SASFAA State Presidents-Elect Workshop a Success

The nine SASFAA State Presidents-Elect declared the workshop conducted for them on Sunday, February 13, 2005, a success. The workshop was designed to give them an opportunity to meet prior to the SASFAA conference. It was a chance for them to learn more about their responsibilities to SASFAA and their respective state associations as they serve on the 2005-2006 SAFAA Executive Board.

State Presidents-Elect in attendance were: Buddy Jackson, Alabama; Ruth Strum, Florida; Suzanne Pittman, Georgia; Shelley Park, Kentucky; Soraya Welden, Mississippi; Dana Kelly, North Carolina; Nancy Garmroth, South Carolina; Forrest Stuart, Tennessee and Brad Barnett, Virginia.

Guy Gibbs, SAFAA President-Elect, welcomed the group to Atlanta and presented information concerning the role of state presidents and his expectations of their involvement as members of the board. The workshop was developed and led by Carol Mowbray, a former SASFAA President and currently the Director of Financial Aid and Support Services at Northern Virginia Community College. She provided information about the governance and long-range planning process within SASFAA. Others who presented information were: Karen Koonce, who discussed association finances, budgeting and the fiduciary responsibility of the board; and Ron Gambill, who provided information relative to the legislative process in which SASFAA is involved. He also discussed the current status of the student loans. Marcia Weston of NASFAA brought information about College Goal Sunday.

Attendees reported that Lisanne Masterson made one of the most useful presentations. She provided an excellent update on parliamentary procedures and the use of Roberts’ Rules of Order when conducting association meetings. Dave Gelinas, Chair-Elect of NASFAA, spoke to the attendees about the national association and involvement of their respective states. Laura Diven-Brown, current president of MASFAA and a member of the 2004-2005 Executive Board, brought her perspective on how to get ready to serve effectively on the board and recommendations for involvement.

The workshop has become an annual event held prior to the annual conference. The State Presidents-Elect will meet again in June at the SASFAA transition board meeting. Their term on the board will begin July 1, 2005.

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