2024 LEGISLATIVE AND LEADERSHIP MEETING PROGRAM

Program

Welcome to NCHER Legislative and Leadership Conference

Welcome to the NCHER Legislative and Leadership Meeting! The beginning of a new year is an especially busy time in Washington and this year is no exception. If you take a quick look at the program agenda, you will see that the NCHER Government Relations Committee and the NCHER staff have put together an outstanding and timely program that will provide a number of important legislative and regulatory updates on issues facing the higher education finance industry over the next year. Through events at the Hyatt and through your own meetings on Capitol Hill, I hope you will obtain a greater understanding of federal and state policy and issues that are of importance to our industry.

Over the next year, the U.S. Department of Education will continue to move forward with an aggressive regulatory agenda, which includes releasing proposed and final rules implementing a new federal student loan forgiveness program while continuing to pursue borrower-friendly changes to the federal student loan program such as encouraging more students to enroll in the new SAVE/Income-Driven Repayment Plan and take advantage of Fresh Start. But the Department has struggled to properly implement the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), raising concerns about the impact that constant delays will have on the ability of states and institutions to award aid for the upcoming school year on time. The Biden Administration’s ability to put forth multiple regulatory packages is in stark contrast to the constant inaction on Capitol Hill. Four months into the new federal fiscal year, the House and Senate have been unable to wrap up the appropriations process, which sets the annual budget for Federal Student Aid (FSA) and federal student loan servicing, sets funding levels for Pell Grants and TRIO, and includes traditional extensions such as the payment of Account Maintenance Fees for guaranty agencies. Both chambers have until March 8^th to try to reach a bicameral, bipartisan agreement before another short-term Continuing Resolution is needed. The House Education and the Workforce Committee is trying to push higher education policy over the finish line, before election year politics take over – the committee has passed legislation to implement a new short-term Pell Grant program and the College Cost Reduction Act but both bills will be a heavy lift in the current political environment.

The meeting agenda leads off with a panel of government relations experts who will provide an update on federal developments and the outlook as we begin 2024, followed by a Congressional staff panel where Republican and Democratic staff will discuss their higher education priorities and a panel of experts who will provide an update on FSA actions on the soft launch of the new 2024-2025 FAFSA and what NCHER members can expect to occur over the next few months as they continue to prepare students and families for this important change. Then, the Urban Institute’s Jason Delisle will share his thoughts on recently proposed reforms to the federal student loan program and what they mean for borrowers and taxpayers, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s Scott Kemp will discuss current and future state efforts impacting our industry, and representatives from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities will examine major proposals to improve federal higher education policy. To wrap up the day, FSA Chief Operating Officer Richard Cordray provides keynote remarks about the agency’s policies and priorities, including reforms to the federal student loan program. It’s a jam-packed day and one that should not be missed! Before and after the meeting, there will be plenty of time to hold meetings with your Congressional delegations to outline your advocacy priorities over the next year and tell your organization’s story. The NCHER staff and I are here to help you navigate the streets of Washington and hone your message so that it can be the most impactful.

On behalf of the NCHER Board of Directors and the staff, I appreciate your taking the time to attend this year’s meeting. I hope that you have a great time – it looks like spring is coming early!

James Bergeron signature

James P. Bergeron
President
National Council of Higher Education Resources

General Information

Assistance

Information regarding the 2024 Legislative and Leadership Meeting can be obtained from the registration desk. Managed by NCHER staff, you will find this a helpful aide in solving problems and answering questions. Whether you need details regarding logistics or general information, we are always pleased to assist you.

Badges

Name badges must be worn at all times in order to be admitted to sessions and meal functions. They can be picked up at the registration desk and are part of your registration packet. Please wear your badge during all NCHER related functions.

For identification purposes, each badge is color-coded to specify a specific role: • Board of Directors • Speaker / Moderator • Sponsor • Attendee • Staff

Evaluation Forms

Your feedback is important to NCHER as we strive to provide you with conferences that meet your needs. Evaluation forms will be sent electronically to all attendees at the conclusion of the conference. This easy-to-use online form will take just a few minutes of your time. Should you have any additional comments or ideas, please send an email to conferences@ncher.org.

