Description

A practical, succession-focused learning experience designed to build readiness for executive leadership, statewide engagement, and association participation.

Purpose and Training Outcomes

This training is designed to help Child Support Assistant and Deputy Directors understand the broader leadership landscape they may step into, including association operations, legislative engagement, advocacy, executive communication, and succession readiness. By the end of the training, participants should be able to describe how the association functions, explain how legislative and advocacy priorities are developed, communicate more effectively in executive settings, and assess their own interest and readiness for future director-level responsibilities.

Module 1: Association Purpose and Inner Workings

Provide participants with a clear understanding of the association’s purpose, governance structure, committees, decision-making practices, and role in supporting statewide child support leadership. Emphasize how Assistant and Deputy Directors can engage meaningfully before becoming directors. 

Module 2: Legislative Process and Statewide Context

Explain how legislation moves from concept to implementation, how child support priorities are identified, and how local agencies can monitor and respond to policy changes. Include a practical walkthrough of the legislative cycle and examples of how statewide issues affect county operations.

Module 3: Advocacy and Influence

Build participant confidence in representing child support priorities with internal and external partners. Focus on framing issues, aligning messages with association priorities, preparing concise talking points, and understanding the difference between advocacy, education, and operational feedback.

Module 4: Executive Leadership and Communication

Strengthen the communication conversations Assistant and Deputy Directors need in director-level environments, including briefing executives, participating in statewide discussions, navigating complex conversations, and communicating decisions back to staff. Include practice with concise updates, strategic questions, and executive summaries.

Module 5: Succession Readiness and Career Reflection

Help non-director staff test their interest, readiness, and development needs for future executive leadership. Participants should reflect on what director-level work requires, where they feel prepared, where they need growth, and what next steps would help them build readiness.

AGENDA

Day 1, November 3: Association, Legislation, and Statewide Leadership Context

Day 2, November 4: Advocacy, Executive Communication, and Succession Readiness

Day 3, November 5: Facilitated discussion on future training, peer groups and needs of Assistant and

Deputy Directors. (targeted at more experienced Assistant Directors).

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Michael Smistsky, Executive Director of California Child Support Association

Michael Smitsky is the Executive Director of the California Child Support Association. Prior to his current role, Michael was the Vice President of Government Affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) based out of Washington, D.C. Mike is a licensed attorney in good standing and previously served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Abraham Mendoza, Director of San Joaquin County DCSS

Abe began his career in the Child Support Program in 2008, serving in San Mateo and Sutter Counties before joining California DCSS in 2014. During his time with California DCSS, he held roles in policy, training, change management, and regional leadership, ultimately serving as Regional Administrator for the Northern Region. He also earned his accreditation as a Change Management Practitioner.

In June 2022, Abe became Director of San Joaquin County Child Support Services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Business Administration from Ashford University. Outside of work, Abe enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, drinking wine, and spending time outdoors with his wife.

Ignacio J. Guerrero, Director of Santa Clara County DCSS

Ignacio J. Guerrero was appointed as Director for the Department of Child Support Services by the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors in 2015. Previously, he was the Deputy Director for the Alameda County Department of Child Support Services for three years and was responsible for Department operations. Prior to this, Ignacio served as Deputy Director for the San Mateo County Department of Child Support Services for approximately five years. He has worked in County government for 30 years, with more than 25 years as a Manager in the child support program. Ignacio also worked as a Budget Analyst for the County Manager’s Office in San Mateo County and as a Senior Manager in Administration for the County. He has completed the University of California’s Berkeley Executive Seminar, Stanford University’s Leadership & Transformation Program, and Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State & Local Government Program. Ignacio holds a Bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University. 

He is actively involved with the Child Support Director’s Association and led Santa Clara County DCSS to be recognized as the 2023 CSDA Outstanding Program of the Year. He is married to Liane Peck, Solano County DCSS Director, and together they have a blended family of four.

Vangeria Harvey, Acting Director of Alameda County Child Support Services

Vangeria Harvey is the Supervising Attorney for the Alameda County Department of Child Support Services in Pleasanton, CA, where she manages the Department’s Legal Division. She brings over 25 years of dedicated experience in the Child Support Program, reflecting her deep passion and commitment to serving families.

She is actively involved with the California Child Support Association (CalCSA), currently serving as Co-Chair of the 2026 Legal College and the Managing and Lead Attorneys Forum, as well as a Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee and member of the Policy Review and Implementation Workgroup. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with CSDA’s 2025 Outstanding Attorney Award.

Vangeria has also contributed to statewide efforts, including work with the State DCSS FEM Final Rule Core Workgroup, the Smith/Ostler Workgroup, and other key initiatives. On the national level, she participates with the National Child Support Enforcement Association (NCSEA), serving on the Policy & Government Relations Committee and the Policy Forum Planning Committee.

Before joining Alameda DCSS, Vangeria worked as a Staff and Managing Attorney for legal non-profits in the Bay Area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis. Outside of work, Vangeria enjoys relaxing and spending time with her husband and their two children.

Maria Arzola, Director of Orange County DCSS

Maria Arzola is the Director of the Orange County Department of Child Support Services with over 30 years of experience with the department and in the child support program. She began her journey as a clerical support staff member and advanced her career journey in roles from caseworker, analyst, supervisor, manager, and executive member.  

In her 20+ years of service in leadership roles, her focus consistently revolved around providing the best possible services to families. As Director, she is committed to a holistic service-delivery approach with superior customer service, on securing community resources for parent success, and on developing data-driven practices and policy.  Her vision is to meet customers where they are through use of data, improved service delivery, and developing community partnerships to better serve families.  Her philosophy is that as child support professionals we have a responsibility to simplify complex process to better inform and serve families in need of child support services. She is equally committed to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive culture where staff thrives and grows to provide the best service to customers and to serve each other.  

Maria holds a Master of Public Administration degree and is a graduate of various leadership and executive management programs.

Jeffrey Witthun, Director of Merced County DCSS

Jeff Witthun is the current Director of the Merced County Department of Child Support Services (MCDCSS), ensuring the organization effectively serves the community in protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families.

Jeff has an extensive background in Child Support, both as an Attorney and as an Administrator for county child support programs in Wisconsin and Nevada as well. Jeff served as the Director of the Family Support Division of the Clark County District Attorney’s Office (DAFS) in Las Vegas for five years after serving over five years as the Assistant Director of the organization. Prior to that, Jeff Spent ten years as the Lead Attorney of Kenosha County Child Support Services in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and served seven years simultaneously as President of the Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association. Jeff has also been an NCSEA Board member (seven years) and is a current Board member of CalCSA. Jeff is a well-seasoned expert in child support legal and operational processes, organizational leadership, child support program advocacy, and change management. He has been a speaker at local, state, and national child support conferences throughout the country throughout his career.

Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, as well as a Law degree from the University of Pacific-McGeorge School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in California, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

Natalie Walter, Training Director of California Child Support Association

Natalie Walter began her career in Human Services in San Mateo County after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work, she earned her master’s degree in public administration from Notre Dame University.

Natalie served as the Director of Child Support Services for the County of San Luis Obispo from 2018-2026. Before joining Child Support Services, she was the Deputy Director of Human Resources in the County of San Luis Obispo and prior to that she held several leadership positions in the Department of Social Services.

She holds certification as a SHRM-Senior Manager, is DISC certified, earned her CSAC Credentialed Senior Executive certificate in 2023 and is currently the Training Director for the California Child Support Association.