The Legislative Service Agency (LSA) Directors Group encompasses the executives who provide all administrative, staffing, and research services for the legislative bodies in the 15 Southern states.
This group coordinates and hosts CSG South’s Government Staff Tracks which provide relevant training and professional development opportunities for each and every executive, legislative, and judicial government staff – all in one place: the Southern Legislative Conference. Topics under the group’s purview include bill drafting, committee staffing, membership services, information technology, staff management and training, professional ethics, and more. In addition, the LSA Directors select and present the Carter/Hellard Staff Excellence Award to a legislative staff member in the South who has demonstrated distinguished service to their state’s legislature.
“This is only my second meeting, but both times I came back to the office with ideas and tips to make me more effective in my position and information on current workplace trends. It also helped me to bounce challenges I have off other directors who have had similar staff/legislator experiences. It’s a “safe” place to talk out loud about things you can not say when everyone knows the players.”
– LSA Meeting Participant
Program Chair
Cindy Kadlec
2024-2025 Chair
House Majority Counsel, Missouri
Program Liaison
Angel Touwsma
Director of Marketing & Programs
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2024 Fall Meeting
In September, fifteen Legislative Service Agency directors convened in the iconic city of St. Louis, Missouri, for the annual LSA Fall Meeting. This gathering was a hub of collaborative spirit, where directors tackled common challenges encountered in their roles, sharing innovative solutions and strategies. The discussions were particularly focused on the advancements of the Staff Alliance for Intergovernmental Leadership (SAIL) Committee and Task Forces buildout, alongside exploring various Government Staff Track topics for SLC 2025.
The meeting was enriched by insightful presentations from two distinguished speakers. Jay McChord illustrated the generational divides within the workplace, offering strategies for fostering effective
communication across different age groups. Lauren Hieger, on the other hand, delved into the nuances of impactful communication, providing attendees with valuable techniques for enhancing their
messaging.
And of course, no visit to St. Louis would be complete without experiencing its hallmark attraction, the Gateway Arch. This monument not only stands as a symbol of western expansion but also offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. This successful meeting was made better by LSA Directors Group Chair – Cindy Kadlec. Thanks to her and the Show-Me-State of Missouri for being great hosts.
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2023 Fall Meeting
Eleven Legislative Services Agency (LSA) directors from seven states gathered in Bentonville, Arkansas, for the LSA Fall Meeting, held Sept. 19-21, 2023. The group reviewed the significant progress made in engagement and participation over the past two years and discussed the ongoing development of the Staff Alliance for Intergovernmental Leadership (SAIL) Committee and Task Forces build-out. They also outlined action items for continued engagement, 2024 meetings, and SLC 2024 Government Staff Track topics.
Meredith Lowry, an intellectual property attorney, presented Bias in the Machine: A Dive into the Implications of an AI World to address artificial intelligence concerns raised during the LSA Directors Group meeting at SLC 2023. Workforce development expert Joe Rollins of the Northwest Arkansas Council spoke about recruitment and retention challenges, offering solutions such as non-traditional schooling and registered apprenticeships.
The event included visits to Bentonville landmarks such as the Walmart Museum and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It concluded with a roundtable discussion led by Michael Lindsey, Walmart’s director of government affairs.
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2022 Fall Meeting
The first-ever LSA Directors Fall Meeting took place in Louisville, Kentucky, with a focus on establishing a clear path forward for the group. The meeting, held in 2022, brought together Legislative Services Agency directors to accomplish three main objectives: to create a build-out and recruitment plan for the newly established Staff Alliance for Intergovernmental Leadership (SAIL), to discuss the group’s direction for 2023 and beyond, and to brainstorm potential topics for the Government Staff Track at the 2023 Southern Legislative Conference (SLC).
The meeting achieved all three goals, marking a significant step forward for the group. Participants collaborated to shape the future of SAIL, a committee designed exclusively for staff from all three branches of state government. They also laid the groundwork for upcoming programming and identified ways to strengthen the group’s engagement and membership.
In addition to productive discussions, attendees explored the cultural highlights of Louisville, including a full day at Churchill Downs and a visit to a local bourbon distillery. The event symbolized a revitalization of the LSA Directors Group, which has been a part of the Southern Legislative Conference for decades.
This successful inaugural meeting set the stage for a reinvigorated approach to leadership, programming, and collaboration, ushering the LSA Directors Group into an exciting new chapter.
