The governing body of NASFAA is the Board of Directors, which is responsible for establishing broad policies and for the general conduct of the affairs of the Association. The Board provides oversight and guidance for the future direction of the Association through its network of commissions and committees, and reports to the NASFAA membership and is responsible to the membership for all of its actions.

There are 31 members of the Board of Directors: Three (3) officers (the National Chair, Chair-elect, and Immediate Past National Chair) who serve one-year terms and are elected by the NASFAA membership; 12 Representatives-at-Large who serve three-year terms and are elected by the membership; 12 Representatives who are elected by their regions and serve two-year terms; three (3) non-voting Commission Directors who are nominated by the National Chair and approved by the Board; and Interim President & CEO Joan Crissman, who serves on the Board in a non-voting capacity. This year, one member is serving as both Commission Director and Regional Representative; therefore the total board membership for 2009-10 is 30, not 31. The Board meets three times per year and conducts additional meetings electronically, as needed. The 2009-10 NASFAA Board is as follows:

Dr. Barry W. Simmons, Sr., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (National Chair)
As Director of University Scholarships of Financial Aid at Virginia Tech, Barry Simmons oversees $302 million in assistance to more than 21,000 students. He has held various enrollment management positions at Elon University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, St. Paul’s College, Virginia Commonwealth University and as a private consultant. Recognized as an advocate of college access and educational diversity, Simmons began his term as NASFAA National Chair in July 2009. He is a frequent speaker at state, regional and national conferences, has co-authored several NASFAA Monographs and has published in the Journal of Student Financial Aid. He has served on NASFAA’s Institutional Services, Research, AGMC, and Diversity Committees. Simmons enjoys emceeing high school band competitions, restoring pipe theatre organs and science fiction. When not in Blacksburg, he resides with his family on The Farm in Baskerville, VA.

Dr. Laurie A. Wolf, Des Moines Area Community College (National Chair-Elect)
Laurie Wolf has served as Executive Dean of Student Services for Des Moines Area Community College since 2001, following several years DMACC’s Director of Enrollment Management. She has been in the financial aid profession for more than 23 years and has spent the entirety of that time serving students and families in Iowa. Laurie has been active in her Iowa state association (where she served as 2001-02 president), her regional association of MASFAA (where she served as Delegate-at-Large in 2000-02 and chaired numerous committees) and in NASFAA. As part of her service to the profession at the national level, Laurie has served as a NASFAA Commission Director, a Representative at Large to the Board, and as Chair of the Reauthorization Task Force. She was elected by NASFAA members to serve the association as National Chair for 2010-11. As a recipient of financial aid which allowed her to educational and professional dreams, Laurie is a passionate advocate for access.

Mr. David L. Gruen, University of Wyoming (Past National Chair)
Dave Gruen has served as Director of Financial Aid at the University of Wyoming (the only four-year school in the state) for the past six years and has been in the financial aid profession for 37 years. He has also served as the president of the Rocky Mountain and Wyoming Associations of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Before moving to Wyoming, he served as Director of Student Financial Services at Denver University, Director of Student Financial Aid at the University of Tulsa, and at Alfred University in New York and Southeastern Community College in North Carolina. Today, Gruen works and resides in Laramie, WY - living at 7,200 feet (and that's in a valley) - where the Western ethos is alive and well.

Ms. Sarah J. Bauder, University of Maryland, College Park (Rep At Large)
Sarah Bauder has worked at the University of Maryland, College Park for 14 years and has served as Director of Financial Aid at the university since 2005. She has been in the financial aid field since 1989. Over the years, she has testified before Congress on two occasions, served on the negotiated rulemaking committee and been an active member of the Delaware/DC/Maryland association and EASFAA. She has served on EASFAA’s Executive Council, Federal Relations Committee and as a frequent conference presenter. Sarah also served NASFAA as a conference presenter and moderator, Leadership Conference participant and as a member of the Standards of Excellence Committee.

