President-Elect

Rosa Thomas

It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Representative-at-Large for the past three years, and I am proud of the many accomplishments your VASFAA board has achieved during this time.  As we all know, the past several years in financial aid have certainly been challenging.  The future holds many uncertainties, and I am running for President-elect because I want to continue to make a positive contribution to the organization where we can all turn to for answers, guidance, training, support, and yes, when needed, a good venting session.
I began my career in financial aid in 1998 at Longwood University, where I worked for 8 ½ years.  In 2006, I moved to Hampden-Sydney College, where I currently serve as Associate Director of Financial Aid.  Over my almost 27 years as a member of VASFAA, I have had the opportunity to serve on many great committees, present at numerous conferences, and serve as a moderator.  Being a member of our organization has truly been a joy, and the relationships I’ve built with many of you have greatly enriched my career in financial aid.
Outside of work, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from East Carolina University and my Master’s Degree from Longwood University.  I’ve been happily married for 34 years and have two grown children (no grandchildren yet, but I’m hopeful).  I also serve as treasurer and pianist at my church, and have been an active member of my community’s local volunteer fire department auxiliary for almost 30 years.
I wish to thank each of you for taking the time to read my statement of candidacy.  If elected I promise to be a steadfast leader who actively seeks opinions and feedback from the VASFAA membership across our great Commonwealth.  Our goal now more than ever, is to educate students and communities regarding the financing of higher education.  By doing so we are able to open as many doors as possible towards a better future for many.  With much more work to be done, I welcome the opportunity to serve as your next VASFAA President-elect.  I humbly ask for your consideration and vote.  Thank you.

Shannon Martinez

I am excited and honored to announce my candidacy for President of VASFAA. Throughout my career, I have been committed to enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of financial aid services for students and families.  I began my journey as an emergency hire in the Financial Aid Office at Rappahannock Community College and have since progressed to my current role as a Campus Financial Aid Manager at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus.

I have gained extensive experience in processing R2T4s, consortium agreements, and reviewing verification documentation, as well as making SAP and PJ determinations. Additionally, I have provided training to colleagues and delivered financial aid presentations at high school and college events.

As an active member of our association, I have had the privilege of contributing in various capacities to include:

• Social Media Committee Chair (2019-2023): Developed Policies and Procedures to enhance our association's online presence and engagement.  Led initiatives to expand our reach and foster community through strategic social media campaigns.
• Conference Committee Member (2019-2023): Collaborated on organizing successful conferences that provided valuable professional development opportunities for our members.
• Representative-at-Large (2023-present): Oversaw the Federal and State Government Relations committees, who advocate for policies that benefit our students and institutions.

I am also proud to have received the Buddy Award and the Leadership Development Award.

My diverse experiences within the association have equipped me with a better understanding of our community's needs and the challenges we face. As President, I will work to foster collaboration and communication among members by continuing to ensure we offer professional development opportunities that are valuable to membership. I am passionate about the work we do and believe that together, we can continue to make a significant impact. I would be honored to serve as your President and look forward to the opportunity to lead our association into a bright and successful future.

Thank you for your support.

Secretary

Yvonne Giannini

I have worked in financial aid at Brightpoint Community College since November 2021.  Just like many in our profession, I had never thought about a career in financial aid.  However, from day one it has been the most fulfilling, rewarding job I ever could have imagined for myself.  It has been such a joy to meet and work with others in the field through volunteering with VASFAA, from hosting luncheons in my area to becoming Membership Committee Co-Chair alongside Kathleen Roebuck.  I am very excited for the chance to serve as Secretary for this wonderful organization that helps financial aid professionals better serve their students and communities.  Thank you for your support!

Ashley Nickell

Ashley Nickell is the current Director of Financial Aid at Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA. With over 12 years of experience in higher education, she has honed her expertise in data management and reporting, policy development, compliance-focused operations, and strategic planning, all of which contribute to the College's recruitment efforts.
Ashley earned her doctorate from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2021 and is particularly passionate about promoting financial literacy education for both students and their families. She also has a strong affinity for Microsoft Excel, which she utilizes effectively to enhance her work and drive excellence and innovation within her role.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ashley is also an advocate for animal and human rights. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, basking in the sun at the beach, and belting out her favorite karaoke songs, showcasing her vibrant personality and varied interests.

