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Election polls will open on February 7th, 2025. Please plan to cast your vote before the polls close on February 18th, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. CST). Voting is open to current active, paid, and qualified SASFAA members.
A link to vote will be sent via email to eligible members at the opening of the polls. The email ballot will contain a unique voter key link directing voters to the election host site, Electionbuddy.
Questions about the voting process may be directed to Kaitlyn Lambert, SASFAA Electronic Services Chair, at klambert@laurelridge.edu
The following individuals will be on the slate of candidates for elections that will take place prior and during the February 2025 Annual Conference. You may view the candidate statement, professional involvement, and other details by clicking on the candidate's name below.
President | Vice President | Treasurer |
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Statement of Candidacy: I am extremely honored to be nominated for SASFAA President Elect. As a member, SASFAA has afforded me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of financial aid as well as develop strong, working, and professional relationships with colleagues across the SASFAA region. While serving students and families is the main role of a financial aid administrator, serving our colleagues is just as important. We would not be able to do our jobs effectively without the support of each other and this organization. I am truly humbled with this opportunity, and I am dedicated to continuing to give back to the association that has given so much to me. As we all continue to work through these unprecedented times, the strength of putting in the work together is more important now than ever in this increasingly challenging financial aid environment. SASFAA has proven time and time again that the support and encouragement that is given across our nine states is unmatched and speaks to the SASFAA vision statement which is to create an environment of mutual respect and support which encourages questions, discussion and the shaping of ideas in order to promote opportunities, equity and access in and to higher education. I look forward to communicating with SASFAA members while advocating for issues that are important to all of us as we work to assist students in obtaining their goals in higher education. | Relevant Work Experience: Current Work Experience Director of Student Financial Services, Belmont University (2021-curent) Nashville, TN
Previous Work Experience Director of Financial Aid/Assoc. Director of Student Financial Services, Belmont University (2010-2021) Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Belmont University (2007-2010) Information Specialist, Belmont University (1998-2006) Data Coordinator, Belmont University (1997-1998) Student Services Representative, Belmont University (1995-1997)
Education: Master of Education, Leadership & Organizational Change, Belmont University Bachelor of Science, Liberal Studies, Belmont University
Professional Association Involvement NASFAA:
SASFAA:
TASFAA:
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Statement of Candidacy: Thank you for considering my nomination for the position of SASFAA President-Elect. It is truly an honor to be recommended to continue my service to this esteemed association and its members. Those who know me can attest to my passion for professional development and association leadership. Throughout my 24-year journey in the financial aid profession, I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional mentors who encouraged me to engage at all levels of association work and challenged me to grow personally and professionally. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my career, and I have made it a personal mission to give back by mentoring newer financial aid administrators, helping them to find their own paths to success and leadership within our field. My involvement with KASFAA, FASFAA, SASFAA, and NASFAA has afforded me a wealth of experiences that have prepared me for this role. From planning and developing training initiatives to instructing at workshops and presenting at conferences, I have worked diligently to promote professional development opportunities that empower financial aid professionals to navigate the complexities of our work with confidence and skill. These activities are not just professional milestones for me—they are integral to the mission and vision of SASFAA. I am committed to fostering an environment where financial aid professionals at every stage of their careers feel supported, inspired, and equipped to make a meaningful impact. As President-Elect, I would prioritize initiatives that expand access to training opportunities, enhance member engagement, and ensure SASFAA remains a dynamic and inclusive organization. Thank you again for this opportunity to serve. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to SASFAA’s future. | Relevant Work Experience: CURRENT POSITION: Executive Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA From: July 2024 PREVIOUS POSITIONS: Sr. Associate Director of Financial Aid Florida International University, Miami, FL From: August 2016 Associate Director of Student Financial Assistance Miami University, Oxford, OH From: October 2013 Director of Financial Aid From: January 2001 M.S., Education NASFAA Certified Financial Aid Administrator, FAAC NASFAA
KASFAA 2013 President
NASFAA Credentials:
