Mapping Your Future honored several volunteers during its 2009 Annual Conference in Minneapolis last week. Four people received the Mapping Your Future Annual Award of Excellence and one team received special recognition during the awards luncheon on May 7.
Recognized for their contributions were:
- Cindy Marrs, TG
- Rob Boisen, Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.
- Manny Loera, EDFUND
- Chris Cooper, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
- The Mapping Your Future Plan of Action Team
Cindy Marrs of TG has been a volunteer for Mapping Your Future for several years, providing her expertise on a number of regulatory issues. She has assisted both the Online Student Loan Counseling team and the content team, reviewing content to ensure it is understandable and meets revised and new regulatory requirements. Cindy has done much research this year, demonstrating a dedication that shows in all the work she does for Mapping Your Future. She serves as the co-lead of the content team.
Rob Boisen of Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc. brings a wealth of experience to his organization and Mapping Your Future, sharing his knowledge to help this national collaborative effort to serve students and families. His guidance on evaluating potential projects, grant opportunities, and other business activities has contributed to the success of Mapping Your Future. Rob serves on the Steering Committee, co-chairs the Online Student Loan Counseling team, and chairs the development team.
Manny Loera of EDFUND is a valuable supporter and promoter of Mapping Your Future, having long served as a volunteer for Mapping Your Future. Manny is truly committed to serving students and borrowers and ensuring they are aware of the default prevention and financial literacy services to help them succeed. He is lead for the Show Me the FutureŽ project team.
Chris Cooper of New York State Higher Education Services Corporation uses his talents to advise on technology issues, address technical issues for new features on the site, and serve as a technical liaison for various Mapping Your Future teams. While he serves in a technical capacity for other collaborative projects, including chairing the MeteorTM tech team, he still chairs a Mapping Your Future team, showing strong leadership skills, providing updates, soliciting feedback and help, and encouraging team member participation. Because of Chris's commitment and enthusiasm, Mapping Your Future has been successful on its technical initiatives. Chris serves as lead for the data exchange and technology team.
Plan of action committee
In addition to individual Excellence Awards, Mapping Your Future sometimes recognizes a team for its contributions and achievements. For 2009, we give thanks to the plan of action committee, which was formed in this last year to ensure the long-term financial stability of Mapping Your Future. The committee's goal is to develop strategies to address new opportunities and marketplace challenges, while keeping in line with the nonprofit mission of the organization. Members of the committee include:
- Pam Roda-Kline from American Education Services, a division of PHEAA, committee chair
- Brian Allison from USA Funds
- Cal Abbott from TG
- Shawn Monk, formerly of American Student Assistance
- Sam Nelson from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Michael Nemelka from the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority
- Dr. Armando Salas-Amaro from the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance
- Greg Silva from the Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority
Based in Round Rock, Texas, Mapping Your Future is a national collaborative, public-service organization of the financial aid industry - bringing together the expertise of the industry to provide services online. Since 1996, Mapping Your Future has received a number of awards, including recognition for its excellence in content and innovation in technology services.
Mapping Your Future provides step-by-step instructions on career, college planning, and financial aid. In addition, the site offers financial literacy information and tools, and online customer service for schools and their students.
Posted 05/14/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.
