OASFAA is once again excited to offer the annual Directors' Day event to our membership. This event is geared towards director level professionals interested in enhancing their skillset and participating in professional development alongside their peers. Join your colleagues from across the state as we gather to connect and learn from one another through a packed day of programming. General sessions will focus on utilizing AI in student services, a state programming overview from an ODHE representative, an inside the beltway update from a NASFAA representative , as well as a panel of professionals from across the state discussing how to thrive in the financial aid industry.
November 14, 2025
9:30am-3:30pm
@
Franklin University
Registration is now open!
Dr. Chris Prokes is the Director of the AI Excellence Institute at Sinclair Community College and an experienced educator at the K–12 and higher education levels. He leads initiatives that create innovative online learning solutions to enhance student engagement, accessibility, and success. Chris also serves as Vice Chair of the Tait Foundation and is a board member of the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI). He holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and Boise State University.
Dr. Prokes’ scholarly work centers on artificial intelligence in education, instructional design, and digital learning innovation. His research explores how emerging technologies can enhance teaching, learning, and human performance across educational contexts. He brings a practical, learner-centered approach to designing impactful digital learning experiences and is deeply interested in AI integration in curriculum design, ethics in educational technology, and advancing the practice of learner-centered design in online environments.
Chris Kacir is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success at the Ohio Department of Higher education, responsible for vision, guidance and management of statewide initiatives focused on college access, financial aid, student retentionand degree or credential attainment at Ohio’s universities, community colleges and career technical centers. Chris is an experienced academic and administrator, having served nineteen years at Shawnee State University (SSU) in Portsmouth, Ohio.
In his time at SSU, Christopher has held the position of Professor, Department Chairperson, Dean and Associate Provost, contributing significantly to the growth and success of many of SSU’s strategic initiatives including efforts to improve student retention, addressing access challenges, and academic program development (including SSU’s first fully online programs). Chris holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from Ohio University. A lifelong Ohioan, Christopher has called many Ohio cities and towns home; he currently lives in Dublin, Ohio with his wife and two children.
Karen McCarthy serves as vice president of public policy and federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), where she leads the association’s federal advocacy strategy and public policy initiatives. As NASFAA’s chief lobbyist and primary liaison to Congress and the U.S. Department of Education, Karen plays a central role in shaping national financial aid policy and legislative efforts. Karen has held multiple leadership roles within NASFAA, where she has overseen public policy development, regulatory analysis, research initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Her work has been instrumental in advancing federal student aid policy, simplifying the FAFSA process, and ensuring effective communication between policymakers and practitioners.
Her background also includes direct institutional experience in financial aid administration at Boston University and Miami University of Ohio. With a strong foundation in student advising, regulatory compliance, and technical training, Karen brings a comprehensive understanding of both policy and practice to her work. A native of Massachusetts, she holds a master’s degree from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
De Auntha is a dedicated financial aid professional with over 20 years of experience in higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Myers University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Her career began as a work-study student at Bryant & Stratton College, where she quickly rose to become a financial aid manager. In 2015, De Auntha joined Tri-C as the campus director of financial aid for the Metro Campus and has since been instrumental in leading the collegewide Benefits Access/Project Go! Program, an initiative that has earned significant recognition for its impact.
Currently, De Auntha also serves as a co-lead for the U.S. Department of Education's Basic Needs Grant, a program designed to expand and strengthen Tri-C’s ability to connect students with essential resources as they continue their academic journeys. Her leadership in this area has been instrumental in fostering partnerships that address students' holistic needs, from financial assistance to food, housing, and transportation support.
De Auntha’s unwavering commitment to student success is reflected not only in her leadership roles but also in her hands-on work with students, colleagues, and peers. Her dedication to empowering students to achieve their educational and career goals remains at the core of her professional mission.
Matt Kirksey, a Certified Financial Aid Administrator®, brings over 15 years of experience in financial aid administration, having launched his career in higher education in 2008. Matt currently serves as the Director of Financial Aid at Central State University, where he leads initiatives to ensure students receive the financial support necessary to pursue their educational goals. His leadership is anchored in a student-centered approach, a focus on operational excellence, and a keen understanding of the financial challenges facing today’s students.Prior to joining Central State, Matt served as Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships in the public two-year sector at Stark State College. He’s also held roles of increasing responsibility in the proprietary sector and at two major public universities—The Ohio State University and The University of Akron. These varied experiences provided him with a broad and nuanced perspective on the financial aid landscape across diverse institutional settings. Matt has also engaged in professional organization service at both the state and national levels. Matt holds an Associate of Science from Cuyahoga Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University, and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Tiffin University. He is currently pursuing an Education Doctorate with a specialization in Educational Leadership from Capella University.
Melanie Weaver serves as the Director of Financial Aid and Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management at Ohio Northern University, overseeing all financial aid operations and assisting in strategic enrollment initiatives. She has served in a number of different positions within OASFAA and is currently serving as Treasurer-Elect and co-chair of the Communication Committee. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University, a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from The Ohio State University and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University (IL).
Rachelle Williams serves as the Regional Financial Aid Director at Ohio Business College, where she oversees financial aid operations and compliance across multiple campuses. With more than 17 years of experience in higher education, Rachelle has built a career grounded in leadership, student advocacy, and regulatory guidance. Her expertise spans federal and state compliance, institutional policy development, and cross-departmental collaboration to enhance operational efficiency and student outcomes.
Before joining Ohio Business College, Rachelle held leadership roles in campus operations, audit and compliance, and student advising, where she led teams through process improvements that increased retention, compliance accuracy, and overall student satisfaction. Known for her collaborative approach and passion for mentorship, she takes pride in developing others and creating cohesive teams that drive institutional success.
Rachelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Morningside University and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration in Project Management at Liberty University.