Mrs. Mindy Bergeron, John F. Kennedy University (Regional Rep, WASFAA)
In June 2009 Mindy Bergeron celebrated 30 years in the financial aid field. She has been the director of financial aid at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, CA, for the past 11 years. Prior to her tenure with JFK, she worked for 19 years in various positions at Heald Colleges -- including corporate director of financial aid for 12 years. Mindy has held various positions in her California state association including treasurer and president; she is currently the president of WASFAA. She has three different lives -- her work life, her financial aid association life and "team mom" for her 13-year old son’s various athletic endeavors. According to Mindy, her experience in running state and regional professional associations has given her the tools she has needed to deal with "challenging" Little League parents.

Mrs. Heather H. Boutell, Bellarmine University (Regional Rep, SASFAA)
Heather Boutell has served as Director of Financial Aid at Bellarmine University for the past four years, and has been in financial aid for 18 years. Prior to her tenure at Bellarmine University, she served as Assistant Director of Scholarships at the University of Louisville and Associate Director of Financial Aid at Bellarmine University. She has been an active member of the Kentucky state association and SASFAA over the years, and served as SASFAA’s president in 2008-09. When she’s not on campus helping students, she enjoys watching reality TV, playing in her church handbell choir and going to UofL football games with her husband and two sons, Jonah and Ben.

Mr. James J. Brooks, University of Missouri - Columbia (Regional Rep, MASFAA)
Jim Brooks has served as Director of Student Financial Aid at the University of Missouri -- Columbia for the past 10 months. Previous to that he was a Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid at Indiana University -- Bloomington. He has 22 years of financial aid experience, and has been involved with ISFAA while at Indiana, and with MASFAA both during his Indiana and Missouri tenures. He is currently MASFAA’s President-Elect. When not working, he enjoys listening to music and travelling with his family, especially to places with lots of sunshine, palm trees, and beaches.

Ms. Cindy Butler, Metropolitan Community College (Rep At Large)
Cindy Butler has served as District Director of Student Financial Aid for Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, MO since 2001, and been in financial aid for 21 years. Prior to her tenure at Metropolitan Community College, she served as Director of Financial Aid at Avila College, also in Kansas City. She has served NASFAA as a committee member, and served as the Missouri state association’s president in 1997 and as MASFAA’s president in 2001. During her tenure as both a state and regional association president, Cindy witnessed the powerful solutions that diverse minds can generate through discussion, and she has brought that experience to her time with the NASFAA Board of Directors.

Mr. Lee M. Carrillo, Central New Mexico Community College (Regional Rep, SWASFAA)
Lee Carrillo has served as Director of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services for Central New Mexico Community College (CNMCC) for six years and been a part of the financial aid industry for 19 years. Previously, he has served as Assistant Director for five years at CNMCC. He has also worked at a four-year state college as a loan coordinator and advisor. Lee has been an active member and officer of the New Mexico Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Association and SWASFAA over the last 19 years and will serve as the President for SWASFAA in 2010. When he’s not on campus helping students, he enjoys working on classic cars and has a passion for Corvettes.

Mr. Larry R. Chambers, Ithaca College (Rep At Large)
Larry Chambers has served as Director of Student Financial Services for Ithaca College for the past year, and as Director of Financial Aid at Ithaca since 1993. In all, Larry has been in the financial aid profession for 28 years in institutions spanning the private, public and proprietary sectors. Prior to his tenure at Ithaca, he served in the financial aid offices of Niagara University, Bryant & Stratton Business Institute, and UC -- Santa Barbara. He has been an active member of NYSFAAA and EASFAA over the years, and served as EASFAA’s president in 2006-07. In his service to the national association, Larry served as prior NASFAA Board member from 2006-2008 and served on NASFAA’s Association Governance and Membership Committee.

Mr. Ron Day, Kennesaw State University (Rep At Large)
Ron Day is Director of Financial Aid for Georgia’s Kennesaw State University and has worked in financial aid at a number of institutions in the South since he began his career in the financial aid profession in 1983. He has held various leadership positions in the South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia state associations and has served his regional association of SASFAA as President in 2003-04. Ron has also given back to his national association through his membership on the Board of Directors in 2003-05 and at the present time and through a wide range of committee work, ranging from AGMC to Awards to Finance to Leadership.