NCHER Staff

James P. Bergeron, President
Stefanie Gramm, CMP, Director, Operations and Meetings
Vicki Shipley, Senior Advisor

Mission Statement

NCHER’s mission is to provide superior advocacy, communications, research, and operational support to its members so they may effectively help students and families develop, pay for, and attain their educational goals so they can pursue meaningful and rewarding work and become contributing members of society.

Wednesday, February 7

8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. NCHER Members Hold Capitol Hill and Agency Visits
NCHER members are reminded to take this time to make appointments with their Congressional delegations, especially members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, to talk about their advocacy priorities for 2024. The NCHER staff is available to help members make appointments with House and Senate staff.

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. NCHER Board of Directors Meeting – Executive Session
The NCHER Board will meet in executive session to discuss items of importance to the membership. This is a closed session.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration Open

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

Friday, February 9, 2024

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. NCHER Members Hold Capitol Hill and Agency Visits
NCHER members are reminded to take this time to make appointments with their Congressional delegations, especially members of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, to talk about their advocacy priorities for 2024. The NCHER staff is available to help members make appointments with House and Senate staff.

Speaker Biographies

Angela Baier, Chief Executive Officer
College Invest / College Assist

Angela Baier is Chief Executive Officer of College Invest and College Assist. College Invest administers Colorado’s 529 college savings program and College Assist administers the state’s federal student loan guaranty agency. Since 2009, Angela has been responsible for managing Colorado’s 529 program representing over $8.5 billion in assets under management and more than 375,000 families. She brings 30 years of senior-level management, business development, and strategic planning expertise to her position. Angela’s diverse career consists of 18 years in nonprofit leadership, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of The New York State Zoo. She also served as a Hickenlooper Mayoral Appointee for the City and County of Denver. In the community, she is actively involved with several nonprofit organizations, was part of Mayor John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Hancock’s transition teams, and is a Leadership Denver alumna. She earned her B.S. in marketing from the University of Kansas.

Frank Ballmann, Director, Federal Relations
National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs

Frank Ballmann is Director of Federal Relations of the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs (NASSGAP). He has also worked with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) since 2008. Frank became the NASSGAP federal relations lead in March 2010. He has over 40 years of experience in education finance and financial aid programs, not counting completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and receiving grants, scholarships, loans and work-study to attend college. In his NASSGAP role, he also serves as the Treasurer for the Committee for Education Funding. Prior to HESC/NASSGAP, Frank worked for a variety of organizations ranging from start-up companies to major financial institutions. He has provided education finance, college savings, and financial aid program advisory services to a wide range of organizations, including state agencies in Alaska, California, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia, as well as the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid.

James P. Bergeron, President
National Council of Higher Education Resources

James Bergeron currently serves as President of the National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER). Prior to joining NCHER, James worked as the Director of Education and Human Services Policy for the House Education and the Workforce Committee. In this capacity, he advised Chairman John Kline (R-MN), members, and staff, and oversaw policy development on all areas of education and human services programs, including the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Workforce Investment Act, the Head Start Act, and other federal laws governing elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education. Before joining the committee in 2006, James served as Legislative Director in Rep. Buck McKeon’s (R-CA) personal office where he was responsible for developing and implementing the legislative agenda within the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness. He authored important legislative initiatives on college affordability and financial aid simplification. James began his Capitol Hill service more than 25 years ago as a Legislative Assistant to former Rep. Bob Livingston (R-LA), who chaired the House Appropriations Committee. He also served as Vice President of MARC Associates (now part of Holland & Knight), a government relations firm where he consulted for a number of elementary and secondary education and higher education organizations. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Kim Cook, Chief Executive Officer
National College Attainment Network

Kim Cook, the leader of the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) since 2008, has worked in the higher education and college access field for her entire professional career, including experience in undergraduate admissions and financial aid, administration of a last-dollar scholarship program, and a succession of responsibilities at NCAN. As a former Pell Grant recipient herself, she personally understands the imperative to help more Americans – especially those who have been historically underserved by higher education – get a postsecondary credential. At NCAN, she sets the vision for supporting over 500 member organizations across the country, serving an estimated 2 million students annually, in their mission to close the equity gap in postsecondary attainment through member capacity building, policy and advocacy, and systemic change.

