Directors' Day 2026

Financial Aid Leadership Isn’t for the Superstitious

Whether you avoid black cats, refuse to walk under ladders, or know that the scariest words in financial aid are probably “new federal guidance has been released,” we’re planning a Directors’ Day focused on the very real challenges and opportunities facing financial aid leaders.
 
Expect a day of timely information, candid conversation, leadership-focused discussion, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from across Ohio.

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Ross Auditorium in Alumni Hall, Franklin University, 301 E. Rich Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Meals: A light continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Registration: Begins October 5, 2026

Agenda

Register



Sessions and Speakers



ODHE Update

Tamika Braswell, Director of Financial Aid, Ohio Department of Higher Education

NASFAA's Inside the Beltway

Virtual Session with Nalia Medina, Assistant Director, Government Relationships, NASFAA

Preparing for the Unexpected: Success Planning for Financial Aid Offices

Iris Mirelez, Campus Director of the Learning Commons, Western Campus, Cuyahoga Community College

Don't Leave It to Luck: From "The Office of No" to Strategic Partner 

Dr. Betsy Johnson, Director of Financial Aid, Bowling Green State University



Valerie Miller, Executive Director of Financial Aid, Ohio University


Catherine Mix, AVP of Student Enrollment Services, University of Dayton


Faith Phillips, Director of Student Financial Services, Central Ohio Technical College and OSU Newark


A BIG thank you to the sponsors of the workshop! Stop by their booths at the workshop to learn more!