coordinator.
As panelist, CeCe’s knowledge and experience using the IB-14 system in addition to her role in 2018 as a pilot tester in conjunction with other state representatives assisting with the IB-14 enhancement testing, attendees will receive expert knowledge in the IB-14 Request for Reconsideration workshop.
El'Lise Bethel, Benefits Administrator, Florida Department of Commerce
My journey in the realm of Unemployment Insurance has been driven by a genuine love for the field and a relentless pursuit of excellence in Claims Processing. I bring over 13 years of hands-on experience as a Benefits Administrator at Florida Reemployment Assistance. I am thrilled to be a speaker at this conference. Let’s embark on a transformative journey, fueled by knowledge and collaboration.
Michael Burke, Unemployment Compensation Bureau Director, New Hampshire Employment Security
Michael Burke has been with the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security (NHES) for over fifteen years and in his current role as Unemployment Compensation Bureau Director since March of 2018. Prior to that Michael, served as the Assistant UCB Director, responsible for the payment of UI benefits, and as a Benefit Adjudication Unit supervisor throughout the Great Recession. Prior State service includes Child Protection and Juvenile Probation and Parole. In his civilian life, Michael has worn many hats including that of a small business owner. With NASWA, Michael has a passion for SIDES and currently serves as the Chairman of the SIDES Operations Committee and as a voting member of the Unemployment Insurance Committee. Michael is proud to have the opportunity to serve on the SIDES Operations Committee and to assist in its efforts at improving integrity within the Unemployment Compensation System.
Odeva Chamberliss, Programs Manager IV, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
Odeva was first introduced to Unemployment Insurance in 1998 where she worked as a Data Entry Operator keying in quarterly wages for the State of Kansas. After a long venture in the private sector as a Global Service Manager she found her way back home to State Government in 2009. Odeva accepted a position with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission as a Customer Assistance Representative with a mission to gain enough knowledge to lead and be utilized in multiple areas of the Agency. Today she leads a team of eight in the UI Benefits Administration Department overseeing Interstate Benefits, Special Programs and Records. Odeva has also been a member of the IB Subcommittee for many years and serves as the NASWA Region VI Alternate. Odeva believes that being committed to the work that you do will show in the service you deliver to others.
Razanne Chatila, Unemployment Benefits Senior Manager, Arizona Department of Economic Security- Unemployment Benefits
Razanne Chatila is a Senior Unemployment Insurance Benefits Manager from Arizona. She has over 8 years of experience serving Arizonans working in a variety of roles supporting the UI Benefits team from the Call Center, Adjudications, Client Advocate and Special Programs including the Interstate program and UCFE/UCXE. In the last year, Razanne has joined the Interstate Benefits Subcommittee and has been the Region 9 Representative assisting fellow states in connecting, sharing feedback and working together to enhance the interstate program. She has seen first-hand the power of collaboration and communication and strives to find innovative ways to enhance processes to make it easier for not only UI staff but for the claimants and employers that we serve. Razanne has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science- Foreign Affairs and Journalism from the University of Arizona. Bear Down!
Karen Cole, Benefit Program Supervisor, Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations/Division of Employment Security
Karen Cole, Benefit Program Supervisor at Missouri Department of Labor-Division of Employment Security has been with Division of Employment Security for almost 9 years and has served as a Region 7 Subcommittee Member since January 2020.
Jorie Cummis, CEO/COO, NSN Employer Services, Inc. and ValeU NSN, LLC
Jorie received her B.S. in Business from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. While working as a Human Resources Director early in her career, she received her M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University. As a Human Resources Director Jorie oversaw the payroll, benefits, and recruiting functions, as well as employee relations. Managing expenses was a key responsibility and, of her many accomplishments, she implemented cost cutting strategies through management of the unemployment administration program, reductions in turnover, as well as analysis and implementation of new benefit plans.
Jorie then joined NSN where she utilizes her pairing of education and experience to service and guide her clients with effective cost management strategies. Jorie reviews unemployment claim activity regularly and provides knowledgeable and attainable best unemployment practices. From separation and the initial filing of an unemployment claim through the Board of Appeals, Jorie represents her clients’ best interests throughout the unemployment claim process. Jorie currently serves on the Board of the National Association ofUnemployment Tax Organizations (AUTO) and is a voting member of the SIDES Operating Committee.
