2025 SASFAA Annual Conference: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

7:30am EST

Continental Breakfast & Coffee Stations

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am EST

Regency Ballroom A-H

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 8:45am EST
Regency Ballroom A-H

7:30am EST

Business Partner & Charity Open

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EST

Pre-Function

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EST
Pre-Function

7:30am EST

Conference Registration Open

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EST

Registration

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EST
Registration

7:30am EST

Conference Registration Open

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EST

Registration

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am EST
Registration

9:00am EST

General Session - FTI & FAFSA Data Use

Monday February 17, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EST

Regency Ballroom A-H

FTI & FAFSA Data Use

Speakers

Dennis Kramer

FSA

Dennis joined the U.S Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) in June 2020 as a senior advisor for the Office of Student Aid Experience and Delivery (SEAD). He joined the FSA’s office of Policy Implementation and Oversight (PIO) as the director of the Policy... Read More →

Moderators

Kevin McNamara

Kailyn Warner

Monday February 17, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EST
Regency Ballroom A-H

General Session

10:00am EST

Business Partner & Charity Open

Monday February 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EST

Pre-Function

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EST
Pre-Function

10:00am EST

Conference Headquarters Open

Monday February 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EST

Registration

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EST
Registration

10:15am EST

Empowering Student Success: Helping Financial Aid Professionals Learn About AI to Increase Productivity

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST

Crepe Myrtle

In the dynamic world of higher education, financial aid professionals are essential in guiding students toward the resources they need to succeed. By learning about artificial intelligence (AI), these professionals can significantly boost their productivity and enhance the support they provide to students throughout the financial aid process.

Speakers

Robbie Melton

Tennessee State University

Dr. Robbie K. Melton, selected as one of the 2024 Top 50 Women Leaders in Education, serves as Interim Provost/Vice President for Tennessee State University Academic Affairs and Vice President of Technology Innovations for the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center, and tenured... Read More →

Moderators

William Carey

Account Executive - Higher Education, Campus Ivy

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST
Crepe Myrtle

Concurrent Sessions

10:15am EST

Financial Aid and Enrollment Management at Community Colleges

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST

Studio 220 B-C

This session explores Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Planning from the community college financial aid office perspective. We will explore the basics of SEM plans, how financial aid fits into the larger SEM discussion, and examples of SEM strategies for community college FAO's.

Speakers

Chad Sartini

Director of Financial Aid, Veteran Affairs, and Records, Virginia Western Community College

Moderators

Tim Young

Business Development Manager, Navy Federal Credit Union

Tim is the Business Development Manager at Navy federal Credit union. He is a veteran with over 20 years of experience directing new product development and management within the education finance and financial services industries. He is the first in his family to earn a college degree... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST
Studio 220 B-C

Concurrent Sessions

10:15am EST

Integration of work and play in the workplace

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST

Dogwood

Let’s explore the intricate relationship between work and play. “Play” doesn’t mean a lack of professionalism but rather the fostering of an environment that encourages creativity, relaxation, and interaction. In this session we will identify the benefits and practical strategies for blending work and play in a financial aid office. We will discuss how the integration of work and play can improve employee morale, reduce burnout, enhance teamwork, and increase productivity. We will discuss how work and play has been integrated into four different types of institutions financial aid offices.

Speakers

Nancy Ferguson | UGA

Director, University of Georgia

Nancy Ferguson is the Director of Student Financial Aid at the University of Georgia where she has worked for almost 25 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from the University of Georgia. Nancy is a Past President of the Georgia... Read More →

Dr. Samantha Hicks, FAAC®

Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Coastal Carolina University

Dr. Samantha Hicks is currently serving as the Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid & Scholarships at Coastal Carolina University. She is in her fifteenth year working in Financial Aid full-time at CCU. Her own personal experience as a low-income student and a work-study... Read More →

Joan Bailey

Director, University of South Florida - Health

Joan Bailey is the Director at University of South Florida’s - Health Office of Financial Aid and works primarily with Graduate and Professional students. Joan journeyed into the world of financial aid in 1996 as a graduate student assistant in the Office of Financial Aid at University... Read More →

Felicia Ailster

Executive Director, Gwinnett Technical College

Felicia brings more than 18 years of invaluable experience in Higher Education. Felicia started her journey in financial aid as a Federal Work Study student during her undergraduate years at the University of Florida. With a distinguished track record, she has held key leadership... Read More →

