NCSEA On Location

On this episode of NCSEA On Location, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) sits down with Irma J. Neal, CEO and Co-Founder of Onyx Rising, to explore her career journey across public service and executive consulting. Irma shares her heart-centered approach to leadership, breaking down how organizations can resolve workplace distress by investing in people, eliminating "can't" from their vocabulary, and seeking true understanding before taking action. She also offers candid, real-world advice on navigating complex workplace politics, conducting due diligence before taking on high-risk turnaround roles, and knowing when to trust your internal signal to walk away. Tune in for a conversation packed with strategic leadership insights, memorable stories, and practical wisdom for human services professionals at every stage of their career.
Stay tuned for next week’s podcast, Leading with Vision and Courage: Insights with Irma J. Neal (Part 2) where the conversation continues!
You can learn more about Irma J. Neal and her stories on her website at Onyx Rising — Change Is Inevitable. Plan toRise.; on her LinkedIn profile Onyx Rising: Home |LinkedIn or within her book Leading in Chaos: Insights to Lead Through the Storms, by I.J. Neal (available on Amazon).

Welcome back to this week’s episode of NCSEA On Location, coming to you from Idaho, Oklahoma, and Alaska. In this second episode, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) continues the conversation from last week’s program, on tribal child support. He is joined by Marsha Harlan (District Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice for various Tribal Nations; and founding partner in Penn Ridge Strategies LLC), Lilly James (Director, Nez Perce Tribal Child Support Program), Alecia Onzahwah (Director, Kickapoo Tribal Child Support Program) and April Buck (Director and Attorney, Muscogee Creek Nation Tribal Child Support Program). Hear as they continue to share the vital work of their tribal child support programs, exploring topics from tribal sovereignty and cultural in-kind support to cross-jurisdictional cooperation. Stay tuned as we continue diving into Tribal Child Support 101. Listen, as we pick up on the conversation mid-stream.
And just a reminder that November is officially recognized in the United States as National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. Please take the time to learn more.

Sovereignty, Culture, and Community: Tribal Child Support 101 (Part 1)
Welcome back to this week’s episode of NCSEA On Location, coming to you from Idaho, Oklahoma, and Alaska. In this first episode, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) continues an important conversation started at the 2026 Leadership Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky, focusing on tribal child support and healing the divide. He is joined by returning guests Marsha Harlan (District Court Judge and Supreme Court Justice for various Tribal Nations; and founding partner in Penn Ridge Strategies LLC) and Lilly James (Director, Nez Perce Tribal Child Support Program), alongside fellow tribal leaders Alecia Onzahwah (Director, Kickapoo Tribal Child Support Program) and April Buck (Director and Attorney, Muscogee Creek Nation Tribal Child Support Program). Together, these strong women share the vital work of their tribal child support programs, exploring topics from tribal sovereignty and cultural in-kind support to cross-jurisdictional cooperation. Stay tuned as we dive into Tribal Child Support 101 to better understand these unique systems, communities, and traditions!
Please join us next week as they continue sharing. In case you weren’t aware, November is officially recognized in the United States as National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. Please take time to check this out, and learn more.

In this episode of NCSEA On Location, host Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting) is joined by Tanguler Gray, Michele Christello, Alexandra Popescu, and John Hurst to preview the upcoming NCSEA U at the 2027 Policy Forum. The guests break down what attendees can expect from this premier leadership development event, including instructor highlights, core session themes, and how the program seamlessly flows right into the main Policy Forum. Hear expert tips on crafting a competitive application, securing supervisor approval, and why you or a colleague should join this invaluable professional growth experience.

For more information: NCSEA U | NCSEA
To apply: 2027 NCSEA U Policy Forum Application Survey

Step behind the scenes of NCSEA conferences in this episode of NCSEA On Location, hosted by Tim Lightner (Courtland Consulting). Interim Executive Director Beth Knight and Professional Development and Communications Manager Brianna Nesbitt reveal the high-stakes, behind-the-scenes world of the association's conference "Command Center." Also joining are LaTrese Wallace (NCSEA Senior Manager of Fundraising and Partnerships) and Amalia Paul (NCSEA Senior Coordinator of Association Services). From managing unexpected last-minute room swaps and frantic venue logistics to handling personal emergencies on the fly, this conversation uncovers the dedication required to deliver a seamless attendee experience. Tune in to discover the unseen teamwork, caffeine-fueled mornings, and meticulous coordination that keep NCSEA events running effortlessly.