Meet the New Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Commission Chair, Elizabeth Amador, FAAC®
By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant
By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant 
Driven by a passion for student success, Elizabeth Amador, FAAC® has dedicated her career to financial aid. A first-generation graduate, Elizabeth began in the field as a work-study student and has spent nearly two decades serving students at the University of New Mexico. She currently serves as SWASFAA president and was recently elected as the SWASFAA Representative on NASFAA’s 2025-26 Board of Directors.
Keenly aware of the vital role financial aid administration plays in promoting equitable access to higher education, Elizabeth has consistently pursued opportunities to grow as a leader, including participating in NASFAA’s Diversity Leadership Program. That commitment to professional growth inspired her to take the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam – an experience she said validates her knowledge and experience.
“When I started, I really was very intentional about pursuing any and every professional development opportunity,” Elizabeth said. “As a new director, earning the certification showed me that the persistence and the preparation I had throughout the years that I had been working in financial aid meant something.”
Elizabeth, who officially started in her role as the new Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Commission Chair on July 1, emphasized that the program elevates and raises financial aid as a profession and highlights its importance across higher education.
“Within higher education, we can show that we are trusted experts,” Elizabeth said. “It is a recognition of how essential we are as financial aid professionals when we're advocating for the students that we're serving, or with institutional leaders, or policy makers who may not always know the ins and outs of how financial aid works.”
As the director of financial aid, Elizabeth now has the opportunity to collaborate with institutional leadership to shape financial aid and enrollment strategies. She shared how the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program has given her the confidence to navigate these collaborations while staying adaptable.
“The program has really helped me personally with managing change,” Elizabeth said. “We have seen a lot of change over the last few years, and just having that certification shows me, personally, that I do know what I’m talking about.”
Elizabeth believes that, as we see more changes to financial aid programs and advancements in technology, the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program will continue to equip financial aid administrators with the tools they will need to adapt effectively.
“Certification helps us feel confident that we have the knowledge to implement these changes, whatever form they take,” she said. “Whether it’s implementing chatbots to answer first-level student questions or using predictive analytics to help leadership anticipate enrollment or retention challenges, understanding the policies and processes behind our work will help us use these tools effectively.”
Reflecting on her own experience, Elizabeth admits she felt nervous when she first decided to take the exam. She encourages colleagues who are interested in taking the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam to take the leap despite any apprehension.
“Sometimes we don’t think highly of ourselves, but our experiences, education, and everything we know really pay off if we keep learning and pushing ourselves,” Elizabeth said. “Trust the knowledge you have and if you feel uncertain, there are plenty of resources – including workshops and study-guides – to help you prepare.”
Interested in getting certified? Find out how to take the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam.
Publication Date: 10/17/2025
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