December State & Regional Association Updates
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
In this monthly round-up in Today's News, we would like to highlight what’s going on in your state and regional associations.
This month, we have the opportunity to hear from our colleagues in Indiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (EASFAA).
Colby Shank, president of ISFAA (Indiana), shares that the association held its first Directors' Day event on Friday, November 7, at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis. The event was attended by over 40 directors of financial aid and other senior financial aid administrators from across the state.
Jaime Missimer, president of MASFAA (Mississippi), shares that the association held its annual Fall Training event on November 12 with 90 members in attendance. NASFAA’s Megan Walter presented via Zoom on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), and other presentations included information on the 2026-27 FAFSA, utilizing preferred lender lists, and preparing for the return of higher cohort default rates.
Additionally, Jaime shares that the association is looking forward to its FA 101 Workshop for new financial aid professionals on March 26-27, and its annual conference on April 22-24. MASFAA also plans to offer webinars this year to facilitate increased connections among colleagues by discussing relevant topics, she adds.
“We are so excited to reengage our membership by providing quality training and networking opportunities,” Jaime writes.
Robin Walker, president of PASFAA (Pennsylvania), shares that the association just finished a successful conference in October that was well attended and had great reviews as "one of the best conferences" they had attended.
“Great job by the President and Conference Committee for a well-planned event,” Robin writes.
PASFAA has its Director's Day on December 17, being held at Butler Community College - Cranberry Campus.
Triena Bodart, president of WASFAA (Wisconsin), shares that over the past few months, the association has focused on transparency and open communication – building our strategic plan and rolling out our proposed institutional membership. The Executive Committee introduced many updated opportunities including a suggestion box and a Member’s Highlight of the Month.
The association also held its Leadership Conference on October 29-31, titled “The Power of a Polished Pro.”
“This event was a shining example of what intentional collaboration can achieve,” Triena writes. “Like diamonds formed under pressure, our members stepped up and sparkled. It was truly special because our very own WASFAA professionals led the sessions - no outside speakers needed. The depth of knowledge, insight, and generosity within our community was remarkable.”
On October 29-30, the Executive Board had a board meeting, which was held in conjunction with the Leadership Conference to foster collaboration between current and future leaders. Triena adds. During this meeting, association members held thoughtful discussions, exchanged valuable feedback, and made tangible progress on next steps.
Looking ahead, WASFAA’s priorities include finalizing and launching its strategic plan, implementing a financial governance policy, and hosting several mini-WASFAA events leading up to the spring conference with a strong focus on advocacy.
Additionally, the association convened a Town Hall to present its new institutional membership policy, which drew participation from nearly every school - a clear sign of strong engagement across our community, she writes.
Ken Ferreira, president of EASFAA, shares that the association’s Regional Council completed its November 2025 Council meeting. The meeting consisted of the Membership Committee giving an update on the vote for the change in membership dates, the results of which will be communicated in early December. The Conference Committee also provided an update to the association that it has secured additional breakout rooms for the 2026 conference in Philadelphia.
Additionally, the 2027 EASFAA Conference location at Margaritaville in Hyannis, Massachusetts, has been booked, with a special thanks to the Site Selection Committee for all of their support and hard work. EASFAA will also be hosting a Leadership Summit at its February 2026 Council Meeting in Manchester, New Hampshire.
A recap of the meeting can be found online.
The Regional Council also reviewed EASFAA’s budget, led by EASFAA VP Gena Boling, Ken writes.
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: 12/22/2025
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