Voting is open to current active, paid, and qualified OASFAA 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. Do not forward or share the link. Questions about the voting process may be directed to Jayme Jarrett, Nominations Chair.
President-Elect - Brenda Burke
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
45 hours towards PhD in Higher Education Student Affairs, Virginia Tech.
Master of Science in Education with concentration in Educational Leadership, 1996.
Old Dominion University.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 1988.
Radford University; Major: Finance and Insurance, Minor: Mathematics
Employment History:
Associate Vice President Student Financial Aid, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 3/20-present
Executive Director of University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 12/15-2/20
Financial Aid Director of Compliance and Reporting, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 4/15-11/15
Financial Aid Director, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 7/11-4/15
Interim Financial Aid Director, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 9/10- 6/11
Interim Associate Director for Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 01/08-01/09
Associate Director of Scholarships and Compliance, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 11/05- 9/10
Assistant Director of Scholarships and Federal Work Study Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, 07/00-11/05
Enrollment Services Specialist, Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake, Virginia, 08/95-07/00
Placement Director/ Contract Training, Tidewater Tech, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 11/92-08/95
Financial Aid Director/ Veterans Certifying Official, Virginia Institute of Technology, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 04/92-10/92
Financial Aid Manager/ Veterans Certifying Official, Computer Dynamics Institute, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 05/90-04/92
Financial Aid Director/ Veterans Certifying Official, Virginia Institute of Technology, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 04/89-05/90
Professional Associations Involvement:
Coalition for State University Aid Administrators, 2010 -present
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 1989-present
State Advocacy Network, 2017-2019, 2024
Educational Leadership Collective, 2023-2024
Conference Mentor Task Force, Chair 2023
Executive Roundtable Task Force, 2019-2020
Conference Mentor Task Force, 2016-2023
Conference Presenter: Education Abroad & Financial Aid: Increasing Affordability and Access, 2023
Conference Presenter: Satisfactory Academic Process and the Lean Process, 2022
Conference Presenter: Building Your Campus Compliance Community, 2022
Conference Presenter: Slow Down: Enrollment Management is trying to Catch You, 2018
Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 2021-present
Professional Development Chair, 2023-present
Conference Presenter: Advancing to the next level in your career: Strategies for Success in Financial Aid, 2024
Conference Presenter: Path to PEP, 2024
Conference Presenter: Ensuring Continuity in a Financial Aid Office in an Ever-Changing Environment: 2024
Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 2015-2022
Leadership Pipeline Mentor: 2020-2022
Summer Institute Instructor, 2018-2019
Conference Presenter: Income Share Programs, 2020
Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 2000-2015
Annual Conference Chair, 2015-2016
New Aid Officer Instructor, 2013-2015
Governance Committee, 2011-2012
Bylaws Committee, 2011-2012
Vice President, 2010-2011
Conference Committee, 1998-1999, 2009- 2010, 2013-2014
Executive Board, State President 2008-2009
Membership Committee, 2002-2004
Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, 1989-2015
New Century/ President's Council Committee Chair, 2010-2012
Past President, 2009-2010
President, 2008-2009
President-Elect, 2007-2008
Training Chair, 2006-2007
Statement of Candidacy:
In today's environment, financial aid is more important than ever. It is not just a mechanism to cover the cost of attending college; it is a lifeline that enables students and families from all socioeconomic backgrounds to access the transformative power of education. It is through that lens that I have worked in the financial aid profession at proprietary, community colleges and 4-year public institutions. While each sector is uniquely different, each shares a common goal for the students? attending the institutions in the respective sectors.
It will be a privilege and honor to work alongside likeminded professionals to support the mission of OASFAA. Working with financial aid financial aid professionals conducting association work has guided me with my understanding of the profession. Financial Aid association involvement has also given me the privilege to advocate for those in the profession and those we serve at our institutions. Driven by my passion to advance these efforts in support of our colleagues and our students, I respectfully submit my candidacy for President-Elect of OASFAA.
