Executive Staff

DSS Executive Staff

Robert H. Thompson

Administrator

Division of Social Services

Robert H. Thompson serves as Administrator of the Division of Social Services, where he provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the agency’s statewide programs and operations. Under his leadership, the Division administers a range of public assistance programs designed to support the health, stability, and well-being of Nevada’s families and communities.

As Administrator, Robert oversees program policy, operational management, and modernization initiatives that strengthen service delivery and program integrity. He works closely with state leadership, community partners, and federal agencies to ensure the Division’s programs operate effectively, remain responsive to evolving needs, and continue to support Nevadans in achieving greater stability and self-sufficiency.  

Kelly Cantrelle

Deputy Administrator

Program and Field Operations

Kelly Cantrelle serves as Deputy Administrator over Program and Field Operations at the Division of Social Services. In this role, she oversees the development, administration, and implementation of the Division’s major public assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid eligibility, the Energy Assistance Program, and Employment and Training initiatives. 

Kelly also provides leadership for field operations, quality assurance, and housing-related initiatives, including programs that support housing stability and nutrition education. Her work focuses on ensuring program integrity, consistent policy implementation, and effective service delivery for individuals and families across Nevada.

Marni Whalen

Deputy Administrator

Human Resources and Division Services

Marni Whalen serves as Deputy Administrator over Human Resources and Division Services at the Division of Social Services. In this role, she oversees the Division’s human resources functions, workforce development initiatives, and administrative support services.

Marni provides leadership for recruitment and hiring, onboarding, employee development and training, programmatic investigations and recovery, and initiatives that support employee well-being and professional growth. Her work focuses on strengthening the Division’s workforce, supporting employees throughout their careers, and ensuring the agency maintains a strong and effective organizational foundation.

Christopher Van Vlack 

Deputy Administrator 

Administrative and Child Services 

Chris Van Vlack serves as Deputy Administrator over Administrative and Child Services, where he oversees the Division’s Information Technology and Information Systems operations, project management, Quality Control and Hearings functions, and Child Support Enforcement and Collections programs. 

In this role, Chris leads the advancement of technology initiatives and operational improvements across the Division, helping modernize systems, strengthen program integrity, and support the effective delivery of services. His work focuses on driving innovation, improving efficiency, and ensuring the Division’s programs and infrastructure continue to evolve to meet the needs of Nevada’s communities.

Crystal Buscay

Chief Financial Officer

Administrative Services

Crystal Buscay serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Division of Social Services, where she oversees the Division’s fiscal management and administrative services. In this role, she provides leadership for budgeting, accounting, cost allocation, auditing, and grants management, including federal reporting and financial compliance.

Crystal also oversees procurement, contract and sub-grant monitoring, caseload projections, and facilities management. Her work ensures the Division’s financial operations remain transparent, accountable, and aligned with state and federal requirements while supporting the effective delivery of programs and services.

Andrew Tucker

Chief Information Technology Manager

Information Systems/Services

Andrew Tucker serves as the Chief Information Technology Manager for the Division of Social Services. In this role, he oversees the Division’s information technology systems and infrastructure, including application development, testing, system operations, and technical support.

Andrew leads efforts to maintain secure, reliable, and efficient technology systems that support the Division’s programs and operations. His work focuses on strengthening system performance, supporting program modernization, and ensuring technology resources effectively support staff and the delivery of services to Nevadans.

Maria Wortman-Meshberger

Agency Manager

Child Care & Development and Child Care Licensing

Maria Wortman-Meshberger serves as Agency Manager for the Division of Social Services’ Child Care & Development and Child Care Licensing programs. In this role, she oversees the development and administration of policies and programs that support access to safe, high-quality child care for Nevada families. 

Maria provides leadership for the Child Care and Development Fund, child care licensing and provider oversight, family support initiatives, and cross-system collaboration efforts. Her work focuses on strengthening Nevada’s child care system, supporting providers, and improving access to services that help families work and children thrive.

Trenton Sheesley

Executive Management Analyst

Division of Social Services

Trenton Sheesley serves as the Executive Management Analyst for the Division of Social Services. In this role, he works across program and administrative areas to support the Division’s strategic priorities, coordinate agency initiatives, and assist in the development and implementation of policy and operational improvements. 

Working closely with Division leadership, Trenton helps align programs, administration, and external partners to advance organizational goals. His work includes coordinating cross-division projects, supporting legislative and policy analysis, evaluating the impact of state and federal changes, and helping guide initiatives that strengthen the Division’s operations and service delivery.

For general inquiries related to Division administration, Trenton may be contacted at tsheesley@dss.nv.gov  

Kristle Muessle

Public Information Officer

Division of Social Services

Kristle Muessle serves as the Public Information Officer for the Division of Social Services. In this role, she leads the Division’s communications efforts and serves as the primary point of contact for media relations and public information. 

Kristle coordinates communications initiatives, supports public outreach and messaging, and assists with legislative and stakeholder engagement. Her work helps ensure accurate, timely communication and strengthens transparency between the Division and the communities it serves.