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Statement of Candidacy: SASFAA members and Executive Board, I am honored to accept the nomination for the position of Vice President. I have been privileged to serve alongside dedicated members within SASFAA and my home state who were all great examples of servant leaders! This experience has deepened my appreciation for the work we do and the collective impact we achieve as aid administrators. As Vice President, my goal will be to continue working to provide excellent training opportunities to our members while supporting SASFAA’s mission. I bring extensive experience in association work to this role that I have gained over years in various association roles. For those who do not know me, I assure you that I am a tireless worker and will be fully committed to making sure your interests are met over the course of the next two years. SASFAA’s hallmark initiatives (New Aid Officer Workshop, Diversity Leadership Program, Enrollment Management Forum, etc.) and webinar series will remain top notch programs while exploring ways to grow and improve them. I welcome the opportunity to serve as your Vice President and to work with all of you in advancing our shared mission. Together, we can build on our successes and create new opportunities for growth and collaboration. Thank you for accepting my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute further and serve my SASFAA family! | Relevant Work Experience: University of South Florida, 1999-present in various roles (since 2016 as Program Director) PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION SERVICE: SASFAA
FASFAA
NASFAA
Other Activities
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Statement of Candidacy
I believe training and professional development are the cornerstones of SASFAA’s mission, and I am proud to have dedicated much of my career to these efforts. From presenting at national and regional conferences and webinars to coordinating professional forums, I have consistently sought to share knowledge and foster growth among my peers. If elected Vice President, I will prioritize building comprehensive training programs that meet the needs of financial aid professionals at every stage of their careers. I will work to ensure that these programs remain relevant and accessible while strengthening collaboration with state and national associations. SASFAA has always been more than just an organization—it is a community. Together, we navigate the complexities of our field and support one another in our shared mission to serve students and families. I take seriously the responsibility to help lead this community, and I pledge to do so with respect, transparency, and a focus on the professional development of our members. As Vice President, I will dedicate myself to fostering an environment that inspires innovation, collaboration, and excellence in all we do. Thank you for your consideration and support. | Relevant Work Experience: Current Work Experience: Associate Provost and Director, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Previous Relevant Work Experience: Senior Associate Director, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Associate Director, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Senior Assistant Director, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Assistant Director, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Counselor, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Applications Coordinator, Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Education: M.S., Leadership, Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, North Carolina B.A., Interpersonal and Organizational Communications, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Professional Association Involvement NASFAA
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Statement of Candidacy It is with no small amount of excitement, respect, and humility that I accept the nomination to run for SASFAA Treasurer. My time in the state, regional, and national associations has made such an impact on my professional and personal life that I feel as if I will never be able to give back as much as I have been given. I believe my experience as Treasurer of KASFAA and as Budget and Finance Chair of KASFAA four different times has prepared me well for the role of Treasurer of SASFAA. During my involvement with KASFAA’s finances, one of my greatest achievements was to streamline the investments of the association. The goal was to utilize them in ways that promote additional financial stability, while also bringing them into better alignment with the association’s mission. Today, we have a low risk, stable, liquid, and nearly predictable source of income that we use each year as part of the association’s budget. It is a more modern approach to non-profit investing that has paid us literal dividends for nearly 10 years now. My goal as Treasurer of
SASFAA would be to take a similar approach in reviewing how the
association utilizes our investment income to further the goals of
SASFAA. I believe we can efficiently enhance the relationship between
our investments and budgets to strengthen our foundation of financial
stability for both short- and long-term goals and visions. | Relevant Work Experience
Education
Association Involvement NASFAA
SASFAA
KASFAA
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Statement of Candidacy Dear SASFAA: I humbly accept the nomination and seek your support as candidate for Treasurer of SASFAA. My strong passion for financial management, attention to detail and commitment to transparency make me the ideal candidate for this position. I am confident that I can positively contribute to SASFAA’s financial health and long-term success. My involvement in various state, regional and international organizations has given me a strong background in organizational management. I have a deep sense of loyalty and gratitude to SASFAA. It really is a big family with supportive, committed professionals in which I am proud to be a part. I would love the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much! Over the years, I have gained valuable experience in managing budgets, preparing financial statements and reports all while maintain accurate records. My background in residence life as well as financial aid has provided me opportunities to effectively oversee financial operations and ensure that funds allocated were spent and maintained responsibly. If elected, my top priorities will include: Maintaining accurate, up to date records, managing our budget responsibly, and being transparent and accountable to you, the SASFAA membership. Thank you for considering me for Treasurer. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of SASFAA! | Relevant Work Experience
Education:
Professional Association Involvement: SASFAA:
MASFAA:
Membership and numerous positions held and committee involvement within the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I), Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO), Mississippi Association of Housing Officers (MAHO) and American Student Conduct Affairs (ASCA) |