7th Annual CSLN Partnership Awards Honor Outstanding Members
The 11th Annual Rhode Island Child Support Conference was held on June 11th, bringing together over 150 child support professionals from across the state. A highlight of the day's agenda was the 7th Annual Child Support Lien Network (CSLN) Partnership Awards ceremony, when Sharon A. Santilli, IV-D Director of Rhode Island Child Support Services and CSLN Administrator, presented the CSLN Partnership Awards with enthusiasm to four recipients in recognition of their extraordinary efforts.
Mr. Neil Collins, Claims Manager, and Mr. Scott Baldwin, Underwriting Manager, accepted the CSLN Partnership Award on behalf of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (EMC). Mr. Collins expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the CSLN program and "see the passion that its members have for their work in providing support for children and families around the country." Honored to accept the award on behalf of EMC, Mr. Collins said, "I know as a Claims Manager for EMC, my claims staff was thrilled when they learned EMC was selected as one of this year's CSLN Award recipients." He went on to demonstrate just how important corporate responsibility is to EMC. Headquartered in central Iowa with twenty additional locations across the country, EMC is focused on enhancing the quality of life in the communities they serve, from the corporate level down to individual offices. For example, the Providence Branch is involved with the Rhode Island Family Shelter, holding events such as Adopt a Family for the Christmas holiday and a food drive called "Harvesting for Happiness." Mr. Baldwin conveyed his appreciation for the child support community when he addressed the audience and said, "Without you, none of this could happen."
Ms. Pamela Harney, Program Director, of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Child Support Division accepted the CSLN Partnership Award for a state member. Tennessee has been a CSLN member since 2001, receiving nearly 17,000 insurance matches and collecting an estimated $2.5 million annually on those matches to date. Ms. Harney said, "It has been a great experience working with the CSLN team...thank you for making this partnership successful."
Ms. Angela Mehnert, Customer Resolution Unit Manager, of the Arizona Division of Child Support Services received the John F. Murphy Memorial Award, which recognizes an individual who exhibits an exceptional dedication to the CSLN program and the partners it serves.
Ms. Mehnert opened with an array of fun facts highlighting the differences between her home state of Arizona and Rhode Island. Distinctions included Arizona as the Grand Canyon State and Rhode Island as the Ocean State, Arizona's population of 6,600,000 compared to Rhode Island's 1,051,511, and Rhode Island's incorporation into statehood in 1790 vs. Arizona's more recent incorporation year of 1912. After describing a number of differences, Ms. Mehnert focused on their shared mission, offering, "What we both have in common is a passion and commitment for the children represented in child support programs." Ms. Mehnert embodies this passion and commitment in her work for Arizona, devoted to improving the State's child support program by pursuing innovative and effective collection methods. As child support departments face challenging budgets and growing caseloads, Ms. Mehnert brought to light Arizona's efforts to better utilize collection tools in a complex environment with a focus on collaboration. She emphasized the successful partnership between AZ DCSS and CSLN saying, "we will increase child support collections as a result of this partnership. We believe we have made the best business decision in sharing responsibility with CSLN on behalf of custodial parents and Arizona's families." CSLN is proud to recognize Angela Mehnert for her spectacular dedication and enthusiasm to her work and the child support community.
The Child Support Lien Network is privileged to partner with these organizations and individuals to help them achieve their visions on behalf of our country's families. Congratulations, and a heartfelt thank you to all the exceptional recipients of the 2015 CSLN Partnership Awards!