AASFAA's First In-Person Transition Meeting In....Years!

Building Momentum in the Grand Canyon State: AASFAA Celebrates Volunteers, New Leadership, and Big News for 2027!


Hello WASFAA Community!
Energy and enthusiasm are running high in Arizona! On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Arizona Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA) is coming together for our annual Executive Board/Leadership Council Transition Meeting milestone moment where we celebrate where we’ve been and charge ahead into where we’re going.
Honoring Our Past, Welcoming Our Future
This transition meeting is, above all else, a celebration of people. We are extending our deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to every single volunteer who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to making the 2025–2026 year a resounding success. The progress we make as an association rest entirely on the shoulders of these incredible individuals.  A BIG THANK YOU to each and every one of you!
At the same time, we are thrilled to officially usher in our incoming 2026–2027 AASFAA Executive Board and volunteers! This incoming team brings fresh energy, inspiring ideas, and an unwavering commitment to serving financial aid professionals across our state.
Celebrating the Power of Diverse Representation
One of the things we are most proud of at AASFAA is the sheer diversity of voices driving our organization forward. Our Executive Leadership Council is a true reflection of the rich educational landscape in Arizona. We are honored to have leaders representing:
  • Tribal Colleges
  • Community Colleges
  • Four-Year Public & Private Universities
  • Graduate & Professional Schools
  • For-Profit Institutions
  • Sponsors
From standard terms to non-traditional and non-term academic calendars, our board brings deep, varied expertise to the table. This incredible breadth of perspectives ensures that no matter what type of institution you work at—or what type of student you serve—AASFAA is equipped to support you as we work together to serve all students across Arizona!
Our core focus for 2026–2027 is building community.
With our newly minted strategic plan and streamlined operational calendar created by the 2025-2026 AASFAA Executive Leadership Council, we are ready to roll. This year, we are learning how to open new digital dialogues through our system—making it easier than ever for Arizona members to connect, share ideas, and support one another in real time.
We Need YOU! Join the AASFAA Executive Leadership Council
What can we say? We love our volunteers and our community! Everything great about AASFAA happens because passionate professionals step up to make a difference.
If you are reading this, live in Arizona, and work at an Arizona institution, we want to work with you! We still have a few open volunteer spots on our Executive Leadership Council for the upcoming year. Volunteering is one of the best ways to sharpen your leadership skills, build a powerful professional network, and give back to the community we all care so much about.
Whether you have a few hours a month or want to take on a key committee role, there is a place for you here. Reach out to the AASFAA board today to get involved! contact@aasfaa.org
Mark Your Calendars: AASFAA Annual Conference 2027!
We couldn’t wait to share this news with the broader WASFAA family—we have officially set the date and location for the 2027 AASFAA Annual Conference!
  • Dates: May 24 – May 26, 2027
  • Location: Arizona State University | Tempe, Arizona
For those of you who attended the WASFAA Conference in Tempe, you likely have fond memories of the fantastic Tempe Mission Palms Hotel and its legendary, endlessly stocked snack shack! We are officially on a mission to recreate that same level of awesomeness, hospitality, and fun for our state conference in 2027. You won't want to miss it!
Here’s to a Strong Year Ahead
To all our colleagues across the WASFAA region, thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and shared dedication to expanding student opportunity. Arizona is ready to hit the ground running for 2026–2027!
 
Help me welcome the 2026-2027 Board of Directors & Executive Leadership Council
PRESIDENT
Aurie Clifford
Pima Community College
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Rey Morales II
University of Arizona
PAST PRESIDENT
Josh Edwards
Arizona State University
VICE PRESIDENT
Rachael Ridout
Pima Community College
SECRETARY
Alicia Begolin
White Mountain Apache Tribal Education 
TREASURER
Erin Singla
Arizona State University
TREASURER-ELECT
Matthew Rash
University of Arizona
REPRESENTATIVE-AT-LARGE
Katy Francis
Yavapai College
REPRESENTATIVE-AT-LARGE
Rebeca Ronstadt-Contreras
Salt River Schools - Higher Education
REPRESENTATIVE-AT-LARGE
Kathryn Cheatham
Pima Medical Institute 
Committee Chairs - 2026-2027 
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS CO-CHAIRS
Karla González-Quezada
Pima Community College
Melissa Stoddart
Pima Community College
Newsletter
Hillary O'Donnell
University of Phoenix
AZ Director's Group
Celina Moses
Central Arizona College
BOARD LIAISON
Holly Johnson
Monogram LLC
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
Rachael Ridout
Pima Community College 
DIVERSITY (Inclusion)
Esther Cuellar 
Coconino Community College  
FISCAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Josh Edwards
Arizona State University
MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIRS
Caleb Williams
Northern Arizona University
Kelly O'Brien
Yavapai College
SPONSOR RELATIONS
Dianne Fulmer
Sallie Mae
TRAINING & ENGAGEMENT 
Joi Grace                              
Northern Arizona University                    
Julie Leftwich                            
University of Arizona 
WEBSITE/IT CO-CHAIRS
Blanca Ramos
Pima Community College
Chantelle Isaacs
Ascent Funding