2025 BURSARS SFS CONFERENCE

As a Senior Solutions Engineer at TouchNet, Russ is focused on identifying, developing and implementing solutions to address top business issues and challenges institutions of higher education face today. Russ has been in the payments industry for 22 years and with Touchnet for 19 years.  He started at Touchnet on the Implementation team, was promoted to the Marketing and Product Management team, and for the last 6 years has been a Solutions Engineer, assisting Higher Education customers finding solution to their payment processing , ecommerce, and security challenges.  Russ earned a B.S. in Management information Systems from Friends University

Scott brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in enrollment management, financial aid, international programs, and information technology. With more than 10 years dedicated to higher education payments technology, Scott has been instrumental in assisting hundreds of institutions in optimizing their payment systems, with a strong focus on improving student experience and engagement.

Brian has been with Flywire for over six years, working with US Higher Education clients to solve their payments and collection needs. Brian holds a BS in Business at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Brian is originally from the Boston area and currently resides in San Diego, California.

Peggy Carey is a Director in Student Business Services at Texas A&M University. She currently oversees Payment Processing, Student Loans, Refunds, Specialized Student Billing, and Imaging and has previously worked with Collections, the ID Card Office and Customer Service. Peggy has been with the department for 32 years and loves serving Aggie students.

Peggy enjoys serving in her church and spending time with her family. She is married with two daughters and four grandsons.

David has been with Salt Lake Community College in the Accounts Receivable for 13½ years and is currently the Assistant Bursar over Collections. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Media Management and Sales from Brigham Young University and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University. David previously worked for Utah Valley University for one year in collections.

Sean has over 30 years of experience helping students achieve their educational goals. He has served on and led both undergraduate and graduate financial aid, admissions, and student account teams at public and private institutions including University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston College, Northeastern University, Bentley College, Emerson College, Fitchburg State University, and, most recently, Emmanuel College.  Sean understands that paying for college can be confusing and stressful for students and their families. At Emmanuel, Sean and his team work closely with students and their families to not only take advantage of the full range of federal, state, institutional, and private scholarship and grant resources available but also to put together a four-year financial plan that ensures that the student can not only enroll but stay enrolled.

Lori S. Hartung is the Regional Sales Executive for ECSI a technology-based solution provider to the Higher Education community.

Ms. Hartung comes to ECSI with more than 30 years of experience in higher education. Before joining ECSI Lori was the Regional Director of Sales for Todd, Bremer & Lawson, a third-party collection agency, and she was the Senior Manager of Government and Industry Relations for University Accounting Service (UAS). Lori serves as the current President of the Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organization (COHEAO) and is also a member of the Minnesota Collections Network. She currently participates on the Board of both organizations.

ECSI is happy to have Lori share with you her professional superpower - she can take any dull topic and turn it into an exciting presentation. Her personal superpower is making vegetables taste delicious. (bring on the brussel sprouts!)

Lori is a 1989 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor degree in Political Science. She lives in Dousman, Wisconsin with her husband, two dogs, two cats, and 40,000 honey bees.

Anthea Jeffrey is a seasoned higher education professional with extensive experience in diverse student services roles, including billing and collections, financial aid, student assistance, student accounts, registrar functions, and enrollment management. She possesses specialized expertise in policy development and procedural automation, focusing on the development, refinement, and clarification of guidelines in alignment with federal and state regulations. Her efforts aim to establish seamless processes, enhance customer service, and ensure compliance through the application of data analytics and customer feedback.

With over thirty years of experience working collaboratively with executive leaders, Anthea has dedicated her career to driving process automation, updating policies, and refining guidelines to improve customer service and the student experience, all while efficiently managing staff reductions. She has successfully achieved greater efficiencies with fewer personnel while addressing various economic challenges.

Currently, Anthea serves as a leader overseeing the Student Accounting, Billing, Collections, and Cashiers divisions at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where she supports more than 70,000 current students. She is responsible for managing a student receivable portfolio valued at just about two billion dollars.

Anthea remains committed to the ongoing automation of processes and the enhancement of payment solutions to better serve customers and facilitate ease of cash flow across diverse industries on a global scale.

Anthea currently holds a BS and MS degree both from NYU Tandem School of Engineering formerly Polytechnic University and an MBA from Pace University.

Amy Jenkins is a co-founder and COO at Meadow, a student financial engagement platform that improves enrollment, payment and retention outcomes for higher education institutions. At Meadow, Amy is spearheading the company's growth trajectory and leads sales, success, marketing and operations. She has spent most of her career in education, focused on opening up opportunity and access for students.  Prior to Meadow, Amy was the Head of Schools and Businesses for Outschool where she successfully launched two new business lines during a time of tremendous growth.  Before that, Amy spent 20 years in the K-12 space in various roles:  COO of Education Elements, investor with NewSchools Venture Fund, consultant, middle school teacher through Teach for America, and afterschool program provider.  Amy has an AB from Dartmouth College and MBA from Harvard Business School.  She lives in California with two daughters who inspire her to make the world a better place.

Glenn Karaban, Director of Business Development, Higher Education Partnerships. Glenn Karaban is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in business development, sales, and marketing across diverse sectors including education and healthcare. Joining TFC Tuition in April 2024 as Director of Business Development, Higher Education Partnerships, as well as being a proud father of three, Glenn brings a passionate focus on the intersection of education, student wellness, and technology.