In 2019, NSN, a leader in unemployment claims management partnered with ValeU Group, a leader in unemployment tax management. Together, ValeU NSN our clients the best-in-class service across all elements of unemployment cost management. Through this partnership, NSN provides a multitude of additional employer services to our clients including WOTC, Verification of Employment, and Unclaimed Property.
Blake Dunham, ICON Technical Lead, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Blake Dunham is the Technical Lead for ICON (Interstate Connection Network). Blake joined NASWA in 2020. His primary focus is to help facilitate the successful transition from mainframe technologies to cloud-native solutions compatible with the Amazon Web Services GovCloud offering. Prior to working with NASWA, his experience afforded him many opportunities to assist with the transformation of heavy technical architecture from traditional solutions into lightweight application logic.
Candace Edens, Director, Division of Unemployment Insurance Operations, US Department of Labor
Ms. Candace Edens is the Director of the Division of UUI Operations in the US Department of Labor. She has worked in the field of Unemployment Insurance for over 28 years. She has worked in the UI field for over 30 years. Ms. Edens has worked in two States, as well as the US Department of Labor Regional Office and the National Office. She currently manages the Division that provides oversight and policy recommendations for the Tax program as well as most of the UI Benefit programs.
Ms. Edens has a Master’s degree in Psychology and Public Administration. She lives in Maryland with her standard poodle, Nala, and her grey tabby, Kit Kat.
Brett Flachsbarth, Director, Unemployment Insurance IT Support Center (UI ITSC), National Association of State Workforce Agencies
Brett Flachsbarth currently serves as the Director of the Unemployment Insurance Information Technology Support Center (UI ITSC) within the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. Prior to joining NASWA in 2021, Brett worked at the Kansas Department of Labor for over 15 years. During his time with KDOL he served in a variety of agency leadership roles, including Chief of Appeals, Director of Unemployment Insurance, Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary. Brett is a graduate of the University of Kansas and Washburn University School of Law.
Aisha J. Fryson, Federal Program Coordinator, Florida Commerce
My name is Aisha J. Fryson, and I have been a dedicated professional serving the State of Florida since 2008. Over the course of my tenure, I have gained invaluable experience in various key units within the Reemployment Assistance Program, including the 412 Unit, Employer Protest Unit, Adjudication, and the FIRRE Unit (Fraud Unit). Currently, I hold the esteemed position of Florida's Federal Program Coordinator, a role I have undertaken since 2018. With nearly 16 years of exemplary service to the State of Florida, I bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and dedication to my work. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and service in my role, ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of federal programs to benefit the citizens of Florida.
Kris Funk, Unemployment Insurance Administrator, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
Kris Funk began her work in the Unemployment Insurance program in Wyoming in 2007 as a Compliance Auditor. Because Wyoming is a monopolistic state this work involved not only Unemployment Insurance but also Workers’ Compensation. She eventually moved on to perform joint tax/premium audits as well. In 2012, she became the UI Tax Supervisor and then in 2014 the UI Tax Chief. Kris started her current role as the UI Administrator in 2021. Through the years Kris served on TPS peer review teams with USDOL and has served on the UI IB Subcommittee. She is currently the chairman of that subcommittee as well as a regional representative. Kris holds Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration and is certified as a Public Manager.
Annette Gordils, Interstate Program Coordinator, Illinois Department of Employment Security
My name is Annette Gordils, and I am the Interstate Program Coordinator (IPC) for the state of Illinois. I bring over 15 years of dedicated service to the IL Dept. of Employment Security (IDES). I am a member of The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) as well as the Regional Representative for Region 5. My dedication to my work has been recognized with the Prestigious Merit for Distinguished National Service Award in 2022.
Scotty Gunther, Keynote Speaker
Scotty Gunther's 25-year overnight success story is an ongoing journey. Born in Michigan, Scotty Gunther is a humorist, comedian, author, speaker, emcee, and award-winning syndicated radio host. His unique combination of original voice, ability to connect, improvisation, innovation, and an authentic view on relationships and life has captured the attention of audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada.
