Sessions & Speakers

Eric Hardy is a program manager in Policy Implementation and Oversight (PIO). He joined Federal Student Aid (FSA) in 2009 and joined PIO in 2019. PIO serves as the principal office advising FSA on higher education policy to ensure that operations are considered in policy development and once enacted, that policy is implemented to meet intended goals. In PIO, Eric primarily focuses on loan policy. Over the past year, Eric’s projects included implementing changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the IDR account adjustment, the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, and other loan-related regulatory packages for 2023 and 2024.

Linnea joined Federal Student Aid in May 2022 from an educational technology and research firm, where she served as a strategy consultant to universities across the globe. She previously held financial aid administrator roles at several universities in Washington state and served in leadership roles with higher education professional organizations. In the past year, her work has focused on implementing the remaining provisions of the FAFSA Simplification Act, rulemaking for the PSLF and RISE sessions, administering the Campus-Based Programs, and developing guidance related to FTI and FAFSA data use.

Mr. Lucas is a first-generation college student, having arrived at the Department as a co-op student in the Office of Inspector General. His OIG career began as an auditor, advancing to legislative liaison, and criminal investigator. Mr. Lucas then transferred to Federal Student Aid, the newly formed PBO, where he ultimately was appointed Federal Student Aid’s Chief Financial Officer. His work managing taxpayer funds and directing complect financial programs has earned recognition across all levels of the organization, culminating in the prestigious Presidential Rank Award in 2022. In May 2024, Mr. Lucas was delegated the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer in the Office of Finance and Operations. There he advised senior officials on financial management, accounting, human capital, and grant management, while overseeing all financial activities and integrating key financial information with the Department's policies and objectives. His educational background, with a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Maryland and a J.D. from American University, has underpinned his successful career in public service.

Kerri Moseley-Hobbs works for the U.S Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) where she continues a more than 20-year career in postsecondary education and federal student aid. She has held positions as a Technical Specialist, Financial Aid Director, Policy Specialist, and now as the Director of the Policy, Implementation, and Liaison Group. Her focus and subject matter expertise are the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), student eligibility, verification, needs analysis, homeless youth, foster youth, and incarcerated students. Kerri has contributed to guidance and outreach in FSA areas including FAFSA design and completion, verification selection and guidance, EFC/SAI/Needs Analysis formulas, student eligibility, the design and administration of experiments under the Experimental Sites Initiative. Her and her team handle collaborations in these areas with the Office of Postsecondary Education, the Undersecretary’s office, the General Counsel’s office, and other subject matter related federal agencies including the IRS, HHS, USDA, and DOJ.

Melanie Storey is the president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), beginning her tenure on May 1, 2025. With decades of experience in federal higher education policy, financial aid operations, and organizational leadership, Storey brings deep expertise and a steadfast commitment to advancing access and equity in higher education. Storey most recently served as director of policy implementation and oversight at the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), where she led cross-functional teams in translating federal policy into practice. She played a central role in implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act and the FUTURE Act, and contributed to major initiatives like federal student loan debt relief. She frequently represented FSA before congressional staff, administration officials, and higher education leaders. Before joining the Department, Storey led policy and strategy work at the College Board and served as director of national initiatives at the American Council on Education (ACE), where she supported national commissions, analyzed legislative proposals, and led public service campaigns. Earlier in her career, she was a policy analyst at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), conducting research and collaborating with government relations staff on federal policy proposals impacting private institutions. A proud first-generation college graduate and financial aid recipient, Storey earned a master's degree in public affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School at the University of Texas at Austin and holds bachelor's degrees in economics and public policy from Smith College.