Conference Committee

The Conference Committee organizes the June conference each year. The committee is responsible for the development of topics, securing speakers, managing logistics, and creation of printed materials for each conference.

Current Conference Committee

• Jeff Bentley, Citizens Bank
• Graciphy Cruz, Brown 
• Matt Davis, Brown 
• Nelly Hoffens, RISD
• Gina Rigby, RWU
• Lisa Talbot, Sallie Mae
• Bonnie Wojcik, RISD
• Julie Lawaton, Cognition Financial
• Gail Walker, RISLA

Membership and Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee works to ensure member involvement in the elections process and development of the Executive Board. The Nominations Committee notifies members of upcoming elections, gathers nominations, and distributes information about the nominated inviduals to all members prior to voting at the June conference.

Current Membership/Nominations Committee

• Ed Maroney, Bryant
• Francesca Savella, JWU
• Matt Davis, Brown                              __________________________________________________

Scholarship Committee

The Scholarship Committee organizes the annual awarding of the Horace J "Harry" Amaral Scholarship and the Senator Claiborne Pell Scholarship. RIASFAA will award one $500 Horace J "Harry" Amaral Scholarship and one $500 Senator Claiborne Pell Scholarship. Eligible students will submit a completed application and essay to the Scholarship Committee by the established deadline.

Current Scholarship Committee

• Annette Cataldo, JWU
• Matt Davis, Brown
• Anna Kelly, NEIT
• Pat Simonelli, JWU
• Gail Walker, RISLA
• Carissa Frazier, Brown

 Development Committee

This committee researches and outreaches to various vendors and Higher Education partners in an effort to create and maintain relationships with the RIASFAA organization. 

 Current Development Committee

• Donna Counoyer, Salve Regina
• Anne McDermott, Salve Regina                                             

 Finance Committee

This committee oversees past and present budgets of the association in an effort to maintain records, make improvements, and remain fiscally responsible/aware. 

Current Finance Committee

• Anne McDermott, Salve Regina
• Ed Maroney, Bryant  
• Patricia Simonelli, JWU                           

Get Involved!

Our committees are always looking for additional volunteers. It's a great way to get to know your fellow aid administrators in Rhode Island. Most committees only meet a few times per year and the time commitment is very small.

Check out our Volunteer page!

FAFSA High School Information Nights! 

The association offers high schools in Rhode Island the opportunity to have an active RIASFAA member visit the high school to present on filing the FAFSA application, learning how financial aid is determined, and what it means to accept finanical aid. The presentation in is conjuction with the Dept. of Education.

High schools interested in participating should contact the below committee chairperson to schedule a date/time for presentation. The chairperson will then assign an active member to attend. There is a $50 one-time payment due (check) to the presenter for their time. Presentations are typically 60-90 minutes long. 

Committee Chairperson(s)

• Matt Davis, Brown
• Graciphy Cruz, Brown

Government Relations and Advocacy Committee

The Government Relations and Advocacy Committee organizes and creates networking partnerships with state officials to remain aware on the most current topics effecting Higher Education and Financial Aid, along with working to promote further access to affordable education for Rhode Island students and families. 

Current Government Advocacy Committee

• Melissa Donahue, RISD