President-Elect - David Peterson
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
EdD, University of Cincinnati, Urban Educational Leadership, Expected Graduation 2026
MBA, University of Cincinnati, 2022
MS, Illinois State University, Educational Administration, 1998
BS, Illinois State University, Political Science, 1994
Employment History:
University of Cincinnati, Assistant Vice Provost of Enrollment Management (2017-Present)
Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Director of Student Financial Assistance (2013-2017)
Methodist College, Dean of Enrollment and Student Affairs (2007-2013)
University of Miami, Senior Associate Director of Student Financial Assistance (2003-2007)
Sauk Valley Community College, Director of Financial Assistance & Career Services (1998-2003)
Heartland Community College, Assistant Director of Financial Aid (1997-1998)
Illinois State University, Financial Aid Advisor (1995-1997)
Professional Associations Involvement:
AACRAO, PAC Chair for Financial Aid & Enrollment Services (2021-2025)
AACRAO, College and University Journal, Editorial Board (2019-2025)
NASFAA, PPY Implementation Resource Group Member (2015-2017)
NASFAA, Leadership Development & Professional Advancement Committee (2008)
NASFAA, Web Advisory Group Member (2004-2006)
NASFAA, Conference Presenter
MASFAA, Summer Institute Chair (2018, 1998)
MASFAA, Treasurer (2000-2001)
ILASFAA, ISAC Operations Committee Chair (2011-2012)
ILASFAA, Professional Development Chair (2007-2008)
ILASFAA, Conference Program Chair (2001)
FASFAA, Training Committee Chair (2004-2005)
Statement of Candidacy:
Dear OASFAA Members,
I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of President-Elect of the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. With a deep passion for student success and financial aid advocacy, I am eager to lead and collaborate with our esteemed colleagues to further OASFAA's mission of providing professional development, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access to education for all students.
Throughout my 30 year career in financial aid and enrollment management, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to supporting students, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations. I have actively engaged in NASFAA, MASFAA and OASFAA initiatives, serving in various leadership roles that have strengthened my understanding of our organization?s values and the critical work we do to empower students and institutions alike.
As President-Elect, my vision for OASFAA focuses on three important aspects:
1. Strengthening OASFAA's role in state discussions on financial aid policies to ensure the needs of Ohio students and institutions are well represented.
2. Expanding training opportunities, mentorship programs, and networking initiatives to support both seasoned professionals and newcomers to our field.
3. Leveraging technology and best practices to enhance financial aid administration, improve efficiency, and foster collaboration among our institutions.
I firmly believe that strong leadership stems from collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to excellence. If elected, I pledge to listen, engage, and lead with integrity as we work together to shape the future of financial aid in Ohio. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and advance OASFAA's impact on our students, institutions, and profession.
Thank you for your consideration and support. I would be honored to represent you as President-Elect.
Sincerely,
David Peterson
Assistant Vice Provost
University of Cincinnati
Vice President for Conferences - Elect - Carrie Short
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
B.S., Communication (Clarion University of PA)
M.Ed., Higher Education Administration & Student Personnel (Kent State University)
Employment History:
Financial Aid Counselor, Ass't Director, Assoc Director - Baldwin Wallace College (2006-2015)
Assoc Director - University of Akron (2015-2019)
Director - Lorain County Community College (2019-2022)
Director - Lakeland Community College (2022-2024)
Director - Baldwin Wallace University (2024 - present)
Professional Associations Involvement:
OASFAA Committee Chairs & Trustee Roles - Communications/Web Committee (07-08, 08-09, 23-24, 24-25), Membership (10-11), NE Regional Representative (11-12), College Goal Sunday (12-13, 13-14, 14-15, 15-16), Vice President for Training (16-17, 17-18), Treasurer-Elect (18-19), Treasurer (19-20), President-Elect (21-22), President (22-23), Past President (23-24), Conference Planning Committee/Program (24-25), Outreach (24-25). I also served as the Site Co-Chair for the Conference Planning Committee for a few years but I don't remember when!
