In April, Systems & Methods, Inc. (SMI) lost not just a leader but a pillar of our family with the passing of Lou Hall, our former Chief Operating Officer. As we reflect on her remarkable life, we honor the legacy she leaves behind — one marked by unwavering dedication, deep compassion, and a transformative impact on the child support program and the families we serve.
Since joining SMI in 2000, Lou became an indispensable force in the company’s journey and success. She played a central role in the development and growth of our State Disbursement Units (SDUs), shaping them into the gold standard they are today. Lou’s commitment to excellence was not just a professional hallmark — it was a personal mission. She exemplified what it means to “go the extra mile,” tirelessly pushing herself and those around her to achieve more, aim higher, and deliver better outcomes for the families who rely on our services.
Her sharp insight, strategic leadership, and exceptional work ethic were foundational to SMI’s progress over the past 25 years. Whether spearheading major projects, leading complex implementations, or solving critical challenges, Lou left her fingerprints on every success story we proudly tell today. Her influence went beyond technical achievements — she nurtured a culture of quality, accountability, and relentless improvement that continues to shape our team.
Lou’s passion for the child support program was palpable and contagious. She understood, at the deepest level, that behind every process and policy were real families — parents and children depending on timely, accurate, and compassionate service. Her drive to serve these families was more than professional; it was personal. She inspired everyone she worked with to see the bigger picture and to remember the human impact of our work.
Because of Lou’s leadership, countless families across the country have benefited from stronger, more efficient, and more responsive child support systems. Her contributions to the field have advanced not only SMI but the entire child support community, raising the bar for service delivery nationwide.
Beyond her professional contributions, Lou was a cherished mentor and friend to so many within the SMI family. She had a rare gift for uplifting those around her — bringing out their best work, offering a kind word when it was needed most, and sharing wisdom drawn from years of experience. Her laughter could brighten even the toughest days, and her generosity of spirit touched all who knew her.
Lou’s compassion, thoughtfulness, and humor created a workplace where people felt valued and supported. She understood the importance of connection, and she infused every interaction with warmth and care. Her presence will be profoundly missed — not only for what she accomplished but for who she was.
As we mourn the loss of Lou, we also celebrate the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind. Her example challenges us to continue her work with the same passion, dedication, and heart that defined her career. We honor Lou not only by remembering her but by striving every day to live up to the high standards she set and to serve families with the same excellence she championed.
To Lou’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with her: we share in your grief and extend our deepest sympathies. We are grateful for the time we had with Lou and for the indelible mark she made on our company, our mission, and our hearts.
Rest in peace, Lou — your legacy lives on in all of us.
“For 25 years, Lou Hall played a pivotal role in SMI’s success and was a cherished member of this remarkable community. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, ability to uplift those around her, and passionate dedication to serving families were truly inspiring. Lou’s legacy will forever be woven into our story and held in our hearts. We will continue to celebrate her contributions and support the incredible organizations she championed.”
— Bill Stone, CEO, SMI
"I’ll never forget the first time I met Lou Hall. We were in the throes of our first SDU — North Carolina! It was definitely a challenge. We literally ran into each other in the hallways up there and I asked her, 'Well, can you help us?' Her reply was, 'I don’t know — Lordy Lord, ya got one big mess!' Well, she did more than help us: she was a Godsend!
No one else will ever come close to doing what Lou Hall has done for SMI, Child Support and all the families we serve in this great nation. We THANK YOU, LOU! A job well done!!!"
— Joe Stone, Executive Chairman, SMI
“Lou Hall was a truly remarkable leader whose intelligence and unwavering dedication set her apart. She had an extraordinary ability to solve problems with clarity and precision, often uncovering solutions others couldn’t see. Lou offered critical direction at the moments it mattered most, guiding us with a steady hand and a clear vision. Above all, she led with the child support program at heart — always keeping families and children at the center of every decision.”
— Lisa Skenandore, VP, Business Development, SMI
“Lou Hall was my first boss at SMI as a full-time employee, and she was a true mentor. She always pushed me to go the extra mile for our Team, our Partners, and the Families we serve. Lou was the iron that sharpened each of us. She made us and SMI better. Lou, we thank you for all that you did for SMI, for all of us, and for all the families we serve.”
— Bo Stone, Chief Strategy Officer, SMI
“I was fortunate enough to first collaborate with Lou Hall during the NC ACTS implementation in my role as county child support supervisor. Our actual working relationship began a couple of years later — an astonishing 28 years ago! Wow, it seems like it was yesterday. When asked to put into words what Lou meant to me and my personal and professional growth, I thought, how much time do you have? In the interest of brevity, let me say that working with Lou was the ultimate privilege. Under her leadership I learned and grew so much. She was a visionary who possessed the unique ability to assess, solve, and implement a plan of action for any problem or project.
Lou Hall was one of a kind and will be forever missed. Her spirit will live on through the many people she led and projects she oversaw throughout the entire country. I am eternally grateful to remember Lou as my friend and that I was a small part of her great legacy.”
— Gwen Neely, Former VP, Child Support Services, SMI
“I worked with Lou in various capacities for 33 years. I will always remember her as what the theatre world refers to as a triple threat: someone who is extraordinarily talented in multiple areas. Lou had high emotional intelligence, was a skillful operations person, and was the consummate businessperson. But more important than those gifts, Lou was fair and humble. She always looked out for everyone and made sure they were treated with respect and fairness. When it came to her position in the company, Lou once shared with me that she didn’t like being introduced as the Chief Operating Officer. She just wanted to be known as Lou Hall.”
— Jerre Taylor, Former Director, SMI
“I knew Lou Hall when I was a programmer working on ACTS, the NC Child Support system. Lou was a Functional Team leader. Her personal touch and quiet strength left a profound and lasting impression on me. She wasn’t just a great leader — a mentor who inspired others, a confidante who carefully listened, and a friend whose presence brought comfort and hope. The passion and integrity she carried so effortlessly will forever remain a part of those who had the honor of learning and helping a great cause. Rest in peace, dear Lou. You will forever be remembered with love and gratitude.”
— Vinayak Ankolkar, Director, Child Support Services, eWorld Enterprises