Kim serves on the editorial board of the Journal of College Access, the National Student Clearinghouse Equity Hub Advisory Council, advisory board of the American University Center for Postsecondary Readiness and Success, and the Southern Regional Education Board Student Success Advisory Council. She is often consulted to speak on federal policy issues and building college access and success collaboratives. In 2016, she was recognized as a White House Champion of Change for College Opportunity.

Prior to joining NCAN in 1999, Kim was a Senior Program Associate at Plan for Social Excellence, Inc., a foundation supporting innovative projects in education, and served as its Grants Manager and Scholars Program Manager. Previously, she was a college admission counselor at Pace University in New York. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Pace University and a bachelor’s degree in communications, law, economics, and government from American University. She has completed continuing professional development through courses in Georgetown University’s Certificate in Non-Profit Management and Harvard University’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management institute.

Richard A. Cordray, Chief Operating Officer
Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education

Richard A. Cordray is the Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Department of Education office of Federal Student Aid (FSA). FSA administers the federal student aid programs, which—in Fiscal Year 2023—provided more than $114 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds to more than 9.7 million students at approximately 5,400 postsecondary schools. In total, FSA manages a federal student loan portfolio valued at more than $1.6 trillion representing more than 45 million customers.

Rich is responsible for FSA’s strategic and operational management. Since May 2021, he has overseen significant changes to the federal student aid programs, including stronger standards for performance, transparency, and accountability for its student loan servicers aimed at protecting borrowers. Under his leadership, FSA reestablished its Enforcement Office to increase focus on investigating problem schools that pose the most risk to students and taxpayers, requiring greater accountability by owners of schools when the institutions fail to follow program participation rules, and partnering with state officials to collaborate on potential investigations and enforcement actions. FSA continues to deliver targeted debt relief to student loan borrowers, including through income-driven repayment forgiveness, borrower defense to repayment, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and borrowers with total and permanent disabilities.

Rich continues to lead the most ambitious changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) in more than 40 years. In 2023, he oversaw efforts to return more than 28 million federal student loan borrowers to repayment after a more than three-year pause. These efforts included launching the most-affordable repayment plan ever—the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan and a simplified application to apply for SAVE. He brings to FSA extensive leadership and expertise, as well as a commitment to serving consumers and American families. His past public service includes several senior state and federal positions, including serving as the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from 2012 to 2017. Prior, he served as the Ohio Attorney General, Ohio Treasurer, Ohio’s first Solicitor General, and a member of the Ohio General Assembly.

Rich majored in legal and political theory at Michigan State University’s James Madison College. He earned a master’s degree in philosophy, politics, and economics while a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University in England. He then earned a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the Law Review. He clerked for Judge Robert Bork on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justices Byron White and Anthony Kennedy on the U.S. Supreme Court. He has since argued seven cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and was a professor of constitutional law for many years.

Jason Delisle, Senior Policy Fellow Center on Education Data and Policy
Urban Institute

Jason Delisle is a Senior Policy Fellow at the Center on Education Data and Policy at the Urban Institute where his work focuses on higher education finance and regulation. Jason has published papers and articles on student debt, college enrollment, the for-profit higher education sector, and international higher education. He has testified before Congress and as an expert witness in federal court. He also served as an advisor to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential campaign. Jason’s work has been featured in media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NPR, PBS NewsHour, The Washington Post, and National Review. Jason started his career on Capitol Hill, first in the office of former U.S. Representative Thomas Petri (R-WI), then as an analyst for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget. He has also been a Project Director at New America and was a Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He holds a B.A. in government from Lawrence University and an MPP from The George Washington University.

Jill Desjean, Senior Policy Analyst
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Jill Desjean is the Senior Policy Analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). In her role, Jill interprets federal student aid legislation and regulations for NASFAA’s members, works with NASFAA’s members to develop policy recommendations, and provides feedback to policymakers on legislative and regulatory proposals. Prior to joining NASFAA in 2016, Jill enjoyed a 20-year career in financial aid administration, having held roles in the financial aid offices at Tufts University School of Medicine, MIT, Brandeis University, and the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, as well as The New School in New York City.

