By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter

As the spring season kicks into full gear, we have the opportunity this April to hear from our financial aid colleagues across the country on details about recent spring conferences, upcoming conferences, trainings, and other updates. 

Recent Conferences

First, we have the opportunity to hear about recent March and early April conferences in Utah, Nebraska, Montana, Kansas, Louisiana, Illinois, and Arizona. 

• Vanessa Martineau, president of RMASFAA, noted that RMASFAA is off to a strong start for its state conference season. The association is continuing its State Swap program, which sends a representative from each state to a different state conference, allowing participants to learn from one another. Vanessa adds that there was RMASFAA Board representation at each of these conferences, including:

  • UASFAA’s Spring Conference in Cedar City, Utah, on March 12-13

  • NeASFAA’s Spring Conference in Norfolk, Nebraska, on March 18-20

  • MASFAA’s Spring Conference in Fairmont Hot Springs, Montana, on March 30 - April 1

  • KASFAA’s Spring Conference in Lawrence, Kansas, on April 8-1

• Jayson Matlock, president of UASFAA (Utah), shared more details about the association’s Spring conference, writing that it was “a great time for Utah members to connect, network, and reflect amidst the federal and state changes that have taken place.” The conference’s theme centered on "The Financial Aid Files.” Jayson noted that UASFAA committees put in a lot of effort to execute a wonderful event, and specifically gave a shout out to the UASFAA board for their work.
  
  During the conference, the UASFAA board focused on fiscal conservation in relation to the budget adjustments occurring statewide. Numerous conversations occurred surrounding membership engagement throughout the state, and UASFAA branded materials and swag were delivered to conference attendees to build excitement.
  
  “The annual conference received various modes of support from our vendors, partner institutions and colleges, RMASFAA, and NASFAA,” Jayson wrote. “We are greatly appreciative of the opportunity to continue creating change and an avenue of support for our members with a tremendous network of caring and devoted professionals.”

• Katie Stewart, president of LASFAA (Louisiana), shared that the association held another successful Spring Conference in Natchitoches, Louisiana, at Northwestern State University. The event welcomed 66 attendees from across the state and provided excellent opportunities for networking and professional development, she wrote.
  
  Participants enjoyed a variety of engaging sessions, including “a standout” presentation from NASFAA’s Sarah Austin. The conference also included an informative update on state aid from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, as well as additional sessions on compliance, overawards, Workforce Pell, money management, identifying students in crisis, and more. 

• Chelley Jackson, president-elect of ILASFAA (Illinois), gave details about the association’s successful annual conference, “Navigating the Upside Down,” which was held in Lombard, Illinois. For over two-and-a-half days, attendees engaged in meaningful learning, open collaboration, and idea sharing with colleagues from across the region, Chelley wrote. The event featured a dynamic keynote speaker, along with a variety of high quality breakout sessions that offered practical insights and fresh perspectives.
  
  “Participants left energized, connected, and better equipped to navigate challenges in our ever changing higher ed landscape,” Chelley wrote. “Overall, it was an inspiring and productive experience—and we’re already looking forward to next year!”

• Aurie Clifford, president-elect of AASFAA (Arizona), highlighted the association’s recent 2026 annual conference, “To Boldly Go,” which was held at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, from March 31-April 1. The conference brought together financial aid professionals from across the state for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Sessions explored topics such as professional judgment, college access initiatives, Arizona's education initiatives, FAFSA completion, regulatory changes, student success, and emerging practices in financial aid administration – equipping attendees with new tools and perspectives to help guide students on their educational journeys.
  
  In addition to the main conference programming, AASFAA introduced a new pre-conference workshop, Financial Aid 101, which is designed to provide foundational training on professional judgment through practical discussion and case-based learning for newer professionals entering the field.
  
  Aurie added that AASFAA is especially grateful for the generous support of our conference sponsors, whose partnership helped power this year’s mission. Sponsors not only supported the event, but also hosted a creative activity that meaningfully engaged attendees and added an extra level of connection and fun to the conference experience.

Upcoming conferences

Financial aid colleagues also gave a preview of what to expect at upcoming conferences across the country, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Michigan, Georgia, the Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

• Vanessa Martineau, president of RMASFAA, noted that NDASFAA is preparing to hold its Spring Conference in Grand Forks, North Dakota, April 21-22. WyASFAA will hold its annual conference in Laramie, Wyoming, April 23-24. Additionally, SDASFAA will gather for its conference in Deadwood, South Dakota, April 28-30. Lastly, CAFAA will hold its annual conference in Crested Butte, Colorado, May 6-7. 

• Shellee Kilbride, president-elect of WASFAA, noted that registration is now open for WASFAA’s annual conference, held from May 18-20, at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. This year’s theme, “We’re Fabulous,” reflects a renewed focus on professional engagement, high quality training, and strengthening community across the region. Conference programming will address ongoing federal student aid developments, including updates related to the FAFSA Simplification Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Attendees can also look forward to sessions led by three federal trainers, with the potential addition of an Ask-A-Fed station offering real time regulatory guidance. 

• Stephanie Petsch, president of MSFAA (Michigan), shares the registration for the association’s 2026 Conference, "Celebrate the Climb," is now open. The conference will be held May 17-20 at the Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan. “Join us as we celebrate and recognize all our achievements this year and learn and plan for the upcoming year as financial aid professionals,” Stephanie wrote. 

• Sarah Baumhoff, president of GASFAA (Georgia), wrote that the association is looking forward to its Spring Conference in Augusta, Georgia, June 3-5. 

• Tatiana Ochoa, communications chair for IASFAA (Iowa), noted that MASFAA held a site meeting for the upcoming annual conference, which is scheduled for October. During this site meeting, conference leadership met to plan the local arrangements, program sessions, keynotes, and schedule. Tatiana noted that the association is very excited for MASFAA to come to Cedar Rapids, October 18-22, for the annual conference. 
  
