August State & Regional Association Updates
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
This month, we have the opportunity to hear from our colleagues about upcoming association conferences for New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., Maryland, and Washington.
Additionally, some members share details of recent association trainings held by the Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WASFAA) and by associations in Delaware, D.C., Maryland, and Massachusetts.
Upcoming Conferences
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Emily Grant, president of NJASFAA (New Jersey), shares that the association’s 2026 Conference will take place in Atlantic City from November 4-6 at the Ocean Casino Resort. This year’s theme, “Shift Happens” celebrates the remarkable ability of financial aid professionals to shift gears at a moment’s notice in our ever-changing higher education landscape, she adds.
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De'asia Clark, of DE-DC-MD ASFAA (Delaware, D.C., and Maryland), shares that the association is gearing up for its Fall Conference, taking place on November 9-11 at Bally's Dover Casino & Resort in Delaware.
“We can't wait to continue the conversation, share new ideas, and connect with our financial aid community this fall,” De’asia writes. -
Molly Walsh, president-elect of WFAA (Washington), shares that the association is busy planning its 2026 Conference, which will be in Ground Mound, Washington, on October 21-23. The conference theme is “Rise of the Pack: Resilience, Renewal and the Future of Financial Aid.” The conference committee is working hard to provide a great agenda for this fall, Molly adds.
Trainings
- Stephanie Sawyer, president-elect of WASFAA, shares that this summer, 88 financial aid professionals from institutions across the WASFAA region gathered for the Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute (SDBSI), a week-long professional development experience designed to educate, inspire, and connect student aid professionals.
The institute uses NASFAA's nationally recognized curriculum, with participants engaging in beginner, intermediate, and advanced leadership tracks that cover student eligibility, federal aid administration, strategic leadership, compliance, operational excellence, and much more. SDBSI welcomes professionals at every stage of their careers, including one new financial aid administrator who had been on the job for less than a week before attending.
Beyond learning, the institute was equally focused on building community. Activities and experiences included campfire s'mores, karaoke, friendly competitions, and countless opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from across the region.
“The success of the Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute is made possible through the commitment of financial aid leaders across the WASFAA region, who invest in their staff by encouraging participation in this exceptional program,” Stephanie writes. “Their support ensures that the next generation of financial aid professionals is equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to serve students with excellence in an ever-changing regulatory environment.”
- Meredith Schor, chair of DE-DC-MD ASFAA (Delaware, D.C., and Maryland), shares that the association held its Neophyte Training on July 16. The four-day training provided participants with foundational financial aid knowledge, industry best practices, and NASFAA credential preparation, she adds.
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony led by PD&T Neophyte Chairs Sherise Morris, Pat Shoemaker, and Tim Maggio. The Neophyte Program is held annually on the campus of partner institution Salisbury University. -
James McGehee, president of MASFAA (Massachusetts), shares that the association’s Professional Development and Training Committee hosted a workshop for first-time managers on Wednesday, August 4, at Endicott College. Topics discussed included communications and feedback, managing up, delegation, and conflict resolution. Participants completed a DISC assessment to help guide the discussion, he adds.
Additional Updates
- Emily Grant, president of NJASFAA (New Jersey), shares that the association’s Novice Committee is launching a year-long series of activities centered on mentorship, collaboration, and professional development to equip incoming counselors for success.
Additionally, Emily adds that it was wonderful to see so many NJASFAA members at this year's NASFAA Conference in June.
“We gained valuable insights, reconnected with one another, and thoroughly enjoyed learning alongside colleagues from across the country,” Emily writes.
TASFAA (Tennessee) -
Elizabeth Crye, public relations chair of TASFAA (Tennessee), shares that Jana Cox, the 2026-27 TASFAA President, kicked off the year with the transition and board meetings on July 23-24.
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James McGehee, president of MASFAA (Massachusetts), shares that the association’s executive council and committee chairs met in late July in Hyannis, Massachusetts, to plan for the upcoming academic year.
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: 8/24/2026
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