MASFAA: Strategic Long-Range Planning Committee (22-23), Conference Program Committee (22-23, 24-25), Professional Development & Advocacy Committee (23-24, 24-25).
Other involvement: OASFAA Leadership Class (08), NCAN College Goal Sunday Steering Committee (14-15), NASFAA New Director Group - Beta (19).
Professional Awards: OASFAA Alex Murdoch Service Award (2018), MASFAA Committee of the Year - Conference Planning Committee (22-23), MASFAA Committee of the Year - Professional Development & Advocacy (23-24), MASFAA Leadership Award (23-24).
Statement of Candidacy:
It's an incredible honor to be nominated for OASFAA's first Vice President for Conferences-Elect!
Everyone who knows me already knows this story, but I have to share it again! I spent my very first day in financial aid (financial aid counselor at BW) at the 2006 Spring Conference. I got involved in OASFAA right away (Communication/Web Committee with Randy Ulses) and have been on the Executive Committee for (almost) every year since. Each role I've held in OASFAA, whether as a Trustee (elected positions) or a Committee Chair, has prepared me for this all-important association role. I've been able to learn about OASFAA's governance and mission for providing state-wide training first-hand by being involved in these different positions. As Treasurer-Elect/Treasurer, Vice President for Training, as well as President-Elect/President/Past President, I served on the Finance Committee which exposed me to some of the most challenging aspects of our organization. As a Regional Rep and VP for Training, I connected directly with the membership to offer professional development and training opportunities.
I'm currently serving as the Conference Planning Committee - Program Chair for OASFAA and as a member of the Conference Program Committee for MASFAA. I previously served on the Conference Planning Committee for OASFAA in 2021-22 (when I was President-Elect), as well as on MASFAA's Conference Program Committee for MASFAA in 2022-23. Somehow, being a part of our profession's conferences has become a major part of my personal professional development. And I love the opportunities given to help others develop professionally as well.
I'm very excited about the possibility to serve OASFAA as the first Vice President for Conferences-Elect and the opportunity to continue to serve the association and its members.
Vice President for Training - Elect - Paige Kiley
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
Association of College and University Educators, April 2022
Certificate: Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning
University of South Florida
Certificate: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace, May 2021
Tiffin University
Masters of Education: Higher Education Administration, April 2016
Ohio Northern University
Bachelor of the Arts: Communication Studies, May 2013
Employment History:
Director, Financial Aid : August 2022 - Present
Edison State Community College
Assistant Director, Financial Aid : April 2022 - August 2022
Edison State Community College
Financial Aid Specialist : May 2018 - April 2022
Clark State College (formerly Clark State Community College)
Student Services Coordinator - Northern Region : September 2016 - May 2018
Clark State College (formerly Clark State Community College)
Admissions Counselor : July 2013 - May 2016
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Professional Associations Involvement:
Reducing Barriers Grant Team: June 2022 - August 2024
- Partnership with: Higher Education Compact of Greater Cleveland, Ohio Association of Community Colleges, and the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement
- Sponsorship: College Now Greater Cleveland with funding from the ECMC Foundation
- Project overview: The team of three staff members from advising and financial aid strategically planned and implemented a variety of policies, training, and initiatives to reduce the number of students indebted to the institution. The outcome not only showed an 11% decrease in total withdrawals, but an increase in cumulative grade point average by .4 and an 18% increase in retention, this was when comparing the pilot group to non-pilot students. Overall, the program was a successful collaboration between departments that built a foundation for continued success
Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA), Member: 2018 - present
- Chenelle Leadership Program, 2020-2022
- Conference Planning Committee. 2019
- Chenelle Leadership Program Presenter, 2024
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), Member: 2018 - present
Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA), Member 2023 - present
Ohio Association of Academic Advising (OHAA), Member: 2023 - present
Ohio Association of College Admission Counselors (OACAC), Member: 2013 - 2018
Edison State Community College
- President's Council
- Strategic Planning Committee
- Compliance Committee
Clark State College
- Diversity Conference Presenter, 2019
- Staff Senate Member, 2019-2022
- Staff Senate, President, 2020-2021
- Staff Senate, Immediate Past President, 2021-2022
- Strategic Planning Committee Member
- Budget Advisory Committee Member
- Student Conduct Committee Member
Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), Equity Champion: 2020 - 2022
Statement of Candidacy:
I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Vice President for Training - Elect within OASFAA's leadership team. With over 12 years of experience in higher education and a deep commitment to professional development, I am eager to directly contribute to OASFAA?s mission by fostering training opportunities that empower financial aid professionals across Ohio. I am committed to fostering professional development that equips financial aid professionals with both technical expertise and student-centered approaches.
