9 DLP Participants Share How The Program Transformed Their Career
By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant
NASFAA's award-winning Developing Leaders Pipeline (DLP) program, established in 2018, provides professional development opportunities for NASFAA's next generation of leaders across all six regions. Now in its ninth year, the DLP seeks six new participants to receive a robust portfolio of benefits, mentorship, and guidance on how to develop as financial aid association leaders at the state, regional, and national levels.
With only a few days left in the application window, we caught up with past DLP participants to hear how their careers have evolved since completing the program. Read on to learn more about their experience and the impact the program has had on their professional journeys.
NASFAA members should apply for the DLP by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for consideration.
"Since participating in the NASFAA DLP program, my career path has continued to evolve toward greater leadership and responsibility within financial aid. I have progressed into my current role as Senior Associate Director of Processing, where I lead a team, oversee financial aid processing and packaging operations, and support initiatives that impact thousands of students. DLP has given me greater confidence in my leadership voice and encouraged me to be more intentional in how I lead, collaborate, and advocate for students and the profession. I am especially proud of the leadership opportunities I have taken on within my institution, NASFAA, and NCASFAA, including serving in a leadership role focused on Global Culture and Access.
I strongly encourage anyone considering applying to take that step — you do not have to have all the answers or already hold a senior leadership title. DLP is an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, build meaningful connections, and discover your potential as a leader."
"Since completing the DLP, I have had the opportunity to teach at RMASFAA's Summer Institute and to present at both the KASFAA and RMASFAA conferences. I have also remained actively involved with the RMASFAA Board, supporting the SLRP Committee and continuing to invest in developing future leaders. At the most recent RMASFAA conference, I had the privilege of presenting to current RMASFAA Leadership Pipeline participants, which has been especially meaningful because it allows me to encourage and mentor others who are embarking on a similar leadership journey.
Looking back, the DLP was truly a catalyst in my professional development. It not only helped me discover my authentic leadership style but also fueled my passion for service. The opportunities I have pursued since then are a direct reflection of the confidence, skills, and inspiration I gained through the program."
"I'm excited to share that since participating in the DLP cohort, I have been elected as president-elect for my state's association. This opportunity also allows me to be involved more with MASFAA as I am now a liaison for my state and its board meetings. I have also participated in the NASFAA Leadership Conference Task Force (Financial Aid Management & Leadership Pathway)."
"Since participating in DLP, I’ve continued to grow professionally and personally, but one of the biggest impacts for me has been the relationships I’ve built through the program. DLP connected me with resourceful individuals who have offered professional guidance, as well as people who are willing to simply listen, give honest advice, and provide perspective when I need it.
I’ve also had the opportunity to build relationships with people I might not otherwise have crossed paths with. Those connections have been incredibly valuable, both professionally and personally. I still stay in touch with my mentor, and I appreciate having someone I can continue to learn from and reach out to for perspective."
"My DLP experience has afforded me the resources and network to explore new opportunities beyond my previous role. My mentor, Sharon Jones, has provided me with guidance and was a reference for the few opportunities I explored. While presented with a wonderful opportunity out in Idaho, where I would have been much closer to many of my DLP cohort colleagues and friends, I eventually chose a closer opportunity in South Carolina. My DLP family has been a tremendous support and has given great exposure to NASFAA leadership and other members of the financial aid community."
"The DLP strengthened my confidence and ability to engage in both state and federal advocacy. I have been actively involved in advocacy to expand state aid opportunities for non-citizen students and protect in-state tuition policies for non-citizen students. I have also advocated for greater utilization of employee benefits and tax flexibilities to support student loan repayment assistance and educational benefits for employees.
The legislative tracking, training, and support provided through NASFAA during DLP have also had a very practical impact on my leadership. It taught me to pay close attention to emerging policy changes and engage early rather than waiting until implementation is immediately upon us. That approach has been instrumental in helping my institution prepare for and respond to the significant changes associated with OB3/WFTCA.
Today, I serve as the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In this role, one of my greatest priorities is investing in our staff and creating opportunities for their own professional growth. I look forward to using my leadership position to advocate for professional development opportunities for our team and to encourage greater participation and engagement across the profession."
"In the years following my DLP participation, I took on increasingly broad leadership responsibilities at Northwestern University, ultimately serving as director of operations and, for a period, as interim university aid director.
I also became much more engaged in the financial aid profession through NASFAA and MASFAA. I earned the FAAC® designation, served as Chair-Elect of NASFAA’s Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program Commission, participated on NASFAA’s Examining Implicit Bias in Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Task Force, and continue to serve as a Standards of Excellence peer reviewer. I became more active with MASFAA as well, including chairing a committee, and have had opportunities to present at both national and regional financial aid conferences. Beyond financial aid, I expanded my leadership involvement at Northwestern by serving as chair of the university’s Staff Advisory Council. Most recently, after 25 years at Northwestern, I joined Duke University as associate director of graduate & professional financial aid compliance.
One of the most meaningful and lasting parts of my DLP experience has been the relationship I developed with my mentor, Dan Mann. We remain in touch today, and his mentorship, support, and friendship have meant a great deal to me throughout my career."
"My biggest benefit from participating in DLP has been the confidence and encouragement that gave me the nudge that I needed to step into a financial aid director role. I had long been intimidated by the position itself, and for good reason, but having the mentorship and peer support provided me with the push I needed to make the leap. I am now in my second director position, and the development, advice, counsel, and sounding board that the program provided me still supports me as I encounter new challenges in this role and this profession. DLP has been foundational to my advancement and success in financial aid leadership. My participation truly amplified my passion and dedication to this profession and provided me with a network that I love and rely on to this day!"
"Since completing the DLP, I have remained actively engaged in the profession through committees, conferences, and volunteer service. I am especially proud of the opportunities I have had to contribute as a past Chair of the Graduate/Professional Caucus, as a past Representative-At-Large on the Board of Directors, and currently as a member of the Financial Affairs Committee."
NASFAA Members: Apply for the DLP by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, for consideration. Know someone who would make a great applicant? Send them a note of encouragement.
Publication Date: 9/28/2026
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