2026/2027 Election Information

The FASFAA election committee is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 slate for the FASFAA Executive Board. Thank you to all the candidates who have agreed to run for FASFAA offices. 
President-Elect 
Vice President of Training
Treasurer-Elect
Region II
Region IV
 

Vandeen McKenzie Executive Director of Financial Aid Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	I am honored to submit my candidacy for President-Elect of the Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. For more than two decades, financial aid has been both my profession and my passion. Since beginning my career in 2000 as a graduate assistant, I have had the privilege of serving students and institutions in a wide range of roles, including Student Worker, Financial Aid Counselor, Team Manager, Director of Financial Aid, and now Executive Director of Financial Aid. Throughout this journey, I have remained committed to expanding access, advancing equity, and supporting student success through effective financial aid administration. My progression through the profession has provided a comprehensive understanding of our work, from frontline counseling to strategic leadership and a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing our profession today. Professional association involvement has been central to my growth and service. I have been an active member at the state, regional, and national levels, consistently seeking opportunities to contribute and collaborate. Within FASFAA, I have served on the Board, chaired multiple subcommittees, presented at conferences, and participated on panels. In SASFAA, I have served on the conference committee multiple times and have presented and moderated sessions. At the national level, I have contributed through NASFAA task forces, served as a peer reviewer, worked as a FAAC Commissioner, and moderated conference sessions. These experiences have strengthened my connection to colleagues, supported professional development, and deepened my commitment to our association’s mission. If elected President Elect, I will focus on expanding professional development, fostering collaboration across institutions, and ensuring FASFAA continues to evolve to meet the needs of our members and the students we serve. It would be a privilege to give back to an association that has shaped my professional journey. Thank you for your consideration.

Carola Mann Director of Financial Aid Florida Polytechnic University	I’m excited to submit my candidacy for FASFAA's VP of Training. With over 20 years in the financial aid world, I’ve seen many regulatory shifts and "simplification". Through it all, my goal has stayed the same: keeping our institutions compliant while making sure students actually get the help they need. One of the things I’m most passionate about is mentorship. This profession is constantly changing, and I’ve spent years focused on training—helping colleagues at all levels keep up with the latest updates without feeling overwhelmed. I believe that when we share our knowledge, our entire community gets stronger. I have had the opportunity to serve as the FASFAA Region IV Representative for two years. That role was incredibly rewarding because it let me step outside my own office to advocate and provide training for our members. I’m ready to bring that experience, my love for teaching, and my history with FASFAA to this role. I’d love the chance to help us navigate whatever comes next for financial aid with confidence and a clear focus. Thank you for considering me!
April Norelus Assistant Director, Graduate/Professional Financial Aid University of Miami	From the families we support to the complex systems we navigate, Financial Aid is my passion. After 18 years at my current institution, I’ve learned that our mission is simple, even when the work is not. I know that in our busy offices, professional development can feel like a luxury we can’t always afford. As your VP of Training, I am committed to changing that. I will listen to your needs and deliver content that is as engaging as it is practical - ensuring training is accessible, informative, and worth your time. I ask for your trust and your vote as we work together to elevate our expertise and our collective impact. Let’s grow FASFAA together."

