
Executive Board
Department of Natural Resources
I am excited to stepping into the role of the Executive Chair for ICSEW. I have spent the last two years in two roles on the board, my first year as the Executive Co-Secretary and second as Professional Development Sub-Committee Co-Chair. I look forward to continuing the momentum that the committee has made as we shifted, post-COVID, into a primarily virtual format with the help of our amazing board and committee members. As I’ve learned in my time on the board of the committee, our success is team effort. I began my service in state service with the Department of Natural Resources 6 years ago, joining the small dive team that monitors the geoduck harvest. Looking to do more in state government, I sought out opportunities for growth, including joining ICSEW as a member in 2021, graduating from an internal leadership fellowship in 2022 and leading our internal Women’s Employee Resource Group in 2023-2024. After four years on the dive team, I was ready to challenge myself and took a temporary assignment over the 2023-2024 sessions as the Legislative Coordinator helping me land my current position as a Safety Officer. As I discovered, all my experience guided me to a place where I was ready for to continue the great work as your chair.
Department of Licensing
Alyssa Woods is a Program Specialist at the Department of Licensing in the Business and Professions Division. Her career with the state began in June of 2022, and her journey with ICSEW as an executive board member followed in May of 2023. After participating in board meetings, the annual conference, and networking events, Alyssa’s passion to serve has only grown. As the current Vice Chair, she is excited to continue being an advocate for the education and empowerment of state employed women.
Washington State Student Achievement Council
Danica Mitchell is a data analyst for the WA529 College Savings Plans, administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council. She has a master's degree in business administration from Western Governor’s University and is currently engaged in furthering her data analyst skills through various learning opportunities, including certificate programs.
Mitchell joined ICSEW in 2018 for professional development and networking opportunities. Through ICSEW, she discovered she enjoys collaborating with others and quickly joined the membership subcommittee. She is pleased to serve as treasurer and looks forward to continued collaboration with ICSEW.
Subcommittee Chairs
PHR, Utilities and Trans. Commission
I currently work for the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) as a Human Resource (HR) Business Partner. Previously, I served on HR teams for the Departments of Commerce and Licensing. With 20+ years of human resource experience, I have a true passion for making the lives of individuals better in everything I try to do.
I have been a part of ICSEW for two plus years. I began my time with ICSEW as a member of the annual conference’s subcommittee focusing on media relations, ensuring that there was an active presence on social platforms pertaining to the conference. Since then, I have joined the Communications subcommittee and am currently the chair.
I live in Eastern Washington, (Richland), with my husband and our three fur babies: two yorkies and one shorkie! My newfound love is everything sourdough! Maybe we could bake together someday?
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Pronounced SHAY-lee BA-toong-BA-call.
Aloha ʻoukou! Hello all! My name is Chalee, and I am the Legislative Coordinator at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). I started with WDFW as a Legislative Intern for the 2019 session and have been on the Legislative Affairs team since then. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences (Biology) with a minor in Environmental Policy. I am currently in school to obtain my second bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Pacific Studies.
I started attending ICSEW meetings in 2023 and am eager to continue building a network and community within the ICSEW. I am passionate about educating others about the legislative process and demystifying how “the sausage gets made.” I am looking forward to co-chairing the Legislative & Policy Committee and bringing my skillset to the ICSEW.
I live in Tacoma with my boyfriend, a rambunctious Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and a mischievous Maine Coon cat. When we are not working, we enjoy going for long walks in our neighborhood, exploring local restaurants and shops, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Employment Security Department
Stephanie works for the Employment Security Department. She holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and electrical engineering. She started her career in the private sector in computer hardware then has worked in state government for about five years. For the last five years she has also been active in the Thurston County Food Project. Stephanie is passionate about bringing merit-based hiring and promotion practices back to our state government.
Office of Administrative Hearings
Connie Becker has been a Legal Administrative Manager at the Office of Administrative Hearings since August 2019 and an ICSEW member since 2021. Prior to state service, she worked as an HR director at Taholah School District and as a Legal Administrator and Paralegal in private legal practices in Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Connie earned a Bachelor of Arts in German from Western Washington University, a Paralegal Certificate from Highline Community College, and an MBA and Master’s Certificate in HR Management from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Department of Licensing
Brooke Nutt is a Regulatory Process Specialist with the Department of Licensing in the Regulatory Compliance, UCC, and Firearms unit within the Business and Professions division. She has been an active member with ICSEW since 2019 and is the current co-chair for the Conference and Meeting Production subcommittee. Prior to her work with the Washington State Department of Licensing, Brooke worked with the California Department of Motor Vehicles for 10 years.
She is married and has 2 dogs whom she loves dearly. She owns a wholesale bakery and supplies baked goods to local coffee shops within her community. She has had an active role with a local non-profit for the last 3 years and most recently was the Board President for a local organization assisting the underserved community within Shelton, Washington.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and of course, baking! She is passionate about helping others and is continually finding ways to improve herself and the world around her.
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Leia Althauser is the Community Involvement and Education Manager for the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). Her team focuses on helping Washingtonians connect and engage responsibly with fish and wildlife where they live, work and play.
2024 is Leia’s fourth year at DFW and in state service. She’s been in ICSEW for almost two years and in July of 2024 she began her role as engagement committee co-chair.
Leia’s personal life and professional career have been shaped by the strong, passionate women who raised her as well as the empathetic and visionary mentors she’s had throughout university and in the various roles she’s held. She hopes to continue to uplift, inspire, and empower women, nonbinary, and allies through her work in ICSEW.
Department of Social and Health Services
I'm Allison and I work for DSHS/ESA/CSD as a Public Benefits Supervisor for the statewide Customer Service Contact Center. My team has a goal of transforming lives of Washingtonian's by determining eligibility for public assistance programs. I graduated from Eastern Washington University.
I have been a part of ICSEW for 3 years and I joined the Public Outreach Committee because I have a passion for helping people grow and achieve their goals and using their strengths.
I live in Eastern Washington with my husband, 2 Newfoundland dogs, and 2 cats. I enjoy spending my personal time making baked goods like breads and pies and being outdoors. I love laughing, watching a good drama or reality tv show, and spending time with my family.