My leadership philosophy is rooted in connection, equity, and trauma-informed practices?values I integrate into staff training and student engagement. I have had the privilege of presenting on topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), staff morale, and trauma-informed practices, underscoring my belief that professional development should address both technical competencies and the human-centered aspects of financial aid administration.
If given the opportunity, I will continue the excellent work of OASFAA's leadership while advocating to meet the evolving needs of our profession. I am committed to fostering an environment where financial aid professionals feel supported, informed, and equipped to serve their students and institutions effectively. I believe OASFAA plays a crucial role in professional development, and I would be honored to contribute my leadership, experience, and passion for training in this capacity.
Thank you for your consideration.
Paige Kiley
Treasurer-Elect - Melanie Weaver
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
B.S. in Education from The Ohio State University, M.Ed. from The Ohio State University, Ed.D. from Benedictine University (IL)
Employment History:
Ohio Northern University
Professional Associations Involvement:
Statement of Candidacy:
I have enjoyed serving OASFAA in a variety of ways since I started in financial aid. OASFAA is so important in helping financial aid professionals network and stay current on regulations, as well as voicing the needs of our students across the state. In the almost twenty years I have been in financial aid, I have witnessed much change in our profession and experienced the challenges that come with that. The last couple of years have been especially difficult! I have depended on OASFAA and my peers in the Association for help navigating through that change and implementing best practices on my campus, to ensure both student and university needs are met. I value the many friends and colleagues I have developed within OASFAA. I am excited about the opportunity to serve as treasurer-elect. My time as President helped me to gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the role of Treasurer in managing OASFAA's finances. I look forward to helping OASFAA remain strong and purposeful in representing financial aid professionals across the state.
Secretary - Angela Lauer
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
Master of Science in Business Psychology, Master of Science in Human Resource Management, Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design all from Franklin University
Employment History:
I have been in multiple positions in Higher Education here in Ohio for the last 17 years. I have worked in Admissions, Career Services, Academics, Bursars, and Student Financial Services. I have been working exclusively in student accounts/financial aid since 2016.
Professional Associations Involvement:
I am currently the Southeast Regional Representative for OASFAA. I am a Public Notary for the state of Ohio and have been for the past 15 years.
Statement of Candidacy:
I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Secretary for the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA). As a dedicated professional in the field of student financial aid, I believe that serving as Secretary would be an excellent opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the association while also supporting the important work we do for students across Ohio.
I have 9 years of experience working in financial aid, where I have developed a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of the profession. My current role as Sr. Student Financial Services Associate at Franklin University has provided me with firsthand experience in managing financial aid processes, supporting students, and collaborating with colleagues across departments. These experiences have underscored the importance of clear communication, organization, and attention to detail?qualities I am eager to bring to the role of Secretary.
If elected, I aim to:
1. Ensure Clear and Efficient Communication ? I will strive to maintain accurate and timely communication within OASFAA, facilitating the sharing of important information among members and ensuring that meeting minutes, reports, and other documents are readily accessible.
2. Support Ongoing Professional Development - I will work with fellow board members to organize events and initiatives that support the professional growth of our members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
3. Promote Member Engagement - I am committed to increasing member involvement in association activities and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in OASFAA's decision-making processes.
4. Uphold the Integrity of OASFAA - As Secretary, I will work diligently to maintain the integrity of our association's records, policies, and procedures, ensuring that all activities are conducted transparently and ethically.
