Meet the GASFAA Executive Board

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1 Meet the GASFAA Executive Board Sarah Baumhoff, GASFAA President Associate Director, Kennesaw State University It is my distinct pleasure to serve as your GASFAA President for I started my career in financial aid as a work-study student in the financial aid office. Since that time, I ve worked in financial aid at private colleges, a community college, Georgia Student Finance Commission and now at Kennesaw State University. I consider it an honor to be able to work with students and their families in assisting them to fulfill their goals. Volunteering my time is not isolated just to the financial aid profession. I direct a children s choir at our church where I teach Sunday School and volunteer with our Children s Ministry and on our Consignment Sale Committee. I serve as the financial advisor for Zeta Tau Alpha on KSU s campus and teach a KSU 1101 course each fall. My family and friends are at the heart of what I do. I ve been married to my husband, Ken, since 2003 and we have two boys, Adam who is 10 and Andrew who is 7. I m looking forward to a wonderful with all of you!

2 Felicia Ailster, GASFAA President-Elect Financial Aid Student Relations Manager, Dunwoody & Alpharetta Campus Georgia Perimeter College Hello GASFAA family! I began working in financial aid when I was federal work study student at the University of Florida. It was there that I learned the value of a strong work ethic, commitment and service. After graduating from the University of Florida, I moved to Atlanta and continued my career as a financial aid counselor at Emory University. I have also worked at pretty much every school in the USG and have met some amazing professionals. I have also been a member of SASFAA for several years and have served on several SASFAA committees, as well. The opportunity to connect and develop great relationships through these organizations has helped me build a network of professionals that have assisted me in meeting my professional goals. I served you as Secretary, Chair of the Diversity Committee, Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee, Vice President and I am pleased and honored to be your President- Elect. If you know me, you know that I love my family, college football and I love to laugh (my laugh precedes me). I am married to my wonderful husband Patrick, have three amazing boys, and I never have to open a door. Susan Smith, GASFAA Immediate Past-President Associate Director for Operation, University of North Georgia Susan entered the field of higher education as a Mathematics instructor at Gainesville College in After teaching for 13 ½ years, she moved into the financial aid field when she was asked to become the Interim Director at Gainesville State College in She immediately joined GASFAA and spent the next few years learning as much as possible about financial aid and the Banner system. In 2013, Susan was named the Associate Director of Operation & Technology for the newly consolidated University of North Georgia. Susan has served on the GASFAA Executive Board since 2011, when she was elected to the position of Vice President of Professional Development. She then served as the Communications & Technology Chair before taking on the role of President-Elect and last year s GASFAA President.

3 Susan enjoys reading, photography and crafts of all kinds. She has two children and writes a weekly blog called CrossSums. Shannon Mitchell, GASFAA Vice President for Programs Assistant Director, Georgia Southern University Shannon is currently an Assistant Director in the Office of Financial Aid at Georgia Southern University. Shannon graduated from Ogeechee Technical College in 2001 with a Diploma in Accounting and from Georgia Southern University in 2009 with a BBA in Management. Shannon has been actively involved across the Georgia Southern Campus since being hired in 2010 and has served on the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Professional Development Council for three years. Shannon strives for excellence in customer service and received the Student Affairs and Enrollment Services Gold Award in 2014 as well as Honorable Mention at the 2014 Chancellor s Service Excellence Awards. Shannon resides in Statesboro, with her husband, Chad, where they are active in community and global service projects. Stephen Andersen, GASFAA Vice President of Professional Development Executive Director of Financial Aid, Georgia Northwestern Technical College After a five year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, where I was a Door-Gunner on the CH-46E helicopter, I just couldn t wait to get out and start my career in Financial Aid. I began my Financial Aid career in 2009 at Shorter University as the Financial Aid Loan Analyst. I stuck around Shorter for just over 5 years and climbed the ladder to Assistant Director of Financial Aid Systems. In 2013, I took on a new role as the Executive Director of Financial Aid position at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. I have been a member of GASFAA for several years and this will be my 2 nd year serving on the board. I am truly excited to serve GASFAA this year as the VP of Professional Development.

