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Description

Join us for an insightful webinar focused on navigating leadership transitions within the child support program. This session will bring together program experts and seasoned leaders to discuss best practices, challenges, and strategies for effective leadership succession. Participants will learn about preparing teams for change, maintaining program continuity, and fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability. Ideal for current and emerging leaders, this webinar will provide practical guidance on ensuring smooth transitions that support both program success and the well-being of the families served.

Panelists:

Kristen Donadee, Director of California Department of Child Support Services

Kristen is the Director for the California State Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) and has been with the department since 2009.  She started her child support career as an attorney with a local child support agency.  Kristen has served in various legal roles at DCSS including Chief Counsel and was appointed as Chief Deputy in 2020. In 2024, Kristen has been appointed as the Director of the California Department of Child Support Services.

Kristen enjoys collaborating on efforts to serve parents and children and is happiest when she gets to dream up big new ideas.

In her free time, Kristen enjoys running, travel, reading, and trying to keep up with her kids, who are 12 and 6.

Jamie Murray, Director of Santa Cruz/San Benito Regional Department of Child Support Services

Jamie Murray holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology from Cal State Hayward and a Master’s in Public Administration from Cal State East Bay University. With over 32 years of experience in the child support field, Jamie currently serves as the Director of the Santa Cruz/San Benito Regional Department of Child Support Services (DCSS).

Her career began in Contra Costa County as a case worker, followed by eight years at the State of California, where she excelled in roles such as Senior Business Analyst and Enterprise Project Manager for State DCSS. Jamie transitioned to managing local child support agencies, previously directing Sutter County DCSS before taking on her current role.

An active member of the California Child Support Directors Association (CSDA), Jamie has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors, including as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. Her involvement has deepened her commitment to the child support profession and enhanced her leadership skills.

Marcus Mitchell, Director of Ventura County Department of Child Support Services

Marcus Mitchell has over 37 years of experience in the child support program. He served at both the local and state child support program and in automation and technology. Marcus currently serves as the Director for the Ventura County Department of Child Support Services. Prior to joining Ventura County, Marcus served as the director for Kern County DCSS and as a Regional Administrator for the California Department of Child Support Services. This year Marcus serves as the President of the Child Support Director’s Association.

Marcus has many years of experience working in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion community throughout California. He is passionate about ensuring our society moves to a place where race no longer presents itself as a barrier to people of color and where justice and accountability prevail. Marcus is a member of the Ventura County Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council. Prior to coming to Ventura County Marcus was the chair of the Kern County Human Relations Commission.

Marcus earned a B.S. degree in Management and Ethics at William Jessup University after receiving an Associate of Arts degree in Administration of Justice from Sacramento City College and an Associate of Arts degree in Christian Studies from Trinity Life Bible College. He is a member of the state and national child support associations, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Child Support Director's Association. While Marcus enjoys working in the child support program, his first love is being a father to his three beautiful daughters Victoria 18, Ava 15 and Sarina 13. Marcus is happily married to his best friend and soul-mate Sara. In his spare time, he enjoys RV camping, deep sea fishing, dancing Hula and vacationing in Hawaii.