I am deeply passionate about helping students access the financial resources they need to succeed in higher education, and I believe that OASFAA plays a critical role in advocating for and supporting both students and financial aid professionals. I would be honored to bring my skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role of Secretary, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with all of you to further our shared goals.
Thank you for your consideration and your continued dedication to the financial aid profession.
Northern Regional Representative - Rachel Sangret
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, The Ohio State University
Masters in Business Administration, University of Akron
Employment History:
Associate Director of Financial Aid, University of Akron, May 2023- present
Assistant Director of Financial Aid, University of Akron, Jan. 2023- May 2023
Financial Aid Counselor, University of Akron, July 2021-Jan 2023
Professional Associations Involvement:
Served as Northeast Ohio Rep, OASFAA, 2024-2025
Active member since 2021 and have participated in trainings, conference, and meetings since then.
Statement of Candidacy:
It is an honor to have been nominated for this new role representing all of Northern Ohio. After serving as the Northeast representative during the 24-25 academic year, I am excited for the opportunity to continue contributing to this organization meaningfully and furthering our shared goals as financial aid professionals and members of OASFAA.
Southern Regional Representative - Ron Jackson
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
BS - Wright State University
MS - Mount St. Joseph University
Employment History:
Cincinnati State - Financial Aid Advisor (2012-2015); Assistant Director of Financial Aid (2015-2017); Interim Director of Financial Aid (2018); Assistant Director of Financial Aid (2019-2020)
University of Cincinnati - Senior Financial Aid Advisor (2023); Assistant Director of Financial Aid (2024-Present)
Professional Associations Involvement:
OASFAA Executive Committee (2024-2025)
OASFAA Long Range Strategic Plan Committee (2024-2025)
OASFAA Southwest Regional Representative (2024-2025)
Statement of Candidacy:
I am honored to submit my candidacy for re-election as the Southern Representative with the Ohio Association of Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA). With a commitment to advancing financial aid and promoting higher education accessibility, I am eager to continue leveraging my skills and experience to serve OASFAA and its member institutions.
Throughout my career, I have been a dedicated advocate for students, working to ensure access to financial aid resources. My professional experience, spanning both a public two-year college and a public four-year university, has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face today.
As Southern Representative, I have worked to represent the needs and interests of Southern Ohio institutions. If re-elected, I will remain committed to serving as a resource, advocate, and partner to advance the shared goals of our profession and region.
It would be a privilege to continue working alongside our colleagues to further OASFAA's mission and support our membership.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ron Jackson
Associate Member Representative - Will McGinley
Nominee Statement
Educational Background:
Taylor University - BA, Business Management
Employment History:
Liberty University
2009-2010 - Private Loan Specialist / DL Project Manager
2010-2011 - FA Training and Compliance Manager
2011-2012 - Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Ashland University
2012-2013 - Assistant Director of Financial Aid
2013-2015 - Associate Director of Financial Aid
2015-2016 - Director of Enrollment Research
Baldwin Wallace University
2016-2020 - Associate Director of Financial Aid
2020-2024 - Director of Financial Aid
PHEAA Keystone Loans
2024-present - Account Executive
Professional Associations Involvement:
OASFAA 2012-present
- Need Analysis Chair 2016-17
NASFAA Member 2009-present
NCAA DIII Financial Aid Committee Member 2023-2024
VASFAA 2009-2012
Statement of Candidacy:
I am putting forth my name for the role of Associate Member Representative within OASFAA. I have recently transitioned to the lending side of Higher Education after spending the last 16 years in the financial aid office, the last 12+ split between Ashland University and Baldwin Wallace University. While I am no longer in the aid office, I continue to share a passion for access to higher education. I have been involved with OASFAA as a member for the last 12+ years and during that time I came to appreciate the effort and sacrifice required to keep up with the mounting requirements which are not matched by office staffing constraints. My hope is that through this Associate Member role, I can help build and develop resources with Associate members that will benefit Aid Officers across the state. I am grateful for the nomination and hope to serve you all in this role.