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In this episode of the “Beyond the Title” series, host Jay Bland sits down with Vangeria Harvey, Acting Director for Alameda County Child Support, to discuss what intentional leadership really looks like in public service. From the “Four Cs” of leadership to navigating conflict with transparency and courage, the conversation explores how strong leaders build trust, influence culture, and create lasting impact beyond their title.
In this powerful follow-up episode, Jay is joined by Laura Van Buskirk, Child Support Director for Placer County, California, to unpack what leadership looks like in practice.
From navigating COVID and wildfires to building trust during uncertainty, Laura shares candid stories about humility, vulnerability, and the daily commitment required to lead well. This episode highlights the human side of leadership—where influence is built through empathy, accountability, and courage.
Key Themes:
Positional Authority vs. True Leadership • Leading Through Crisis • Vulnerability & Self-Awareness • Coaching & Mentorship • Influence for Good
In the 2026 season premiere of GreenCourt Connections, host Jay Bland sits down with leadership mentor and former Army officer Gabe Smith to define what leadership really means.
Together, they explore the difference between management and influence, why chaos is inevitable, and how resilient leaders stay grounded in identity, values, and purpose. This foundational conversation sets the tone for the season—challenging listeners to see leadership not as a title to earn, but as a responsibility to embrace.
In this episode of the Greencourt Connections podcast, host Jay Bland interviews Phyllis Nance, the Director of the Alameda County Department of Child Support Services. Phyllis shares her journey from aspiring to be a news commentator to leading a vital public service. She discusses her passion for helping others, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and successes she has faced throughout her career. Phyllis emphasizes the need for a redefined child support program that focuses on supporting families and building relationships, while also reflecting on her legacy as a leader who genuinely cares for the people she serves.
In this episode of the GreenCourt Connections podcast, host Jay Bland sits down with Tahnicia Phillips, the newly elected State Court Clerk for Cobb County, Georgia. Tahnicia shares her inspiring journey from a Marietta native to a key figure in the legal community, highlighting the pivotal role of mentorship in her career. Discover how her mentors shaped her path and how she now gives back through initiatives like the "Pathway to Justice" internship program. This episode delves into the importance of mentorship, career development, and the evolving landscape of the legal field. Tune in to learn how Tahnicia is paving the way for future leaders and making a lasting impact in her community.
In this episode of the Greencourt Connections podcast, host Jay Bland leads a panel discussion with former IV-D Directors from various states, exploring their unique paths into child support leadership. The panelists share personal stories that highlight the unexpected journeys that brought them to their roles. They discuss key challenges in child support programs, such as administrative changes, budget cuts, and leadership transitions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of efficiency, innovation, mentorship, and succession planning. Their reflections reveal a shared passion for public service and a strong commitment to improving child support systems through their work with GreenCourt. Panelists include, Charles Smith, Cindy Moss, John Hurst, and Lisa Andry.
In this episode, Robin Bishop, Cobb County’s State Court Clerk, shares her journey from aspiring journalist to public servant, highlighting the essential yet often unseen role of clerks in maintaining court records, supporting economic development, and ensuring smooth court operations. Robin discusses her office's innovative solutions during the pandemic and reflects on her commitment to integrity, service, and continuous improvement in public service.
From the publisher's feed
Since 2014, GreenCourt has helped government agencies, justice partners, private-sector professionals and the general public move away from high-risk situations involving paper-based records,…
GreenCourt Connections exists to connect our audience with the people that do important work inside courts and government agencies. Most importantly, GreenCourt Connections will allow the audience to connect with our guests on a more personal level.
Hosted by CGO Jay Bland, this podcast will explore many areas. How did they get to where they are today? What motivates them to serve the public? What are their most important lessons learned along their journey? In each episode, we engage with industry experts, government/ court officials, and thought leaders to unravel the complexities, challenges, and triumphs in the realm of public service.