On the radio, Scotty Gunther is hilarious yet insightful and can be heard giving humorous and ridiculous relationship advice to women, and some sensitive men…all two of them. Scotty had the highest (age 18-34) rated top-40 afternoon show in the country before leaving to concentrate on his live performance. Now he can be heard on his "Funny Feelings" with Scotty Gunther Podcast featured on iHeartRadio with over 34 million registered listeners, weekly on My Skating Podcast, and every Monday-Friday 3pm to 6pm on 107.9 CDY in Michigan!
Scotty has written six books, and his viewpoint has been featured in national self-help magazines and newspapers throughout the US. On stage Scotty Gunther has performed at more then 2,000 colleges, corporations, conferences and private shows. He was named the Top Emcee in North America for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 by Gigmasters.com Scotty Can be seen performing his highly sought after program: The Co-Workers' Challenge, Relaughsation, and Show Business Is YO' Business at corporate events and conferences across the country.
Casey Hofland, Benefits Technical Specialist/ IPC, Idaho Department of Labor
I started working for the Idaho Department of Labor in October of 2018. I have worked as a Claim
Specialist, Tax Representative, Claim Specialist Supervisor and now as Benefits Technical Specialist/IPC.
Amy Houck, Claims Center Supervisor and IPC, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Unemployment Insurance Division
I have worked for the WY Dept. of Workforce Services UI Division for 22 years. I started as an unemployment claims taker, then moved to the Special Programs Unit as the FPC and backup IPC, was a SME for our modernization effort, and am currently a Claims Center supervisor and the IPC. I love a challenge. I enjoy learning, problem solving, math, writing, and testing. My favorite role with the Agency has been with Special Programs, dabbling in all things ICON-related, such as IB4s, IB5s, IB6s, and processing Federal and Military claims. In my current role as a Claims Center supervisor (where I still have a lot to learn), I am able to share my knowledge of and excitement for the UI program with the next generation of leaders. There is great joy found in what we do
Megan Laferriere, IPC/FPC, Maine Department of Labor
Megan Laferriere has worked for the Maine Department of Labor- Bureau of Unemployment Compensation since 2012. She started in claims, then moved to TRA, and then to the Special Programs Unit which includes WorkShare, Dislocated Workers Benefits, UCX/UCFE and CWC. She has been the IPC/FPC for the State of Maine since 2021. Megan has 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 turtles and has a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation.
Jann LeVitre, ICON Integration Specialist, UI Professional Services
Jann is one of the founders of UI Professional Services (currently partnered with NASWA to move ICON applications to the AWS GovCloud) working as the product owner of the ICON Cloud Hub applications. Her team recently completed moving all ICON Real-time applications to the cloud. She is looking forward to working with the states as they modernize and upgrade their system to fully take advantage of the benefits of the Cloud Hub.
She has 19 years experience working in the Unemployment Insurance industry as a Project Lead, Software Engineer and Analyst. She has also been the lead developer for multiple ICON modernization projects and has a passion for improving ICON processes to better support end users and the claimants who depend on them.
Judy Mattinson, ICON Director, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Judy Mattinson is the ICON Director for ICON (Interstate Connection Network). Judy has been with NASWA for over 5 years. She worked for the State of Utah in various roles for 20 years, as well as the State of Michigan for a year before joining NASWA. She is responsible for overseeing all ICON operations and modernization
LaTonia Osborne, Federal Programs Coordinator, Alabama Department of Labor
LaTonia Osborne currently resides in Montgomery, Al. She has one daughter, Taelor, and a grandson, Dallas. In her spare time, she enjoys line dancing, spending time with family, and spoiling her grandson. LaTonia received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 2002, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2007, and a Master of Science degree in Substance Abuse Counseling in 2019. All of which she received from Troy University in Montgomery, AL. She has been employed with the State of Alabama for over 18 years, with 15 of those years being with the Alabama Department of Labor. She currently the Federal Programs Coordinator overseeing the Federal Programs unit with the daily processing of UCFE and UCX claims. In her years with ADOL, she has gained experience with taking claims, answering inquiry calls, conducting fact-finding, adjudication, PUA, and PEUC. LaTonia also assisted in reviewing the draft for the ETA 391 handbook and is currently assisting with reviewing the draft for the ETA 384 handbook.