Ms. Diane Lambart Fleming, Central Michigan University (Rep At Large)
Diane has worked at Central Michigan University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for 26 years. She has held many positions, and currently serves as Associate Director for Client Services. Diane continues to be an active member of the Michigan state association (state president in 1998-99) and currently serves as co-chair of the MSFAA Federal Issues Committee. She has been active in MASFAA for many years, and served as MASFAA’s president in 2007-08. She was an alternate negotiator for the HEOA General Provisions and Non-Loan Programs negotiated rulemaking. Diane’s husband Richard is a retired professor of mathematics and an avid historian. Rich and Diane are active in their church, and are avid sports fans.

Ms. Terri Gruba, University of Montana (Regional Rep, RMASFAA)
Terri Gruba is Associate Director in the Financial Aid Office at The University of Montana in Missoula. She has been involved in her state association, serving on many committees and in various officer capacities, including president. Terri has been active in her regional association as well. She has been honored with the RMASFAA Distinguished Service Award, and is currently serving as RMASFAA President. She has been on the NASFAA Training and Best Practices Committee and has presented at national conferences. In her spare time, Terri loves to travel, read (mostly science fiction and murder mysteries) and be a slave to her cats. Her latest interest is in crafting stained glass.

Ms. Billie Jo Hamilton, University of South Florida (Commission Director)
Billie Jo Hamilton is director of University Scholarships and Financial Aid Services at the University of South Florida. She has been at USF for just over a year and has more than 28 years of total financial aid experience. She has been active in state associations in Kansas and Missouri, as well as RMASFAA, SASFAA and MASFAA. Billie Jo is a big movie and crossword puzzle buff, and is learning to enjoy the beaches of Florida with her husband and teenage daughter.

Mr. Bradley E. Honious, Valencia Community College (Rep At Large)
Brad Honious has since 2007 served as Director of Financial Aid for Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL, which serves 52,000 students annually, approximately 34 percent of whom receive aid. Prior to his tenure at Valencia, he served as Director, Office of Student Financial Assistance at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ and Program Coordinator at Arizona State University. He has been an active member of the Arizona state association— -- where he served as president in 2003-04, in WASFAA, and now in SASFAA. As a Rep-at-Large to the Board, he stands ready to listen to the issues, concerns and advice of colleagues and families to ensure that these issues are addressed by NASFAA.

Ms. Susan L. Howard, Antioch University -- New England (Rep At Large)
Susan Howard serves as Director of Financial Aid for Antioch University New England -- a small graduate school in Keene, NH offering Master’s and doctoral degrees in education, environmental studies, applied and clinical psychology and also a "green" MBA. She is the financial aid compliance officer for the Antioch University system, and travels to campuses in Ohio, California and Washington state. Susan has been in financial aid for more than 31 years. Prior to her tenure at Antioch University, she served as Associate Director of Financial Aid at Dartmouth College. She has been an active member of the New Hampshire state association and EASFAA over the years, and served as NHASFAA’s president in 1998-2000 and as EASFAA’s president in 2005-06.

Dr. Patricia A. Hurley, Glendale Community College (Rep At Large)
Pat Hurley has served as Associate Dean/Director of Financial Aid for Glendale Community College in California for 11 years, and been in financial aid for close to 40 years. Prior to her tenure at Glendale, she served in the financial aid offices at the College of Marin, Computer Learning Center, and Boston College. She has been an active volunteer for the California state association and WASFAA for more than two decades, and served as president in 1995 for the California Community College Students Financial Aid Administrators’ Association (CCCSFAAA). As a member of NASFAA, she has served on the Standards of Excellence, Awards, and Federal Issues Committees, along with the Reauthorization Task Force. She is also a member of the In-Field Professionals work group, which spearheaded the development of the comprehensive NCI recommendations, released in April 2009. Pat has served as a non-federal negotiator representing community colleges on several Negotiated Rulemaking panels.