Regan Fitzgerald, Senior Manager, Student Loans Initiative
The Pew Charitable Trusts

Regan Fitzgerald manages Pew’s student loan initiative, which seeks to improve the student loan repayment system, particularly for the borrowers most at risk of default and delinquency. Her work focuses on outreach and advocacy. She previously worked in Pew’s government relations department. Before joining Pew, Regan was Director of Government Relations for Adams and Associates, which provides youth workforce training through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program. She also worked in the U.S. Senate as a legislative counsel, a legislative associate, and a fellow, focusing on education, labor, and workforce development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Bryn Mawr College and a Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law.

Sarah A. Flanagan, Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development
National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

Sarah Flanagan directs a comprehensive government relations effort focused on issues of government regulation, student financial assistance, and tax policy in coordination with related state associations for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). During her tenure at NAICU, Sarah has been instrumental in a number of successful policy efforts, including securing sustained bipartisan political and funding support for the core federal student aid programs; creating new tax incentives for families to save and pay for college; and helping to ensure an appropriate balance between federal support for students and oversight of colleges and universities. She has an extensive background in higher education policy, education, and the federal government. Before joining NAICU, she was the professional staff member for higher education on the Senate Subcommittee on Education, Arts, and Humanities under Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island, and the Staff Director for the Senate Subcommittee on Children, Families, Drugs and Alcoholism under Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut. Sarah received her B.A. degree from Providence College (RI) and her M.A.T. degree from Rhode Island College. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Beacon College (FL) and is a Trustee Emerita at Providence College (RI) and Mary Baldwin University (VA).

Patrick Fox, Professional Staff Member
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Patrick Fox is an Education Policy Advisor for the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Minority where he handles higher education and special education. He got his master’s in Education Policy from University of Washington and his undergrad in teaching from Birmingham-Southern College. Before working in education policy, he worked as a college soccer coach at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Ron Gambill, Executive Vice President of Student Lending and Legislative Affairs,
Education Loan Finance, Inc. (ELFI)

Ron Gambill is Executive Vice President of Student Lending and Legislative Affairs of Education Loan Finance, Inc. (ELFI). Formerly, Ron was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Educational Funding of the South, Inc. (Edsouth), serving as a Director on the Edsouth Board since 1988. Prior to joining Edsouth, he was Executive Director of the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) for over 17 years and served as a financial aid director for Nashville State Technical Institute for over 11 years before his appointment to TSAC. Ron is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Council of Higher Education Resources where he has served for several terms including Chairman of the Board. He has served on the Executive Board of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in various positions and is currently a member of the Legislative Relations Committee. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and is a member and Past President of the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University, where he serves on the Board of Visitors for the Education Department. He holds a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and serves as a Trustee on the Board of Williamson College. Ron has worked in state and federal legislative relations for over 30 years.

Sara Garcia, Professional Staff Member
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Sara Garcia leads the higher education policy portfolio for Chairman Sanders as a senior policy advisor on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Sara was formerly a political strategy and outreach manager at Crooked Media, where in addition to her role on the bargaining committee for the Crooked Media Workers Union, she worked with state parties, campaigns, and grassroots organizations to develop the political and campaign priorities of the Vote Save America PAC. Before Crooked, she served in the Department of Education working to remove barriers for low-income students and students of color in the financial aid process. Sara was born and raised in Texas, and hails from San Antonio.

Scott Kemp, Student Loan Advocate, Office of the Qualified Education Loan Ombudsman
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

Scott Kemp serves as the Student Loan Advocate in the Office of the Qualified Education Loan Ombudsman at the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Prior to this position, Scott served as an Interim Vice President of Student Services, a State Director for the High School Career Coach Program, a community college Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, a K-12 State Career Specialist, and a School Counselor. His career has focused on helping students and those who work with students on their career pathway to success. Scott received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia; master’s degrees from Hollins College and Catholic University and an Education Specialist degree in Higher Education from Old Dominion University.

