February State & Regional Association Updates
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
In this monthly round-up in Today's News, we would like to highlight what’s going on in your state and regional associations.
This month, we have the opportunity to hear from our colleagues from Illinois, New York, Kansas, Tennessee, the Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WASFAA), and the Southwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SWASFAA).
Bambie Roy, president of ILASFAA (Illinois), shares that registration is now open for the 2025 ILASFAA Conference. This year's conference will be held in East Peoria, Illinois, from March 26-28.
Robert Zasso, president of NYSFAAA (New York), shares that the association will hold its Executive Council meeting virtually in February. Additionally, NYSFAAA’s Statewide Training Committee hosted a successful webinar for guidance counselors and financial aid professionals on the 2025-26 FAFSA/TAP process during the fall semester, with 1183 attendees and over 400 additional views, he writes. Furthermore, the committee conducted four additional webinars, training over 800 members on verification and tax-related topics, Robert adds.
Tanya McGee, president of KASFAA (Kansas), shares that the association announced its newly elected board members for the 2025-26 year. The new board members will take office during KASFAA’s Spring conference on April 2-4. New members include: Trish Runion as president-elect; Danielle Sullivan as vice president; Kristina Blanck as secretary; and Lacey Ledwich as treasurer-elect.
Samantha Sullivan, president of TASFAA (Tennessee), shares that the association completed its fall training series in four different locations across the state in October 2024 with over 140 members in attendance.
Additionally, TASFAA raised over $1,200 in response to the Hurricane Helene disaster impacting the eastern part of the state. Samantha shares that the funds were sent out to the financial aid community in affected areas. Samantha also writes that TASFAA’s conference committee is planning its annual conference in Murfreesboro, Tennessee from April 13-16.
Bronwyn Garrison, president of WASFAA, shares that registration is now open for the 2025 WASFAA Conference in Hawaii. This year’s conference theme is “Huliau: Resiliency Through Times of Change.” Bronwyn notes that this conference was originally scheduled for 2020.
“It reflects not only the strength and unity of our community during challenging periods but also serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come — together,” Bronwyn writes. “The lush landscapes and rich culture of Hawaii provide the perfect backdrop to reconnect, recharge, and reimagine our future.”
Bronwyn adds that attendees will have the chance to engage with new colleagues and reconnect with long-time friends, with presenters and guests from NASFAA, WASFAA, and the Department of Education joining the conference.
Additionally, Bronwyn adds that WASFAA is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating Southern California fires. She and WASAA encourage members to contribute in any way possible to support those affected, such as through the California Fire Foundation or American Red Cross.
Elizabeth Amador, president of SWASFAA, shares that the association is holding its first FAAC® training of the year on February 24 in Dallas, Texas. Additionally, from February 25-26 the association will host its third annual Leadership & Management Institute in Dallas.
“Forward-thinking financial aid leaders will be ‘Embracing Change: Navigating the Future Together’ as they embark on an intergalactic journey of growth and transformation,” Elizabeth shares.
Check back next month to see what your colleagues are doing across the country, and check out your colleagues’ updates from previous months!
Publication Date: 2/19/2025
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