Ms. Sharon Kienow, Northern State University (Regional Rep, RMASFAA)
Sharon Kienow has worked at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD since 1980 and served as Director of Financial Aid for 23 years of those years. She has been an active member of the South Dakota state association and RMASFAA over the years, and served as SDASFAA’s president in 1994 and 1995. She has served on the RMASFAA board for many years and also as that organization’s treasurer and vice president. In her service to NASFAA, Sharon has participated in the Leadership conference, served as a session moderator at the National Conference, and volunteered her time as part of the Membership Committee.

Mr. Gordon "Dino" Koff, Dartmouth Medical School (Regional Rep, EASFAA)
Dino Koff has served as the Director of Financial Aid at Dartmouth Medical School for the past year. He has been in financial aid for 12 years at both undergraduate and graduate institutions. Prior to his tenure at Dartmouth, he served as Director of Financial Aid and Admissions for Vermont Law School. In service to NASFAA, Dino has been an active committee participant, volunteering time on the Finance, Graduate/Professional Issues and Strategic Long Range Planning Committees. Dino is the current Past President of EASFAA and Past President of the Vermont Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. He enjoys the Red Sox, traveling and coaching his two daughters’ soccer team during his free time.

Mr. Daniel R. Mann, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Commission Director)
Dan Mann has served as Director of Financial Aid at the University of Illinois for five years, and been in financial aid for close to 30 years. Prior to his tenure at the University of Illinois, he served as Director of Financial Aid at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. He has been an active member of the Illinois state association and MASFAA over the years, and served as ILASFAA’s president in 1996-97 and MASFAA’s president in 2005-06. When he’s not working, he enjoys going to the gym, gardening, and traveling.

Ms. Barbara L. Miller, University of Maryland University College (Regional Rep, EASFAA)
Barbara Miller has served as Director of Financial Aid at the University of Maryland University College since 2007, and been in financial aid for 15 years. Prior to her tenure at UMUC, she served as Director of Financial Aid at the University of Baltimore and Community College of Baltimore County. She has been an active member of Delaware-District of Columbia-Maryland Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and served as chair in 2002-03. Barb has been active in EASFAA for many years and currently serves as President. For the last few years, she has served NASFAA as a member of the Nominations and Elections committee and Local Arrangements Chair for the 2007 Conference in Washington, DC.

Ms. Pat Peppin, Mesa Community College (Regional Rep, WASFAA)
Pat Peppin has worked for Mesa Community College for the past seven years and has been the Financial Aid Director there for the past five years. She has been in financial aid for the past 22 years. She started out as a Federal Work-Study student at Grand Canyon University. Pat has been involved with WASFAA for the past five years, and served as that organization’s President in 2008-09. Currently, she is Past-President of WASFAA. Pat has been an active member of her state association, AASFAA, for the past 17 years in various capacities, and she has twice held the position of President for that organization. She currently serves as the Central Regional Coordinator for College Goal Sunday in Arizona.

Mr. Keith Reeves, Clemson University (Regional Rep, SASFAA)
Keith Reeves has served as Associate Director of Financial Aid for Clemson University for 18 years, and been in financial aid for more than 23 years. Prior to his tenure in financial aid, he was employed in the Registrar’s Office, also at Clemson University. He has been an active member of the South Carolina state association, serving as president in 2003-04, and SASFAA over the years, where he has held several positions and currently serves as president. Keith enjoys coaching little league football, basketball and baseball, as well as serving his local church through technical ministry (digital sound, video, graphics, etc). Keith and his wife, Lynn, have one child in high school and another in middle school. He does not look forward to counseling himself on financial aid matters in the near future.

Ms. Tami Sato, Southern California College of Optometry (Commission Director)
Tami Sato has worked at the Southern California College of Optometry since 1981, and served as Director of Financial Aid for more than 26 of those years. She has been an active member of the California state association and WASFAA over the years, and served as WASFAA’s president in 2006-07. Over the years, she has served her national association as a regional representative, conference presenter, and a member of the Graduate and Professional Issues Committee. When she’s not on campus helping students, Tami enjoys indulging her "arty" side through crafting, mainly stamping and card-making.