Christopher Murray, Partner
Thompson Coburn LLP

Christopher Murray is a founding partner of Thompson Coburn’s Lobbying and Policy Group where his practice focuses on the political and regulatory issues affecting the education sector. He has extensive experience representing institutions, associations, and companies related to eLearning, Title IV program compliance, medical education, federal workforce and military education programs, education technology, international trade, and accreditation. Chris is a frequent speaker and author on various education policy topics, most often on the intersection of technology and education. He also maintains a robust pro bono practice and sits on the Board of Directors of Groundswell, one of the nation’s leading clean energy and workforce development nonprofits. In 2014, National Law Journal named Chris one of its 40 Under 40.

Alex Nock, Principal
Penn Hill Group

Alex Nock brings over 25 years of experience in federal education, disability, labor, and health policy to the Penn Hill Group. During his time in Washington, DC, Alex has been a part of every major piece of federal education and disability policy legislation. Prior to his position with Penn Hill, he served as the Democratic Deputy Staff Director for the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee. From 2007–2010, Alex oversaw all aspects of the committee’s work relating to elementary and secondary education, higher education, disability policy, early childhood education, healthcare, retirement security, workplace safety, mine safety, workforce training, and national service. He has led numerous reauthorizations while working on Capitol Hill, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Workforce Investment Act, the Higher Education Act, and the Head Start Act. He was one of the lead staff members responsible for the No Child Behind Act and has played key roles in the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

Alex previously served as the Director of the Commission on No Child Left Behind. During his time with the commission, he recruited Commission Co-Chairs Secretary Tommy Thompson and former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, as well as the 13 commission members. Alex managed the completion of the commission’s report, which laid out a comprehensive set of recommendations for improving the No Child Left Behind Act. Prior to the commission, he held several positions, including Education Coordinator for the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee, where he spearheaded all Democratic policy and politics on higher education, elementary and secondary education, workforce and job training, disability policy, and other social service issues. He also worked for Rep. Matthew G. Martinez (D-CA), the Human Resources Subcommittee, and Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD). Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland.

MacGregor Obergfell, Associate Director, Governmental Affairs
Association of Public and Land –Grant Universities

MacGregor Obergfell serves as Associate Director, Governmental Affairs, where his portfolio includes budget and appropriations, immigration, humanities, and broadband issues. MacGregor is an alumnus of two land-grant institutions. He received his Bachelor’s degrees in Molecular Genetics and Psychology from The Ohio State University and his Master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. MacGregor began his career in higher education at Ohio State University, where he worked as a Fiscal Officer in the Office of Student Life, overseeing a portion of the Student Activity Fee and ensuring proper purchasing procedures were followed by two teams. Prior to joining the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in 2022, MacGregor was an Associate Director for Research and Congressional Education at the Postsecondary National Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., where he worked to develop and present professional development seminars on higher education issues for Congressional staff. In his spare time, MacGregor is an avid reader, a diehard fan of his Ohio State Buckeyes, a coffee connoisseur and, somewhat to his surprise, a runner, completing two half marathons in 2021.

Will Shaffner, Director of Business Development and Government Relations
Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority

Will Shaffner has over 33 years of experience in the student loan and higher education finance arena and currently is the Director of Business Development and Government Relations at the Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA), serving in this capacity since 2004. In this role, Will participates as a member of the Executive Management Team at MOHELA and is responsible for all sales activity within the Authority, including school and lender channels, private loan management, government relations, as well as marketing, e-commerce, and public relations efforts. Prior to MOHELA, he worked at American Student Assistance from 2002 – 2004 as Director of Lender and Strategic Partnerships. He also held various sales and training positions at USA Group/SLMA from 1990 – 2001, most recently as Regional Director Central Region USA Funds Services. Prior to working within the Federal Family Education Loan Program industry, Will was the Associate Director of Student Financial Aid at the University of Central Florida, where he worked for over eight years. He is a founding member of the East Orange County Kiwanis Club and also currently serves on the AmeriCorp – St. Louis Board of Directors, The Missouri Scholarship & Loan Board, and the board of Stray Dog Theatre. Will holds a B.A. in business administration from the University of Central Florida.