4 Rebecca Ethredge, GASFAA Secretary Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Southeastern Technical College Rebecca H. Ethredge is the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Southeastern Technical College. She has worked in financial aid since Rebecca graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She was a 2012 and 2013 nominee and finalist for STC s Staff Member and Supervisor of the Year and was nominated and chosen as the 2015 STC Staff Member of the Year. She assists with STC s Quiz Bowl Team and has been a GASFAA member and volunteer since Rebecca resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband, Patrick and their two children, Towns and Anna Beth. Amber Singletary, GASFAA Treasurer Associate Director, Georgia Northwestern Technical College I have had the pleasure of working in Financial Aid since I started my career as a Graduate Assistant at Georgia Southern. In 2010, Southern was gracious enough to offer me a full-time position as a Financial Aid Counselor. Then in 2014, I accepted the Associate Director of Financial Aid position at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. I have been a member of GASFAA for the last five years. During this time I have been given incredible opportunities to serve. My first experience was being a member of the Program Committee. I met so many wonderful colleagues that have helped mentor and guide me as I continue to grow in our industry. For the last two years, I have been honored to serve as the Diversity and Community Action Chair in and the Treasurer-Elect in As Treasurer- Elect, I had the opportunity to attend the SASFAA Leadership Symposium and the NASFAA Leadership & Legislative Conference. Both events helped me further my knowledge about the operations of associations. I m excited to serve GASFAA this year as the Treasurer. Thank you for each and every opportunity you have given me to serve our association.

5 Kimberly Morris, GASFAA Treasurer Elect Director of Financial Aid, Southern Crescent Technical College Ms. Kimberly Morris is the Director of Financial Aid at Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) in Griffin, Georgia. Ms. Morris has been in this position for three years. Ms. Morris began her career in financial aid at the Georgia Student Finance Commission in 2000 in the Customer Service Department for loans. Ms. Morris stayed in Financial Aid for five years before going to the Registrar s office for five more years. During that time Ms. Morris completed an Associate s Degree in Sociology from Georgia Perimeter College, a Bachelor s degree in Psychology and Human Services from Clayton State and a Master s Degree in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University. Ms. Morris ventured back into Financial Aid in 2011 at SCTC. In addition to her positions at the Georgia Student Finance Commission and Southern Crescent, Ms. Morris has also worked at Georgia Perimeter College, Clayton State University and Gordon State College. Ms. Morris has been very active in organizations with Higher Education. She served as the President of Georgia Association of Veteran Certifying Officials (GAVCO) from 2006 to Ms. Morris has volunteered her time on several occasions to do presentations at conferences for GASFAA, GAVCO and Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA). Outside of her dedication to her field, she also takes the time to help student s excel. She has served as an Advisor for students at SCTC participating in Collegiate DECA. This allows students to enhance their skills outside of academic studies and become more marketable when entering to the workforce. Ms. Morris has also spent the last two and a half years enrolled in Executive Training Leadership Program. This program is taught by the president of SCTC and it better prepares Ms. Morris for her next step in leadership within Higher Education. Ms. Morris is the mother of a 13 year old son who keeps her busy away from work. He plays basketball, swims competitively and run tracks. Their free time is spent going to the movies, eating out and spending time around the house. Ms. Morris prides herself on being able to give back and help others achieve their dreams anyway she can.

6 Samantha Hutto, GASFAA Community Action Chair Assistant Director, Armstrong State University My name is Samantha Hutto. I've been at Armstrong State University for six years. I admit that I have learned more this past year than I have learned over several years and look forward to even more experiences. There have been many challenges, but strive to be better personally and professionally each day. Mendi Morrow, GASFAA Diversity Chair Postsecondary and Default Management Representative, Georgia Student Finance Commission Mendi C. Morrow has 19 years in financial aid, having served the last 10 years with Georgia Student Finance Commission. Mendi conducts professional training and outreach with postsecondary institutions and community organizations throughout the state. Mendi obtained a Bachelors of Business Administration from Georgia State University, Master of Science from Troy State University, Doctor of Education-ABD, Higher Education and Adult Learning, August An active member of GASFAA, Mendi has served on Diversity, Professional Development, and Program Committees. Mendi recently celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband, Rick. Rick and Mendi have three children, two college-aged sons, and a daughter who will enter high school in the fall. Jody Darby, GASFAA Communications and Technology Chair Executive Director, Student Financial Services, Chattahoochee Technical College Jody Darby began his financial aid career, like many do, as a federal work-study student in Dalton State College s (DSC) financial aid office. After completing an associate degree at DSC, Jody left his parent s home on the family farm and went to work in American Intercontinental University s Buckhead Campus s (AIU) financial aid office as he transferred to Kennesaw State

