Alabama State Report
Buddy Jackson, AASFAA President

The AASFAA Spring 2006 Conference was held April 11-14, 2006 at the beautiful Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, Alabama. The conference theme was “How’s Your Financial Aid DNA?—Dedication kNowledge Attitude".

I was fortunate to have Shannon Cross, AmSouth Bank, and Jonna Gibson, Regions Bank, as my Spring 2006 conference chairs. Shannon and Jonna, along with her committee members, did an outstanding job planning a very educational array of concurrent sessions, as well as three general sessions.

The Department of Education provided us with Ms. Deborah Tarpley, Denver, CO, and Yolanda Adams, Atlanta, GA. They presented us with two Federal Update general sessions and a third general session on Friday morning, “Q and A Session—Ask A Fed.” Also, they agreed to present a concurrent session on “Understanding NSLDS.”

Two-hundred-two AASFAA members came to the beach and enjoyed the perfect combination of networking, personal development and beach activities. Thanks to our Spring Local Arrangements Chair, Linda Calvanese, Remington College, and her committee for an excellent job making our stay very enjoyable.

As a part of the Spring 2006 Conference, AASFAA members elected the officers for the 2006-2007 year. The members that will lead us during the coming year are:

President	Jonna Gibson, Regions Bank
President-Elect	Ben Baker, University of North Alabama
Vice President	Charles Markle, Auburn University
Treasurer	Lissa Burleson, Samford University
Treasurer-Elect	Phillip Nelson, Auburn University
Secretary	Suzanne Bush, Bevill State Community College

A highlight of the conference was when we presented your SASFAA President, Guy Gibbs, with an “Honorary Admiral of the Alabama Navy” framed certificate signed by Governor Bob Riley. It was one of the few times that Guy was speechless. Thank you Guy for a very enjoyable year as a member of your SASFAA Board.

The AASFAA Transition meeting will be held June 15 & 16th, 2006 at the Marriott Prattville At Capitol Hill, Prattville, Alabama.

Lastly, I want to thank every member of the SASFAA Board for your friendships and making my year as AASFAA President one that I will never forget.

Thank you!!!!!!

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