Moderators

Andrew Weaver

Business Development Representative, KHEAA/KHESLC

Andrew "Andy" Weaver has been involved with the financial aid profession in numerous capacities for over 40 years. He retired from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2014 where he served as Director for 19 years. During his tenure, he was active in state and regional professional... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST
Dogwood

Concurrent Sessions

10:15am EST

Interviewing/Resume Building - Working with a Search Firm

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST

Think Tank

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be in the top financial aid seat? What are colleges and universities looking for in skills, abilities, and experiences to even be considered? And what if they are using an executive search firm to conduct the search? Come learn the answers to all of those questions and more from our very own Christy Pratt, who has worked with and placed several of our SASFAA members.

Speakers

Christy Pratt

Executive Search Consultant, WittKieffer

Christy is an executive search consultant specializing in higher education leadership roles. Throughout more than 20 years in admissions-related leadership roles, Christy has developed an impressive network of contacts across academia that she taps as part of her search activities... Read More →

Moderators

Chris Wandling

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST
Think Tank

Concurrent Sessions

10:15am EST

Program Review- Are your campus partners ready?

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST

Redbud

Are you Ready for It? When it comes to Federal Student Aid Program Reviews, it’s more than just a financial aid thing—this is why we can’t have nice things if the whole institution isn’t on the same page! From admissions to business offices, everyone plays a role in navigating these institution-wide audits. Join us to decode the Style of program reviews, learn how to shake off the stress, and make sure your campus doesn’t end up in a Blank Space. Because when it comes to compliance, it’s a love story... if everyone works together.

Speakers

Emily Haynam

Celena Tulloss

Celena Tulloss, FAAC, serves as the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama. Celena has spent over 20 years in the financial aid field, from leading a small private institution... Read More →

Moderators

Brad Scaggs

Associate Principal, Kennedy & Company

Kennedy & Company is excited to be back with SASFAA this year.Founded over 10 years ago, we are an education focused consulting and technology services company committed to helping our clients solve tough challenges.We are headquartered in Virginia and our team includes former financial aid administrators, admissions professionals, student affairs practitioners, and leaders from the business sector. We once sat where you are, and our varied experiences and full-time roles at Kennedy & Company ensure that we are available even at the busiest times of the year.We collaborate to bring you best-fit strategies and technologies for a holistic solution that ensures success. We focus on:Enrollment StrategyAid LeveragingSuccess/RetentionStrategic PlanningFinancial SustainabilityOrganizational/Operational PlanningDiversity, Equity, and InclusionTech... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST
Redbud

Concurrent Sessions

10:15am EST

We’ve Got a Problem: Decoding Conflicting Information Like It’s 1989

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST

Teal Ballroom

Are you feeling caught in a Blank Space of conflicting information? Does deciphering student records make you feel like you’re stuck in a Lavender Haze? Shake it off and join us for a Fearless journey through the world of conflicting information in financial aid. From resolving dependency status Red flags to untangling those Delicate tax returns, we’ll cover practical tips and strategies to bring clarity to the chaos. Don’t miss this chance to turn your Wildest Dreams of smooth resolutions into reality. By the end, you’ll be saying, “You Belong with Me... in this session!”

Speakers

Dana Kelly

Vice President of Professional Development and Institutional Compliance, NASFAA

Dana Kelly is NASFAA’s very own Fearless leader in professional development and institutional compliance. As Vice President, she masterminds teams dedicated to training, regulatory assistance, certification, and corporate partnerships, ensuring the financial aid world runs smoother... Read More →

Moderators

Rodney Walton

Relationship Manager, PNC Bank, N.A.

Rodney Walton has over 25 years of experience in the financial aid industry. As Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Rodney spends seven years at St John University assisting students in New York before joining PNC Bank as Campus Relations Manager. Rodney has spend the most recent... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EST
Teal Ballroom

Concurrent Sessions

11:30am EST

SASFAA Business Meeting & Awards Luncheon

Monday February 17, 2025 11:30am - 1:30pm EST

Regency Ballroom A-H

NASFAA Spotlight - Kristi Jovell, NASFAA National Chair

Moderators

Bill Ayers

Head Of Campus Development, College Ave Student Loans

Bill is currently the Head of Campus Development at College Ave Student Loans. His higher education finance experience includes management positions at Sallie Mae and JP Morgan Chase. With College Ave, he manages relationships with higher education institutions and financial affinity... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 11:30am - 1:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom A-H

11:30am EST

NASFAA Spotlight

Monday February 17, 2025 11:30am - 1:30pm EST

Regency Ballroom A-H

Get an update on NASFAA activities, professional development and training opportunities, and the volunteer and public policy work of the association. Learn how you can get involved.