Ms. Taina J. Savoit, McNeese State University (Regional Rep, SWASFAA)
Taina Savoit has served as Director of Financial Aid for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA since 1998. She has been in financial aid for over 20 years, all at McNeese State -- where, coincidentally she also got her Bachelor’s in business and her Master’s in education. Taina has been an active member of the Louisiana state association, and served as that organization’s president in 2000-01. She is currently the president of SWASFAA. Over the years, she has served her national association as a member of the Finance Committee, the Awards Committee, Nominations and Elections, Training and Best Practices, and Research. When she’s not on campus helping students, she enjoys spending time with family and her two "sons" (her cats!).

Ms. Judith E. Sears, New Mexico State University at Carlsbad (Rep At Large)
Judi Sears serves as Coordinator, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for New Mexico State University -- Carlsbad, a position she has held since 1990. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from University of the Southwest, Judi went on to earn her Master’s in Education from New Mexico State. She has served the New Mexico state association in many capacities over the years, and was elected to serve as NMASFAA’s president in 2004. She has also served her regional association, SWASFAA, as a frequent committee member and Board Secretary. Judi has been active in NASFAA since 1998, and has served on the Awards Committee, Leadership Development and Professional Advancement, the Conference Committee and the Carnival of Learning Committee at the 1999 Las Vegas conference.

Mr. Richard Shipman, Michigan State University (Regional Rep, MASFAA)
Rick has worked for Michigan State University for 33 years, with the last 32 in the Office of Financial Aid. He has held many positions, including financial aid officer, management systems coordinator, assistant director, and associate director. He is currently director of the $534 million student aid operation. He has served in many elected and appointed offices with financial aid organizations and is currently President of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Past-President of the Michigan state association, and past delegate to College Board’s College Scholarship Service Assembly Council. Rick is married to an AP English teacher and has three children: a 2007 college graduate, a college senior, and a college sophomore -- all past or current Spartans.

Ms. Kay W. Soltis, Pacific Lutheran University (Rep At Large)
Kay Soltis has served as Director of Financial Aid for Pacific Lutheran University for 18 years, and been in the financial aid office of Pacific Lutheran for 25 years (formerly as Associate Director). Founded in 1890 by Scandinavian immigrants, Pacific Lutheran University is a four-year private liberal arts university serving more than 3,600 students. Kay has been an active member of the Washington state association (WFAA) and served as that group’s president in 1996-97. She has also served WASFAA and NASFAA in many capacities over the years, including significant committee work. She has also been an active participant with the College Scholarship Service, the Washington State Governing Board of Dollars for Scholars, and has served as a non-federal trainer for the U.S. Department of Education.

Mr. James M. Swanson, Colorado College (Rep At Large)
Jim Swanson has served as Director of Financial Aid at Colorado College in Colorado Springs since 1993 and has been in the financial aid profession for almost 32 years. Prior to Colorado College, he worked for the College Board’s Financial Aid Services Division in both their Atlanta, Georgia and Denver, Colorado offices. Jim began his financial aid career in Montana serving students as Director of Financial Aid at Montana State University- Billings (formerly known at that time as Eastern Montana College). He has been active in several state, regional and national financial aid and educational associations, and served as RMASFAA’s president in 2002-03. Jim cannot not think of a more noble or rewarding profession for him. When you can’t find Jim behind his desk, you probably will find him traveling, taking photos, hiking in the mountains, on the dance floor or in the theater, spending time with his family and cheering on the Colorado College hockey team.

Ms. Lisa L. Tumer, James Madison University (Rep At Large)
Lisa Tumer has served as Director, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA since 1999, and been in financial aid for the past 25 years. Prior to her tenure at James Madison University, she served as Director of Financial Aid at Longwood College. She has been an active member of the Virginia state association and SASFAA over time, and served as VASFAA’s president in 1995-96. Lisa has also served her national association consistently over the years, with committee memberships in the Transcript Editorial Board, Conference committee, and AGMC. She is a past-chair of the Training and Conference Committees, as served as Commission Director in 1998-99

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