Courtland Consulting Reflects on an Inspiring ERICSA Conference

The recent annual conference hosted by ERICSA brought together child support professionals, leaders, innovators, and partners from across the country for a week filled with learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Courtland Consulting was proud to actively participate in many aspects of the conference and celebrate the child support community.

Courtland Consulting Vice President Sharon Pizzuti played an active leadership role throughout the event. Sharon assisted with conference planning as a member of the ERICSA Board and was honored to be elected as the organization’s new President-Elect. In this role, she will support incoming President Ray Civitella of Veritas HHS while also leading planning efforts for the coming year’s conference and initiatives.

The conference opened with a powerful and heartfelt ceremony that reflected the spirit of partnership and inclusion that defines ERICSA. Wisconsin leadership, including Connie Chesnik and the host team, demonstrated exceptional hospitality and vision throughout the event. Attendees were especially moved by the beautiful drum circle performance presented by a local tribal school, which set a meaningful tone for the week ahead. The opening keynote speaker shared a deeply personal and painful life journey that challenged perspectives, touched hearts, and inspired attendees to think differently about resilience, compassion, and service.

An important milestone was also reached during the conference as ERICSA members unanimously approved new bylaws and articles of incorporation. This achievement establishes a strong governance foundation that will support the organization and its mission for many years to come.

Throughout the week, Sharon participated in several impactful sessions. During the Women in Leadership Speed Mentoring event, she enjoyed listening to phenomenal women, and one courageous man (way to lead Sharmain) openly share their leadership journeys, the challenges they navigated, and the encouragement they offered to those currently facing obstacles of their own.

Sharon also served as a Gen X panelist during a lively discussion on workplace ethics and practices across generations. The conversation explored evolving perspectives on leadership, communication, technology, and workplace culture. Sharon shared her thoughts on topics ranging from cell phone usage in the workplace to building trusted, independent teams that operate more like entrepreneurs than traditional staff. She emphasized that technology, when used thoughtfully, can strengthen relationships, increase capabilities, and create positive outcomes for both organizations and the families they serve.

One of the conference’s most powerful sessions was “Meet Us at the Barbershop,” coordinated by Sharon and focused on meeting parents where they are in the community. The panel recreated a live-action barbershop experience on stage and shared real stories demonstrating how child support agencies can successfully engage fathers and families in trusted community spaces. In this example, a neighborhood barbershop serving many fathers became a hub for support services, including access to child support staff, a payment kiosk, and even a health clinic, all centered around improving outcomes for children and families.

Courtland Consulting also greatly appreciated plenary speaker Sharmain Harris and his inspiring message about helping fathers rise above the odds and his story of going from the cage to the stage changed the atmosphere and filled attendees’ hearts and minds. Additional highlights included sessions focused on autism and neurodiversity, which encouraged attendees to broaden perspectives and better understand the diverse experiences of the families and colleagues they encounter every day.

Leadership development was another major focus of the conference through ERICSA Next, a new initiative designed to strengthen mentoring, leadership support systems, and educational opportunities for current and future leaders. Sharon proudly served on the ERICSA Next launch committee and looks forward to helping the initiative continue to grow and support members across the country.

Another memorable session was “Pearls and Pitfalls,” an interactive discussion where Sharon joined others in reflecting on leadership, growth, and vulnerability. The session reminded attendees that people navigate challenges as best they can based on where they are in each moment, and that meaningful growth often comes through embracing change, even when it is difficult.

The deliciously cheesy IJ Fair once again proved to be a conference favorite. This expo-style event brought together tribal, local, state, and federal child support professionals to exchange information, build relationships, and strengthen the necessary connections to better serve families navigating interstate and interjurisdictional cases.

The conference concluded on a high note with the always-entertaining “ERICSA Squares,” a game-show-style wrap-up led by Rob Velcoff that has become a beloved ERICSA tradition. Board members dressed as famous personalities and answered trivia questions while attendees earned prizes and learned about important legislation, policy developments, and child support practices in a fun and engaging format.

Courtland Consulting’s Scott Eder represented the company at Exhibitor Booth #1 with his trademark personable approach, creating valuable connections and conversations that will help shape future collaborations and opportunities. Scott also facilitated a popular giveaway featuring a Milwaukee Brewers jersey and mug prize package.

As the conference came to a close, attendees left energized, inspired, and reminded of the incredible commitment shared across the child support community to improve outcomes for children and families.

Until next time, ERICSA — we look forward to seeing everyone in Mobile, Alabama, May 2-6, 2027!