Jim Panek, Supervisor, US Army Unemployment Compensation Program, United States Army
Originally from the Great State of Michigan (GO LIONS). I am a proud US Army retired Master Sergeant with 21 years of Army service. I possess over 13 years' experience with the US Army UCX Program. I began working Army UCX in 2011, and currently serve as the Supervisor for the Army Unemployment Compensation Program. I previously held positions as the Army UCX Team Lead and the Army UCX Claims and Quarterly Billing Statement Analyst.
Jerry Pectol, Director, SIDES, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Jerry Pectol joined NASWA in 2011 as a part-time liaison for the states and employers working to implement SIDES. In 2013, he began as the Operations Director of SIDES before being promoted to SIDES Director in 2014. In this role, Pectol is responsible for supporting a national Unemployment Insurance (UI) system to allow state UI agencies to communicate electronically with employers and Third Party Administrators (TPAs). SIDES commitment includes 50 state UI agencies and 80 of the largest Employers/TPAs that represent over 50 percent of the national UI activity. Other duties include overseeing a $4.6 million budget, directing the development and implementation of the SIDES system in most states, and facilitating discussions at all SIDES training programs with states, employers, and TPAs.
Prior to joining NASWA, Pectol was the Director of Unemployment Insurance for the State of Oklahoma from 2004-11. During that time, he managed many successful UI technology projects including a new Call Center in 2004. He was also accountable for meeting all performance criteria in both UI Benefits and Tax functions are required by the U.S. Department of Labor.
In 1986, Pectol began working for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) and spent 25 years at OESC working as a Claims Manager, Office Manager, Area Manager and Call Center Chief.
Ben Peirce, Vice President, Technology Services & Programs, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Ben Peirce is the Vice President of Technology Services & Programs and a member of the Executive Team at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA).
In this role, he oversees the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES), Interstate Connection Network (ICON), and the Workforce and Unemployment Insurance Information Technology Support Centers (WITSC and UI ITSC).
Prior to joining NASWA in 2018, Ben served the citizens of Wisconsin for more than 25 years in various roles within the Unemployment Insurance Division at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Leah Marie Reeder, UI ICON Subject Matter Expert, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Leah works for NASWA as a Subject Matter Expert for the Unemployment Insurance Interstate Connection Network (ICON). Leah has more than 15 years of expertise in the unemployment insurance field with the state of Idaho. Leah served as both the Interstate Program Coordinator and Federal Program Coordinator for over eight years, while serving as the NASWA IB Subcommittee Region X representative. Leah led Idaho Department of Labor’s ICON team through modernization as they successfully transitioned the mainframe to a web-based platform.
Scott B. Sanders, President and CEO, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Scott B. Sanders has been the President and CEO of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) since October 2014. He manages the association of state administrators who handle workforce training, unemployment insurance, employment services, employment statistics, labor market information programs and veteran reemployment in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and US Territories. The association provides advocacy at the national level for a more effective workforce system, and engages with the US Department of Labor, employers and the public. He previously served as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and was a member of the cabinet of Governor Michael Pence and Governor Mitchell Daniels. DWD managed and implemented training and employment programs for Hoosiers, collaborated on regional economic growth initiatives for Indiana, coordinated the adult education system, and oversaw the unemployment insurance system. He was also involved in the launching of JAG in Indiana in 2007.
Scott served on American Workforce Policy Advisory Board from February 2019-January 2021, and also serves on the boards of the LMI Institute (Chair 2020-2021) and the UWC Foundation.
Scott also has over 20 years of private sector experience prior to his role at DWD.
Scott earned his master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management and his bachelor’s degree from Miami University.
Melissa Schmolke, Monetary/Special Programs Supervisor/IPC/FPC, Montana Dept. of Labor and Industry/Unemployment
Melissa is an accomplished professional with 24 years of experience in Unemployment Insurance. Currently wearing many hats Melissa brings expertise in Monetary areas related to Unemployment Insurance. Throughout her career, Melissa has been dedicated to improving the Unemployment Insurance sector. She has a deep understanding of laws and policies and is actively contributing to Montana’s modernization project. As a panelist at the Unemployment Insurance Conference, Melissa will share her insights on IB4/IB5/Federal Wage Assignment and Transfer, providing valuable perspectives.
