Presenter Biographies

Diane Robinson, Ph.D, is a Principal Court Research Associate in the Research Division. Since joining the NCSC in 2019, she has led the Center for Elders and the Courts with projects including the Conservatorship Accountability Project, the Guardianship Judicial Response Protocol, Rapid Response Financial Monitoring, Elder Justice Innovation Grants, and the Guardianship and Technology project. She also works in data governance, including data collection, data quality, use of data, and data sharing. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, her M.S. in Education at Indiana University and her B.A. at Texas A&M University. She was previously the Director of Research and Justice Statistics for the Arkansas court system and was also the state director for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Arkansas.

Anthony J. Sena is a native New Mexican born and raised in Santa Fe. Mr. Sena attended the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Finance. Anthony has led the Conservatorship Division within the Office of the State Auditor since December 2019. Prior to this role his professional experience includes spending over twelve and a half years in the banking and financial institutions sector, as well as auditing and examination in the financial technology sector. He has an extensive background in commercial finance, lending, financial management, accounting, and auditing. He enjoys mentoring the youth through volunteer coaching for his son’s soccer and basketball teams and traveling with his two daughters who are competitive all-star cheerleaders.

Heather Connors is the Executive Director of The Center for Guardianship Excellence, a non-profit organization focused on research, education, and support for guardians. She has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in aging, sociology, and qualitative research methods. She is the current president of the National Guardianship Association and serves as an advisor to Public Guardian Services in Massachusetts. She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Gerontology Policy Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston, a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of the Holy Cross.

As Department Head, the Public Guardian provides strong leadership for the department through effective communication with managers and employees to establish short and long term goals. The office of the Public Guardian acts as guardian for protected people’s person, estate or both, upon appointment of the court. I strive to supervise and coach staff within and enriching working environment to reach their timelines and personal goals. Currently, we are working with the leadership team to review policy and procedure, clarify expectations, and develop a strategic plan that will support or attainment of national standards in guardianship.