  “Lots of great discussions and connections happening in Cedar Rapids,” Tatiana wrote. “The dinners at Pickle Palace and Big Grove were very fun!”

• Ken Ferreira, president of EASFAA, shared that the association is gearing up for the EASFAA Conference, May 19-22. “A 60th anniversary celebration is on tap with invited guests that are sure to contribute to an exciting and meaningful event,” Ken wrote.

Training Opportunities

Colleagues also shared updates on the latest trainings available to financial aid professionals across the country, including a sneak peek into upcoming trainings this summer. 

• Vanessa Martineau, president of RMASFAA, noted that the association’s Training Committee has been working hard to provide a stellar array of webinars, roundtable discussions, two FAAC workshops, and other resources to members in March and April.  

• Shellee Kilbride, president-elect of WASFAA, wrote that registration for the association’s Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute is now open.
  
  Are you ready to fuel your fire for financial aid learning? Join WASFAA for the 2026 Financial Aid Summer Camp in San Diego, California. Designed for financial aid professionals at all experience levels, Summer Camp offers the opportunity to sharpen skills, connect with peers, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of student aid in a supportive, engaging environment. Summer Camp will be held June 8 -12 at the University of San Diego. Join us for a week dedicated to learning, connection, and professional growth, Shelle wrote.

• Sarah Baumhoff, president of GASFAA (Georgia), shared that the association has been busy with training events in the recent months. She noted that at the association’s Winter Workshop in McDonough, Georgia, 123 attendees were able to learn a lot, and also have fun with a photo booth.
  
  Following the Winter Workshop, the association held a “FSA Debrief” webinar where 135 financial aid professionals joined for a conversation about what they did and did not learn at the FSA Conference. GASFAA also held a “Leading from Where You Are Webinar” with 81 attendees, with more webinars leading up to the association’s Spring Conference. “It is never too late for others to join us,” Sarah wrote. 

• Pamela Welch, vice president of CAPFAA (Connecticut), shared that in February, campus leaders from across Connecticut gathered at Sacred Heart University for a full-day meeting focused on leadership excellence in an era of change. The day featured a keynote by Brad Barnett, NASFAA’s 2022-23 National Chair, hands-on leadership challenges, a panel with private- and public-sector leaders, and facilitated discussions, leaving participants inspired, connected, and ready to bring new strategies back to their campuses. “Thank you to all who were able to participate!” Pamela wrote. 

• Jaime Missimer, president of MASFAA (Mississippi), wrote that the association held its FA 101 event from March 25-27 with 33 participants. This event covered training on financial aid basics for new financial aid administrators, and provided a valuable networking opportunity to meet others in the profession. Sessions were held on the application process, Pell Grants, Direct Loans, SAP, professional judgment, R2T4, and more.
  
  “Participants had a ton of fun with Trivia Night at Buffalo Wild Wings and enjoyed sweets from an ice cream and cookie truck for a much needed break between sessions,” Jaime wrote. “We were excited to provide relevant financial aid knowledge and relationship-building events to a great group of engaged individuals.”

• Carmen Rivera Laboy, the EASFAA representative of PRASFAA (Puerto Rico), noted that the association’s 2026 Spring Training was held on March 20 at the Universidad Central de Bayamon, with the participation of 170 PRASFAA members. The sessions focused on compliance and upcoming changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 

• Tatiana Ochoa, communications chair for IASFAA (Iowa), provided details on IASFAA Director's Day, where 35 attendees enjoyed a day of discussion on trending topics. The state of Iowa also presented recent updates on the Department of Education's Bureau of Iowa College Aid and the state capital. 

Additional Updates

Our financial aid colleagues also sent us information about the recent happenings of associations’ executive councils, upcoming transitions, and other important updates happening at the regional and state levels. 

• Jayson Matlock, president of UASFAA (Utah), noted that moving into the 2026-27 year, he will pass the torch to incoming UASFAA President Marc Gangwer. Marc is thrilled to continue building the momentum, and building out the board in a manner that supports the state.  

• Aurie Clifford, president-elect of AASFAA (Arizona), shared that as the association transitions out of conference season, AASFAA is now preparing for its upcoming board election cycle and volunteer call. The association remains committed to supporting financial aid professionals across Arizona by developing future leaders, offering timely training opportunities, and fostering meaningful engagement across the profession as we continue to move forward – ready to boldly go into the future of financial aid together, Aurie wrote. 

• Shellee Kilbride, president-elect of WASFAA, noted that the association’s Executive Council met on March 4-5 in Los Angeles. The meeting was a productive opportunity to plan, share updates, and make key decisions regarding the association. “In a time when change within our profession seems constant, it is especially valuable to gather face to face, supporting one another, collaborating, and reaffirming that we are navigating this work together,” Shellee wrote. 

• Ken Ferreira, president of EASFAA, detailed the topics discussed at the EASFAA Council’s March meeting, including:

  • A storage space in Merrimack, New Hampshire, for association-owned audio/visual equipment.

  • A plan to move stored archives from Albany, New York, to the new Manchester, New Hampshire storage unit is underway for May, after the EASFAA conference. 

  • EASFAA will partake as an exhibitor at the 2026 NASFAA Conference with exciting plans on how to showcase the association. 

  • The 2026 fiscal year (FY) budget is trending extremely well, with planned expenses currently running below budget. Ken wrote that this will continue to be monitored through the end of the FY. 

  • A draft code of ethics has been produced for members of the EASFAA Council. A working group has been seated in an effort to finalize this for Council vote in April, with implementation scheduled for 2026-27. 

  • An update on the membership survey from the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) committee and a follow-up communications plan.

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: 4/20/2026

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