Moderators

Tammy Harrison

Blue Icon Advisors, NASFAA Consulting

Monday February 17, 2025 11:30am - 1:30pm EST
Regency Ballroom A-H

General Session

1:45pm EST

The Light We Carry: Finding and Protecting Your Light

Monday February 17, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST

Regency Ballroom A-H

Modeled after The Light We Carry, Overcoming in Uncertain Times. Michelle Obama wrote this book referencing the pandemic as an uncertain time. Let’s use her lessons to keep us motivated and moving forward amid the challenges facing financial aid administrators. Learn what tools Michelle Obama used to help her overcome uncertain times in her life and discuss how we can apply them to our environment to support ourselves, our colleagues, and our students.

Speakers

Kristi Jovell

NASFAA National Chair, Johns Hopkins University

Kristi Jovell, FAAC®, is director of strategic financial aid initiatives at Johns Hopkins University. She has over two decades of experience in financial aid and enrollment management, with a proven track record of innovation, leadership, and strategic vision. Throughout her career... Read More →

Moderators

Karen Gibson

Vice President, Edamerica

Karen Gibson is Vice President of Southeast Marketing. Prior to joining the company in 1997, she was a financial aid director for a collective 25 years at Cleveland State Community College, the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, and Chattanooga State Technical Community... Read More →

Rich Neilsen

Lending Products and Partnerships Manager, Granite Edvance

Monday February 17, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EST
Regency Ballroom A-H

General Session

2:45pm EST

Ask-A-FED

Monday February 17, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EST

Gardenia

A U.S. Department of Education representative will be available to help address individual school Title IV questions and concerns. If you have always wanted to talk with a FED, now is your chance to build a lasting relationship with the federal government.

Speakers

David Bartnicki

Senior Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid

David has worked for the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Office for over 30 years. He has served as an Institutional Review Specialist, Institutional Improvement Specialist (IIS), Branch Chief for Contract Compliance, Federal Training Officer and is currently... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EST
Gardenia

2:45pm EST

Business Partner & Charity Open

Monday February 17, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EST

Pre-Function

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EST
Pre-Function

2:45pm EST

Conference Registration Open

Monday February 17, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EST

Registration

Coming Soon!

Monday February 17, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EST
Registration

3:00pm EST

Becoming a “Fearless” Leader – Cultivating Your Staff and Managing Change

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Crepe Myrtle

In times of uncertainty and upheaval, the ability to manage change effectively becomes crucial for individuals and organizations alike. This session aims to equip attendees working in financial aid offices with valuable insights, practical strategies, and a positive mindset to navigate through challenging transitions with resilience and adaptability. Through interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and experiential exercises, participants will gain the tools they need to thrive amidst change and uncertainty.

Speakers

Heather Boutell

Director of Financial Aid, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Heather Boutell is the Director of Financial Aid at Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville, TN. Heather has worked in the field of financial aid for 33 years, spending the last 6 years as Director of Financial Aid at Vanderbilt School of Medicine. She previously worked as Director... Read More →

Kate Brabandt

Client Engagement Specialist, College Aid Services

Kate’s journey with College Aid Services began in 2019 as a Consultant, where she quickly showcased her exceptional skills and expertise, leading to her current position as a Client Engagement Specialist. In this role, Kate plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless and effective... Read More →

Moderators

Becky Davis

Regional Marketing Director, Ascendium Education Solutions

Becky Davis is a Region Director for Ascendium Education. She has been working in financial aid since 1990. She loves getting to work with schools on a daily basis. Becky has two daughters, one just got married in March...feel free to ask for pictures!! She also has three little dogs... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Crepe Myrtle

Concurrent Sessions

3:00pm EST

Financial Aid Office Operational Calendar

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Redbud

The Financial Aid Office is responsible for many different events, presentations, processes, deadlines, and more. How do you keep track of all of these important items? Join Zita and Amy as they discuss the importance of keeping a financial aid operational calendar and what items you will want to include!