Ashley’s enthusiasm for the VASFAA Secretary position is evident, and her qualifications make her a strong candidate. Her passion for organization will ensure that the group’s records are maintained accurately and efficiently. Strong communication skills are essential for a secretary, as they facilitate clear and effective correspondence within the community and help foster collaboration among members.
Additionally, Ashley’s sense of duty to support the VASFAA community underscores her commitment to the mission and goals of the organization. Her belief that she can contribute positively to the group reflects a proactive attitude that can inspire and uplift her peers. With her blend of skills, enthusiasm, and dedication, Ashley is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact as secretary, helping to strengthen the VASFAA community and support its initiatives.

Professional Association Involvement:

• NASFAA
• Member Since 2013
• Obtained 15 Credentials in 2015
• Leadership & Legislative Conference Participant (2022)
• VASFAA
• Member Since 2022
• Sector Committee Member (2024 – 2025)
• MASFAP (Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel)
• Member 2013 – 2022
• Early Awareness Committee Member (2015 – 2022)
• Newcomer/Welcome Committee Member (2016 – 2017)
• Awards Committee Member (2016 – 2022)
• Professional Development Committee Member (2019 – 2022)
• Legislative Committee Member (2020 – 2022)
• Leadership Development Program Participant (2020 – 2021)
• SASFAA
• Member Since 2022
• MASFAA (Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators)
• Member 2013 – 2022
• Summer Institute Participant (2015)
• Leadership Symposium Participant (2021)

Treasurer-Elect

Steven Sharkey-Dye

Hello! I am Steven Sharkey-Dye, a Financial Aid Specialist at Reynolds Community College. My hometown is Chicago, Illinois and I received my Bachelor of Art in African American Studies and a minor in History from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I have 6 years of experience in higher education, working as an academic advisor. When I’m not focusing on work, I enjoy a nice conversation over food or drinks, sports, and learning a new recipe to cook.

The reason I’m running for the position is not only to further the aims of VASFAA but to bring in ideas that can assist with the growth of our organization. Using the skills I’ve learned being the Financial Chair rep for Virgina Association of Educational Opportunity Program (VAEOPP), I believe that I can assist will furthering more professional development via finding other means of adding money to our organizations.

Aaron Whitacre

My name is Aaron Whitacre, and I am the Director of Financial Aid at Germanna Community College.  I have worked in higher education since 2004 at two Virginia Community Colleges with all but two years within financial aid.

I am eager to give back in a different way and help the Board and VASFAA members continue the great work of this Association, so I’m running for the position of Treasurer-Elect. Currently, I’m serving as the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee; having held this position since June 2020, I report to the Treasurer and work closely with the Board.  

My wife, Kelsey, and I have lived in Spotsylvania since 2015. We have a dog and cats that range in age from three to twelve. In 2021, we became RV owners and spend numerous weekends, usually beginning in March and ending in December, exploring our beautiful Commonwealth and surrounding states.

Representative-at-Large

Ghul Zadran

With over a decade of experience in higher education and financial aid, Ghul Zadran has dedicated many years to supporting students and institutions in navigating the complexities of financial aid assistance. Currently, Ghul Zadran serves as the Financial Aid Coordinator at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where she plays a vital role in ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Ghul Zadran’s journey has allowed her to work on both front end and operational sides of the financial aid process, where she has been actively involved in improvement of the policy and procedure development.

In addition to the role at NOVA, Ghul Zadran is the current co-chair for the VASFAA Training Committee for 2024-2025. In this capacity, she has successfully led initiatives such as the Fall Training Workshop and Leadership Summit and coordinated impactful training webinars that enhance the skills of the VASFAA members.

Ghul holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance which has equipped her with a strong foundation in financial principles and strategic thinking. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ghul is a natural learner who is always seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth. She enjoys reading books on history and communication, which not only enrich her knowledge but also enhance her ability to connect with others in both personal and professional life.

I am excited to run for the position of Representative-at-Large for the VASFAA because I am passionate about advocating for our community and contributing to the ongoing development of our profession. I believe my extensive experience in financial aid combined with my leadership role withing VASFAA positions me to represent the diverse needs and interests of our members.

As a Representative-at-Large, I aim to foster collaboration and communication among our members, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of financial aid in Virginia. My dedication to continuous learning and growth drives me to seek out new ideas and best practices that can befit our community. I am eager to bring my passion for education, my experience in financial aid, and my commitment to professional development to this role. Thank you for considering my candidacy!