Vicki Shipley, Senior Advisor
National Council of Higher Education Resources

Vicki Shipley is a Senior Advisor to the National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER). A 45-year veteran of higher education finance experience, Vicki is staff liaison to many of NCHER’s committees and caucuses with a focus on policy development and implementation, compliance, and regulatory and legislative activities. She held similar positions at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and Southwest Student Services. Vicki has a graduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield and an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Illinois State University.

Christiana Thornton, President and Chief Executive Officer
Granite Edvance

Christiana Thornton became the fourth President and Chief Executive Officer of Granite Edvance (formerly The NHHEAF Network Organizations) in November of 2018, after serving briefly as President and CEO-Elect. She was a member of the Board of Directors of NHHELCO from 2010, including serving on NHHELCO’s Audit Committee, until her appointment as President and CEO-Elect in October 2018. Prior to joining Granite Edvance, Christiana served as President and CEO of the New Hampshire Bankers Association (NHBA) from 2011 to 2018 and as Vice President of Government Relations of the NHBA from 2008 to 2011. She has been a national leader in the banking industry serving in several appointed positions at the American Bankers Association, including the Community Bankers Council and Credit Union Executive Committee. Likewise, she has held appointed positions at the Independent Community Bankers of America, including the Capital Committee and Mutual Bank Council. Prior to joining the NHBA, she served as a legislative aide to former Sen. John E. Sununu, working in the areas of education, finance, healthcare, and community development. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communications from Rollins College.

Education Loan Finance, Inc.

501 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 320
Franklin, TN 37067
Contact: Ron Gambill, Executive Vice President of Student Lending and Legislative Affairs
Office: (615) 771-8505
rgambill@elfi.com elfi.com

Education Loan Finance, Inc. (“ELFI, Inc.”) is a Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation headquartered at 12700 Kingston Pike, Farragut, Tennessee. ELFI, Inc. was established to assist eligible borrowers in financing the costs of post-secondary education. ELFI, Inc.’s primary mission is to fund higher education as a secondary market for student loans originated under the FFELP and private education loan programs. Over the past decade, ELFI, Inc. and its subsidiaries have provided over $25 million in scholarships for Tennessee students and have funded over $11 billion in student loans. ELFI, Inc. empowers students with the knowledge and skills they need to take control of their educational and financial future through a variety of financial literacy program

MOHELA Logo

Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority

633 Spirit Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63005‐1243

Contacts:
Will Shaffner, Director of Business Development & Government Relations
(317) 496-3996
wills@mohela.com

Ginny Burns, Director Borrower Experience & Servicing
(636) 733-3804
ginnyburns@mohela.com
mohela.com

Not only do we provide excellent customer service to our borrowers, we offer…

Private student loan servicing
FFELP servicing and portfolio acquisition
3rd party professional grade print services (black/white, full color print) customized to your specific needs
Affordable, redundant first class mailing options (letters, postcards, custom envelope messaging, inserts, etc.)
Income Share Agreements (ISA) product servicing

What can we do for you?

Meeting Materials

About NCHER

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One-Pager on Member Services Provided to Students and Families in 2023

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NCHER’s Advocacy Priorities for the Biden Administration and 118 Congress

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2024 Legislative and Leadership Meeting Participant List

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Presentation Handouts

Examining Major Proposals to Improve Federal Higher Education Policy

FAFSA Appropriations Funding

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NAICU College Cost Reduction Act

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Downloadable Program

Click the button below to view or download a PDF of the complete Conference Program, including general information about the conference, daily agenda, speaker biographies, sponsors information, and more!

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2024 LEGISLATIVE AND LEADERSHIP MEETING PROGRAM

Program

Welcome to NCHER Legislative and Leadership Conference

General Information

Assistance

Badges

Evaluation Forms

NCHER Staff

Mission Statement

Wednesday, February 7

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Friday, February 9, 2024

Speaker Biographies

Sponsors

Education Loan Finance, Inc.

Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority

Meeting Materials

Presentation Handouts

Examining Major Proposals to Improve Federal Higher Education Policy

Downloadable Program