7 University for college. From that point, Jody held several different counselor and director positions--having worked at two colleges two times each. One of those second opportunities with the same college came in April 2007 when he returned to North Metro Technical College as Director of Financial Aid. Since July 2009 when college mergers began in Georgia, Jody serves as the Executive Director of Student Financial Services for the new Chattahoochee Technical College after its merger with North Metro and Appalachian Technical Colleges. Jody s also been active in state and regional associations. His first experience on the GASFAA board was as Membership Chair in Since then, he has been Vice President of Programs, Treasurer and/or Treasurer-Elect for a total of 6 years, and currently serves as Technology and Communications Chair in Jody received GASFAA s Past Presidents Award for Distinguished Service in For SASFAA, Jody serves as Communications and Outreach Chair on the Board a position he also held in He has also served on various GASFAA, SASFAA, and NASFAA Committees. When not at work or volunteering with GASFAA or SASFAA, he enjoys volunteering with Georgia s Distinguished Young Women Program (formerly named Junior Miss) both as an academic and program judge, interview and talent coach, and as Judges' Chairperson. He also enjoys volunteering with youth in the Georgia 4-H program as a regional and state judge for various performing arts projects and currently serves as a staff member of Clovers and Company a performing arts group in which he was a part during his middle school and high school years. He is a multi-year Executive Board member of FOCUS, a non-profit organization that strengthens families, children, and individuals of Cherokee County through collaboration of community resources, skills, and expertise, where he serves as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chairperson. Jody holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Management from Kennesaw State University and a master s degree in Business Administration from Shorter University. Monetary fortune nor wide-spread fame often come from our work in our offices. The lives we touch, though, are endless. The work we do is vital. Jody is proud to be a part of associations that know, value, and appreciate the work of the financial aid administrators.

8 Maria Hammett, GASFAA Membership Chair Associate Vice-President, Mercer University I have been in the Financial Planning Office at Mercer University for over 20 years. I have served as the office manager, Associate Director, Sr. Associate Director and for the last three years as Associate Vice-President. I have my undergrad degree in Business from Troy University and my MBA from Mercer University. Russ Romandini, GASFAA Vendor/Sponsor Coordinator Director of Financial Aid & Enrollment Information, Columbus State University Russ has worked in financial aid for over 20 years serving students in a variety of roles. Russ is currently the Director of Financial Aid and Enrollment Information at Columbus State University. Prior to his time at CSU, Russ has held Directorships at New England College and Becker College as well as running the Student Service Center at Emerson College. Additionally, Russ has served as a financial aid consultant for 4 years and has helped schools all over the country with compliance issues and process improvement. Russ hails from Boston, MA and currently resides with his family in Columbus. Robin Winston, GASFAA Leadership Chair Director Student Financial Services, Georgia Perimeter College Robin Winston started her career in financial aid twenty eight years ago, as a temporary worker in 1987 at the then Clark College. Robin held many jobs in the financial aid office, creating a wealth of experience during this journey. Her past positions included being a counselor; program coordinator (FWS, Loans, etc.); assistant and associate director before taking on her

9 current position as Director at Georgia Perimeter College. Robin also worked with Financial Aid Services (third party processing) and on the lender side in the old FFELP days. Pennie Strong, GASFAA Finance/Budget Chair Vice President, Student Aid Services, Georgia Student Finance Commission Pennie is a former GASFAA President. She joined Georgia Student Finance Commission in February of Prior to working at Georgia Student Finance Commission, Pennie worked in a variety of roles at Central Georgia Technical College. Christen Neher, GASFAA Legislative Affairs Chair Associate Director of Financial Aid, Savannah College of Art and Design I am the Associate Director of Financial Aid at the Savannah College of Art Design. I began working in financial aid 15 years ago and spent the first 7 of those years working for JP Morgan Chase. I ve been at SCAD since I was born in Washington DC and grew up in Northern VA. I attended college at the University of Oregon earning a Bachelor s in economics with a minor is business management. Mitchell Fagler, GASFAA Parliamentary Procedure Executive Director of Student Affairs/Financial Aid, Southeastern Technical College Fagler currently serves as executive director of student affairs and financial aid at Southeastern Technical College in Swainsboro. He is a 1987 graduate of Swainsboro High School, a 1989

10 graduate of East Georgia College, a 1991 graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor s Degree in Journalism with a minor in Political Science; and a 1993 graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Master of Business Administration degree in Management. He has 32 graduate hours at the University of Georgia in Education Administration. Mr. Fagler serves as chairman of the Swainsboro/Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce and is chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Church Council of the First United Methodist Church of Swainsboro. He has also served as lay leader, Evangelism chair and chairman of the Church Council at First Methodist. He served as chairman of Children First, the committee which successfully campaigned for renewal of the Emanuel County Education SPLOST. He is a past member of the boards of directors of the Sunshine House and Swainsboro Dixie Youth Baseball and is a member of Swainsboro Rotary Club having served twice on the board of directors and is a past-president. On the state level, Mr. Fagler is a member of Georgia Student Finance Commission Financial Aid Advisory Committee and the Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Board of Directors. He is a past member and chairman of the Emanuel County Hospital Authority and Emanuel County Communities in Schools. He is a 2010 graduate of the Georgia Academy of Economic Development. Mr. Fagler and his wife, Stephanie, have two children, Luke, a seventh grader at Swansboro Middle School, and Jacob, a fourth grader at Swainsboro Elementary School.