Hats Off to YoungWilliams Employees

YoungWilliams is committed to serving the child support community both in its partnerships with government child support agencies and in encouraging volunteerism among YoungWilliams employees. “We are fortunate to have a cadre of dedicated child support professionals who really care about the IV-D program, our clients, and the people we serve,” YoungWilliams President Rob Wells observed.

In the year 2008, three YoungWilliams employees were elected to officer or board member positions in child support organizations, continuing the YoungWilliams tradition of serving and supporting non-profit associations that promote the mission and values of the program.

Several other employees and offices were recognized for their achievements. YoungWilliams is proud to highlight the accomplishments of its valued employees.

Cheryl Adams, Deputy Program Manager in Durant, Oklahoma, won a “Best of the Best” award presented by Howard Hendrick, the Director of the Department of Human Services. Durant Program Manager Brenda Kimery stated, “Cheryl is an outstanding contributor to the Child Support Services Division, demonstrated by her commitment to excellence, customer service, and leadership.” The Durant Office also received two Certificates of Outstanding Achievement at the Oklahoma conference: one for Best Improvement in Collections on Arrears Support and another for Best Improvement in Cost Effectiveness for July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008.

Tammy Engling, YoungWilliams’ Trainer was elected to the position of President of the Wyoming Child Support Association (WYCSA). Based in the Douglas Office, Tammy has worked in the Wyoming program for ten years. “ As a trainer, my focus has always been to help child support staff acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their jobs. WYCSA provides a venue for both professional development and networking. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute on a higher level to this worthwhile organization.”

Mary Johnson, Special Project Director, received the first-ever award from the Wyoming Child Support Association for Outstanding Contribution in recognition of her long-term service to the Wyoming program. “This experience has been very humbling,” Mary said. “I am honored to be considered a valued member of the Wyoming child support program.” Prior to joining YoungWilliams in 2008, Mary was the Regional Program Manager for the five privatized Wyoming judicial districts.

Lisa Hinsch, 8th Judicial District Case Specialist in Douglas, Wyoming, was recognized as Outstanding Caseworker of the Year by the Wyoming Child Support Association. Eighth District Program Manager Janelle Burgener said, “Lisa is extremely dedicated to the program and provides excellent service to her customers.” The 8th Judicial District also received the Outstanding Program award. Burgener attributed the office’s success to the staff. “They are passionate about their work, they are all team players, and they truly care about children, our customers, and each other.”

Amy Raymond, Kansas Program Manager, was elected President of the Kansas Child Support Enforcement Association for 2008-2009 after serving on the Board for three years. Amy has worked in the Kansas program since 2002, beginning as a staff attorney and then moving to her current position in 2004. Amy is dedicated to making a difference for Kansas families. “It is the effect we have on people’s lives everyday that keeps me in the program.” In addition to her management responsibilities, Amy still carries a caseload and continues to appear in court on behalf of the Kansas Child Support Program.

Dan Welch, Wyoming Regional Manager, was recently named “Member of the Year” by the Colorado Fatherhood Council for his help with the development of Colorado’s Responsible Fatherhood Grant application, his years of service, and his oversight of numerous publications designed to assist fathers, programs, and communities. Prior to joining YoungWilliams in July 2008, Dan served as the Grant Manager for the Colorado Child Support Program. “Dan is a great asset to YoungWilliams,” said President Rob Wells. “He brings a wealth of experience in fatherhood programs and grant writing that will help us better serve our customers.”

Mary Ann Wellbank, Vice President, was recognized by President Sharon Santilli of the National Child Support Enforcement Association for representing NCSEA as one of the official observers to the International convention negotiations in the Hague, Netherlands. Wellbank also was awarded an honorary lifetime membership in NCSEA for her long term commitment to that organization. After completing her term as Immediate Past President, Wellbank left the NCSEA Board of Directors, but intends to remain active in NCSEA as well as the Western Interstate Child Support Enforcement Association (WICSEC), where she has been elected to a second term on the Board

The YoungWilliams Team at the Virginia Customer Service Call Center shared an award with the Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS) for operation of the statewide call center. Presented by federal Office of Child Support (OCSE) Commissioner Margot Bean, the public-private partnership was recognized for Exemplary Customer Service. YoungWilliams Project Manager John Hale commented, “We are tremendously proud of this award. I continue to be impressed by the caliber of our personnel and their focus on providing a positive experience for each and every customer.”