Pamela Gordon Financial Aid Specialist Lake-Sumter State College	I am honored to be considered for the Treasurer-elect position on the FASFAA Executive Board. Even though I have only been a Financial Aid Specialist for just under two years, I have brought my previous experience and training and have already developed a strong foundation in financial management, compliance with federal regulations and school policies, and most importantly, student support. I have a detail-oriented mindset, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. I have always been known for my reliability, team-oriented approach, and the ability to manage responsibilities with accuracy, efficiency, and integrity. I have over 15 years of experience serving in professional organizations, starting as the treasurer of my son’s band booster association in middle and high school and ending as the president of the Uniform Crime Reporting Group for Central Florida. Between those years, I served as treasurer, secretary, regional representative, vice president, and finally president of multiple organizations. If elected, my priority as Treasurer-elect will be to continue to uphold and grow the values and goals of the FASFAA organization. I am committed to maintaining accurate records and supervision of association funds, clear communication, and supporting programs that benefit our members and the students we ultimately serve. I would be honored to serve FASFAA and contribute to its continued success with professionalism and dedication.
Elizabeth Weibley Associate Director University of Tampa	It is an honor to be considered for the position of Treasurer for the Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (FASFAA). My journey in financial aid began as a student worker, and over the past 13 years, I have built a career in financial aid administration, gaining experience in both public and private university settings. I began my full-time career in June 2013 as a Financial Aid Assistant at the University of South Florida (USF). In January 2014, I was promoted to Financial Aid Advisor, and a year later, advanced to Team Manager, specializing in state grants. In this role, I trained staff on state grant processes and best practices, both individually and in office-wide sessions. Over my 8½ years in this position, I developed strong expertise in financial aid regulations, program compliance, and departmental operations, including assisting with the reconciliation of FSAG and other grant programs. While my primary focus was state grants, I maintained a comprehensive understanding of all financial aid processes while managing a team of advisors and assistants. I became known for my attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage resources responsibly. In October 2023, I transitioned to the private university sector, joining The University of Tampa as an Associate Director of Financial Aid. This role has broadened my experience in managing financial aid programs within a different institutional context, providing insight into awarding, funding, and policy differences across sectors. These experiences have strengthened my ability to ensure compliance, manage funds responsibly, and provide transparent oversight. With one year of experience serving on the FASFAA Board as the Federal and State Grant Chair, I am excited to take on the role of Treasurer. In this capacity, I have gained a deeper understanding of financial processes, compliance requirements, and the importance of accuracy and accountability in financial management. I understand that the Treasurer is responsible for overseeing FASFAA’s financial records, ensuring proper stewardship of funds in accordance with established policies, and providing clear and accurate financial reporting to the Board. I bring a strong foundation in fiscal responsibility, organizational management, and collaborative leadership, and I am well-prepared to support FASFAA’s continued growth. I am dedicated to supporting FASFAA’s mission and ensuring its financial operations are handled with integrity, transparency, and care.

Myisha Denose Student Financial Aid Representative III StrataTech Education Group

I am honored to be considered for a position on the FASFAA Executive Board. I currently serve as a Student Finance Representative III and bring prior experience working in Financial Aid, where I have supported students and families in navigating complex financial aid processes. My background includes advising on federal and state aid programs, ensuring compliance, and promoting student-centered service delivery. My key strengths include attention to detail, regulatory knowledge, and a strong commitment to access and equity in higher education. I take pride in providing clear, accurate guidance to students while maintaining compliance with evolving policies. My frontline experience allows me to understand the day-to-day challenges faced by financial aid professionals and the needs of the students we serve. If elected, my priorities will be to support accessible and practical professional development opportunities, promote clear communication of policy updates, and encourage collaboration among members to share effective practices. I am committed to contributing in ways that are realistic, responsive, and beneficial to the association. I am dedicated to serving FASFAA with integrity, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit.

Kelly Torrey Assistant Director of Financial Aid Eckerd College

I am honored to submit my candidacy for Region IV Representative. I am currently the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Eckerd College, where my main responsibilities include managing private and federal loan processing and reconciliation, professional judgments, and verifications. While I enjoy the technical and regulatory aspects of my role, I find the greatest purpose and fulfillment in working directly with students and families to help them understand their financial aid options. The same passion for supporting families as they navigate the financial burden of college extends to supporting other financial aid professionals. In my previous financial aid position, I served as a trainer and mentor. While I greatly enjoy my current position and the opportunities it’s given me, I miss the chance to lead others, support their professional growth, and build the sense of community that mentorship fosters. As the Region IV Representative, I am eager to continue the educational workshops and certification opportunities while expanding opportunities for connection and mentorship within our region. Given the ever-evolving, complex regulatory changes of federal financial aid, it is essential that we support one another through shared knowledge and experience. If elected, I will work to implement a mentorship or connection program for Region IV professionals to foster professional development and mentorship. These connections can strengthen our region, encourage professional growth, and create lasting relationships that extend beyond events like regional workshops and the annual conference. A more connected Region IV contributes directly to a stronger FASFAA. I am committed to serving on the executive board of FASFAA as the Region IV representative, bringing perspective as a financial aid professional who has worked at both a for-profit clock-hour school and a non-profit credit-hour school, as well as my deep commitment to collaborating with other professionals from around the state.