Leadership Team
Stephanie Parson
CEO
Stephanie Parson brings decades of public finance experience to her role as President and CEO, where she leads the company’s ESOP with strategic vision and a strong commitment to developing the leaders behind its success. Her career includes the formation and administration of special financing districts, as well as extensive fiscal impact and feasibility consulting that has helped shape communities and inform critical decisions across the industry. Stephanie combines technical expertise with a collaborative approach that empowers teams to thrive. Outside of work, her family is her foundation, and together they embrace every “ing” challenge they can find—especially hiking, skiing, and camping.
Sara Mares
COO
Sara Mares is the Chief Operating Officer at NBS, where she provides strategic leadership and operational guidance that helps teams deliver exceptional public finance solutions. She began her career as an entry-level financial analyst and advanced through the organization to her current executive role, shaping her strong commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. With more than 25 years of experience, Sara supports complex engagements involving special financing districts and property-related fees, and she serves as NBS’ Municipal Advisor Principal. She is focused on strengthening internal processes, developing talent, and maintaining the high standards clients expect. Outside of work, Sara enjoys gardening, reflecting her belief in cultivating strong foundations for long-term success.
Greg Davidson
Director
Greg Davidson serves as Managing Director at NBS, helping guide the firm’s direction across district management consulting while overseeing the development team and technology initiatives and advising public agency clients. He is a Registered Municipal Advisor (Series 50). Since joining the company in 1998, Greg has helped public agencies navigate complex financing and revenue challenges, including district administration, financial transparency and compliance, the formation of bonded and non-bonded CFDs, and complex revenue bond refundings involving multiple local obligations. Known for his collaborative leadership style and practical, solutions-oriented approach, Greg is passionate about building strong teams and helping communities thrive. Outside of work, Greg enjoys volleyball, golfing, and spending time with his family.
Danielle Wood
Director
Danielle Wood is a communications and client engagement leader at NBS who specializes in public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications for local government initiatives. Through her work with the CivicMic.com platform, Danielle helps agencies navigate complex community conversations related to assessments, utility funding, business improvement districts, and public infrastructure projects. She is known for building collaborative relationships, creating clear and approachable messaging, and helping communities better understand programs that shape their future. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys camping and exploring the Arizona desert, and she brings that same sense of connection and adventure to the meaningful experiences she creates for others.
Nicole Kissam
Director
Nicole Kissam serves as Director of Financial Consulting at NBS, where she helps local governments develop and defend the financial frameworks that fund their communities. Her work includes development impact fees, user and regulatory fees, cost allocation plans, and indirect cost rate proposals, providing agencies with clear analysis to support equitable and defensible funding decisions. Known for her direct approach and practical problem-solving, Nicole brings clarity to complex areas of public finance. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, spending time in the desert landscape near her home in Joshua Tree, and attending live performances by her musician husband.
Amanda Welker
Associate Director
Amanda Welker brings more than a decade of public finance experience, with expertise in data analysis, financial planning and auditing, budgeting, and both people and project management. As a registered Municipal Advisor Representative, she is committed to delivering accurate, thoughtful guidance that supports sound fiscal decision-making. Amanda is known for her analytical rigor and ability to turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insights. Outside the office, she is an avid runner and fiction reader, and a proud marching band mom.
Honoring One of Our Founders
Back in 1996, Chuck Levine was a founding member of the NBS team. Working from the San Francisco office, he was an integral part of growing the firm in those early years, delivering relentless client services as well as fulfilling marketing and sales functions. He wrote proposals, attended conferences, and established a high level of integrity with clients and industry professionals. Likeable and sincere, clients trusted him—he gave his word and NBS delivered on his word. Chuck embodied what made NBS successful: integrity, perseverance, dedication, and extraordinary client service skills. He defined a work ethic that NBS upholds today.
A loving husband, father, and hands-on family man, Chuck did not sit still; he looked for new ways to grow and engage personally and professionally: a hard worker, avid reader, bike enthusiast, and world traveler; he even began piano lessons in his 50s.
In November 2003, Chuck passed away, but his legacy continues. In 2004, NBS established the Chuck Levine Award to honor his abiding contribution and to ensure that the story of our beginning, and the man who shaped it, endures. This annual award is given to the NBS employee—nominated by staff—who exhibits Chuck’s attributes and qualities. If you stop by the home office, you will see a plaque displaying Chuck’s photo and the engraved names of those at NBS who have earned his eponymous award.
Jordan Taylor
We pay tribute to our esteemed colleague, Jordan Taylor, who passed away on July 1, 2023, due to injuries she suffered during a triathlon in San Diego. Jordan’s adventurous spirit took her to beautiful and far-flung places across the globe. She had a deep affection for animals of many kinds and was also a passionate equestrian. Jordan lives on through her loving family and large community of friends and colleagues. In her work life with us at NBS, she was a valuable member of the team, contributing to many efforts working for local governments across the State.
Accountant Auditor at County of Madera*
I have to say, you are the most helpful person I have had the pleasure of working with. You are a rare species... You have no idea how much you have helped.
Finance and Administrative Services Director at City of Saratoga
You are such a great comrade-in-arms for every aspect of work we had. You are so knowledgeable, patient, and calm. I truly enjoyed working with you more than any other consultant in my entire career. If you need a reference for anything, I'm happy to give you a stellar one.