Speakers

Zita Barree

Director of Financial Aid, Hampden-Sydney College

Zita Barree has been the Director of Financial Aid at Hampden-Sydney College for almost 14 years. H-SC is an all-male liberal arts private college located near Farmville, Virginia. She has worked in the financial aid profession in Virginia for over 28 years. She is a former President... Read More →

Amy Berrier

Associate Director of Financial Aid, Central Carolina Community College

Amy Berrier Gerber is the current Associate Director of Financial Aid at Central Carolina Community College. She has been in the financial aid industry for almost 30 years. Amy has served as NCASFAA and SASFAA President and has served on NASFAA's Board of Directors. She has... Read More →

Moderators

Brenda M. Brown

Vice President of Campus Partnerships, College Aid Services, LLC

Brenda M. Brown is the Vice President of Campus Partnerships for College Aid Services. She joined as a member of the leadership team in 2018 after retiring from the University of Miami, where she earned her BBA and worked for nearly 35 years. She assist with recruiting talent, supervises... Read More →

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Redbud

Concurrent Sessions

3:00pm EST

Future-proofing your financial aid office

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Studio 220 B-C

In a world of constant regulatory updates, shifting institutional priorities, and evolving student needs, how can financial aid offices stay ahead of the curve? This session will provide actionable strategies to future-proof your office by focusing on three critical areas: managing staff through times of fundamental change, preparing for and implementing Federal and state regulatory updates, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to support their teams during transitions, develop systems to track and adapt to policy changes, and create an office environment that thrives on innovation. Walk away with tools and strategies to ensure your financial aid office remains resilient and effective, no matter what the future holds.

Ideal for financial aid leaders, managers, and decision-makers, this session is a must-attend for anyone committed to leading their office through change with confidence and vision.

Speakers

Daniel Barkowitz

Assistant Vice President Of Student Financial Assistance And Employment, University of Miami

Daniel T. Barkowitz is the assistant vice president of financial assistance and employment at the University of Miami. He has served 35 years in institutions of higher education. Previous roles include assistant vice president of financial aid & veterans' affairs at Valencia College... Read More →

Moderators

Casey Wallen

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Studio 220 B-C

Concurrent Sessions

3:00pm EST

Navigating R2T4 with Modules: Beyond the Basics

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Dogwood

In this session, we are going beyond the basic R2T4 calculation and diving deep into the module rules and exemptions. Learn how to identify students who do and do not meet exemption requirements and enjoy really specific and weird examples with multiple modules.

Speakers

Jaime Missimer

Director of Financial Aid, Pearl River Community College

Jaime Missimer is the Director of Financial Aid at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi, where she brings almost a decade of experience in financial aid, alongside additional years in various roles within higher education. Jaime currently serves as President-Elect... Read More →

Moderators

Callum Bedos

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Dogwood

Concurrent Sessions

3:00pm EST

Special or Unusual – The New Professional Judgment – What Would You Do?

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Think Tank

Our students are facing special and unusual circumstances that don’t fit neatly into the FAFSA process. PJ is a way to incorporate those situations into the process and provide relief to students. This session will focus on PJ situations and how they might be impacted by the new PJ guidance, presented by a panel and then cross-examined.

Speakers

Kristi Jovell

NASFAA National Chair, Johns Hopkins University

Leigh Ann Hussey

President-Elect, University of West Georgia

Leigh Ann Hussey is the Director of Financial Aid at the University of West Georgia and is currently serving as the SASFAA President-Elect. A native of Mississippi, Leigh Ann held positions at both Itawamba Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before venturing... Read More →

Celena Tulloss

Moderators

Preston Dodson

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Think Tank

Concurrent Sessions

3:00pm EST

Trends in Enrollment that Financial Aid Professionals Should Know

Monday February 17, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Teal Ballroom

This session will focus on the latest trends that challenge those who manage enrollments (i.e. "Enrollment Management" and the strengths that financial aid professionals bring to table. Participants will leave with a better understanding of all that encompasses enrollment management and how, as financial aid professionals, they can be strategic partners who provide creative and data-informed solutions.

Speakers

Forrest M. Stuart, PhD

Vice President for Enrollment Management, Lafayette College

Dr. Forrest Stuart is the vice president for enrollment management at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Prior to assuming this role at Lafayette, Dr. Stuart served as Lafayette’s assistant vice president for financial aid. Prior to joining Lafayette in January 2019, Dr... Read More →

Moderators