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Kate Thomas elected chair as DIDS updates staff, forms and new Carson City office
Summary
At its June 26 meeting the Department of Indigent Defense Services board elected Kate Thomas chair, confirmed department staffing updates including Deputy Director Homa Sayyar and announced a move to a new Carson City office and new billing forms intended to speed payments.
Kate Thomas was elected chair of the Nevada Department of Indigent Defense Services board on June 26, following a unanimous vote by board members. Dave Mendiola was elected vice chair in a separate unanimous vote.
Executive Director Peter Handy introduced Deputy Director Homa Sayyar, who told the board she started in May and that she brings recent purchasing experience aimed at improving departmental efficiency. Handy thanked temporary staff who are departing and noted returning staff who worked the 2025 legislative session.
Handy also announced the department has moved to office space at 751 Basque Way in Carson City and said the site will support trainings with multiple presenters and small groups. He told board members that the department has rolled out new billing forms and guidelines, and that additional internal policies and procedures are being reconciled with those adopted from other agencies to make payments more efficient.
Board members asked questions about the new materials and the transition; Handy said staff will troubleshoot any problems that arise during rollout. The board took no additional action on the operational items beyond accepting reports and moving to subsequent agenda items.
The board set future meeting dates and agreed to a staff-led effort to resolve an outstanding qualifications appeal administratively before scheduling a special meeting. The session adjourned at approximately 2:38 p.m.