Rich Siegel, President, Unemployment Tax Management Corp/AUTO
Rich Siegel is the President of Unemployment Tax Management Corp. Siegel has over 34 years of experience representing employers before states' Employment Security Divisions. Siegel continues to serve current clients as well as sitting on numerous business advocacy committees that relate to unemployment compensation. Siegel also currently serves as President of the national association of Third Party Administrators-The Association of Unemployment Tax Organizations ("AUTO"). AUTO was founded in 1979 to promote, protect and improve the integrity, administration and operation of the nation's unemployment compensation system for all parties participating in the system- claimants, employers and state agencies. In this position, Richard Siegel chairs numerous committee boards, such as Legislative, Standards and State Information Data Exchange Systems (SIDES). Currently, he is a voting member of the SIDES Operations' Committee. In October 2020, Rich was appointed by then Governor Charles Baker to serve on the Advisory Council to lend counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and Secretary of Finance and Administration in their modernization efforts of the Massachusetts On-Line Unemployment System.
In 2022, Siegel received the J Eldred Hill, Jr. Award from National Foundation for Unemployment Compensation and Workers' Compensation. The J. Eldred Hill, Jr. Award is considered the highest award to be given to a leader in the industry in recognition of outstanding service to the Unemployment Insurance System. It is named for the longtime Executive Director of Unemployment Benefit Advisors (UBA).
Rich lives in the Boston area with the love of his life, his wife Beth, and they have 2 amazing daughters, Monica and Rachel.
Nellie Spangler, Senior Business Analyst, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Nellie Spangler is a Sr. Business with NASWA’s ICON Team. Nellie has worked for NASWA since 2019. Prior to NASWA, Nellie worked in various Unemployment Insurance roles over ten years with the Nebraska Department of Labor and during that time served on multiple NASWA policy committees.
Julie Squire, Vice President of Policy and General Counsel, National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA)
Julie Ellen Squire is Vice-President of Policy and General Counsel with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), an Association of workforce agencies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation.
Previously serving as Assistant Secretary for two Divisions with the State of Maryland’s Department of Labor, Julie is passionate about workforce development. Julie started working closely with workforce issues as an Assistant Attorney General in Maryland where she advised both the unemployment insurance and workforce programs for nine years.
A native Buckeye, Julie attended law school at The Ohio State University. Julie first came to Maryland to attend Goucher College, and has lived in Baltimore since 1990. Julie was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Job Opportunities Task Force, a non-profit focused on job opportunities for low wage workers and job seekers in Maryland.
Donald "Vic" Stephens, Program Specialist - Combined Wage Claims, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Vic has been with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development since 2016. He has been specializing in Combined Wage Claims since 2020 and represented TN’s CWC Unit at the 2022 NASWA Conference in Orlando. He attended Western Kentucky University for Music Education and is an active performer in his free time.
Martha Stephens, Assistant Program Manager, Conduent, UI-ICON Hub
Martha Stephens has spent most of her career working at the UI-ICON Hub. She wrote some of the model code that was given to States and conducted training on the UI-ICON applications through webinars and in-person boot camps. Now, Martha helps States test their interstate and federal programs applications as they modernize their UI systems
Tanya Thurman, Unemployment Insurance Manager, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services-Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations
Tanya Thurman has been with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for 22 years she currently an Unemployment Insurance Manager overseeing Special Programs. She is a member of the NASWA Sub-Committee as well as the Trade Program Coordinator and Disaster Coordinator for the State of Ohio.
In her spare time, she loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends.
Tanya holds an Associates Degree In Criminal Justice from Columbus State Community College.
Brad Trummer, ASP Lead & IPC/FPC, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Brad is a Region V subcommittee member. He has 11 years of experience in unemployment insurance and works for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as the Special Programs Lead & the IPC/FPC. He has been on the subcommittee for just over 6 years
Kim Tscharner, Senior Manager, Claims Operations, Equifax Workforce Solutions
Kim Tscharner currently serves as Senior Manager, Claims Operations and oversees the Employers Edge and Federal Unemployment teams with Equifax Workforce Solutions. In her 16 years in the unemployment industry, Kim has partnered closely with employers and state agencies.
