Executive Leadership Collective
The Executive Leadership Collective (ELC) is an exclusive professional development opportunity designed for experienced financial aid leaders. Through the ELC, participants convene in a closed-door setting to discuss pressing issues shaping the profession and engage with influential leaders from Congress, federal agencies, and across the higher education community.
Now in its fourth year, the ELC has become a respected forum for seasoned financial aid executives who are committed to advancing the profession and leading at the intersection of ethics, institutional stability, and advocacy for student aid policy.
Through active participation in the collective, members collaborate, share insights, and contribute to strategic dialogue that informs and strengthens the future of financial aid administration. Participants benefit from a rich exchange of perspectives, experiences, and expertise that helps illuminate emerging opportunities, address complex challenges, and refine leadership strategies.
The ELC also fosters meaningful connections among senior leaders, creating a trusted network of peers dedicated to supporting one another and elevating the impact of the profession across higher education.
Hear what past ELC members have to say about their participation in the collective and explore these FAQs to learn more about the experience.
2026-27 Cohort Information
With each ELC cohort, this community of leaders will continue to grow, offering more opportunities for participation and collaboration. Participation in the 2026-27 cohort includes:
- A special reception at the NASFAA 2026 National Conference in National Harbor, MD, for those in attendance.
- An in-person kick-off event in Washington, DC, September 13-15, 2026.
- Registration for an exclusive track at NASFAA's Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo in February 2027.
- Registration for the NASFAA 2027 National Conference in San Diego, CA, including special events celebrating this group.
- Virtual meetings that may cover topics related to federal and state policy changes, affordability and access, leveraging technology, student loan repayment policies, and other hot topics.
- Special access to higher education policymakers and thought leaders.
The $4,000 registration fee for the Executive Leadership Collective includes registration fees for both the NASFAA 2027 Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo and the NASFAA 2027 National Conference. Participant travel costs, including hotel, are not included. Online payment via credit card is due at the time of registration, so please plan accordingly.
Use NASFAA's justification language to advocate for participation.
Registration is now open, and we encourage you to register as early as possible to secure your spot. Because we limit the number of participants, we will also limit registrations to one individual per school each year.
Participation Requirements:
- Current NASFAA Membership
- Actively serving as a principal within the aid office (director or higher)
- Recommended: At least seven years of experience in a leadership role
Should you no longer meet either requirement during the cohort year, please contact [email protected] to discuss your participation options.
The 2026-27 Executive Leadership Collective Cohort is sold out. Please proceed through the registration process to be added to the waitlist.
Join the 2026-27 Cohort Waitlist