Previously, Glenn held key positions at The JED Foundation as Director of School and District Recruitment and at High School Counselor Marketing as Director of Business & Organizational Sales, highlighting his commitment to student success and wellbeing. His entrepreneurial spirit shined through his work as Director of Sales & Business Development at Karaban Media Services, a second-generation family business.

Glenn earned a BS in Advertising from Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School of Public Communications and an MBA in Marketing from the Graduate School of Management at Rutgers University, providing a solid foundation for his multifaceted career in education, student wellness, and technology.

Alyse is the Director of Cash Management and University Bursar at the University of Connecticut. A Husky through and through, Alyse’s first job was scooping ice cream at the well-loved UConn Dairy Bar while in high school. She then went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Accounting from UConn and began her career as an auditor and tax professional for a public accounting firm. She quickly found her way back to UConn where she began working in the Office of the Bursar Cash Operations unit as a frontline cashier in 2011. She then obtained a Master of Public Administration degree and continued to grow her career in the Office of the Bursar. Alyse has been in her current role for two years and oversees student billing and related collections, incoming student payments, outgoing student disbursements, incoming departmental receipts, outgoing vendor payments, Perkins loans, non-student accounts receivables, and all related reconciliations.

Laura LaMura has been a dedicated member of the East Stroudsburg University (ESU) community. She holds a Master's degree in Education from ESU and is also a proud graduate of Virginia Tech. Laura spent many years as a Collection Representative in Student Accounts, followed by several years as the Slate Communication Manager. Currently, she serves as the Bursar in the Student Accounts Office. Additionally, Laura has 15 years of teaching experience before heading into higher education. She is committed to reaching students and making a positive impact on their lives while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment at ESU. On top of all that, she is a married mom of three children!

Maria Livolsi has been with the State University of New York (SUNY) for 34 years, serving as the Director of the SUNY Student Loan Service Center for the past 29 years. Prior to joining SUNY, Maria worked as an accountant in both public and private industry. Maria has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Siena College and a Master of Science degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Albany.

Maria oversees several federal financial aid programs for 30 SUNY campuses with annual expenditures in excess of $325 million. The majority of the services provided by the Student Loan Service Center pertain to the $80 million revolving loan funds for the Federal Perkins, Health Professions and Nursing student loan programs, which currently contain more than 30,000 active borrower loans.

Maria is currently serving on the COHEAO Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President and has served on the COHEAO Board in various roles for the past 16 years.

Brinda Nirmal is a business analyst specializing in data-driven insights and process optimization. Currently at the University of Louisville, she focuses on enhancing procurement strategies, automating reports in Power BI, and integrating ERP systems. With a strong background in data analysis, dashboard development, and improving operational efficiency, Brinda leverages advanced analytics to drive business improvements.

LeeAnn Pickett, Assistant Director, Student Business Services, Texas A&M University.

LeeAnn Pickett is the Proudest Member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2011. She started her career in Student Business Services as a student worker and has worked in Customer Service, Payment Processing, and Third Party throughout the years. She is a survivor of the Banner Implementation of 2009 and the Inaugural VA Treasury Offset Program in 2012, both of which still strike terror in the hearts and minds of many. LeeAnn currently leads an amazing team of 8, and together they conquer everything Third Party.

Karen Reddick, Vice President - Business DevelopmenKaren is a graduate of Webster University in St. Louis. She has over 30 years of higher education experience. Karen began her career as a student worker in the Business Office at Webster. She continued her career after graduation as an Admissions Officer for seven years with Missouri College, working with all aspects of student services. She has been with National Credit Management, servicing colleges and universities, for 23 years. Karen oversees all marketing and sales for NCM, including writing RFPS, maintaining our client base, site visits, and representing NCM at all industry conferences. As the Legislative Chair, Karen currently serves on the Board of Directors for COHEAO (Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations). Karen also sits on the Texas Higher Education Business Officers (THEBO). I have also served on multiple agenda committees and boards for several higher education groups. Karen presents at regional and national industry conferences on Compliance & Collections in Higher Education and represents COHEAO with Legislative and Washington updates.

Andrew's 12 years in higher education have equipped him with a deep understanding of student financial services. As Assistant Director of Financial Services at Upper Iowa University, he leads the Student Accounts team, ensuring smooth operations for students at the Fayette campus, 11 centers, and through online and self-paced programs. He's passionate about helping his team thrive and creating positive student experiences. Beyond UIU, Andrew is active in his community as Treasurer for a local Preschool & Daycare Center. When he's not working or volunteering, you can find him enjoying quality time with his wife and 3-year-old daughter, or indulging in his hobbies: kayaking, cooking, golfing, cycling, and passionately following the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bulls.

Gina Santoro is an accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in the collection industry, particularly with the higher education sector.  Previously serving as a Director of Client Services at a leading third-party collection agency, Gina excelled in fostering strong client relationships and driving exceptional client service. Currently, Gina has taken on the role of Program Manager at ECSI for RecoverySelect, where she has been able to apply her extensive knowledge to help develop innovative and effective solutions that enhance the recovery of institutional past-due debts.  She is passionate about sharing knowledge and insights and is dedicated to empowering institutions to excel and evolve in the ever-changing landscape in the recovery of past-due receivables.

Alice Seaton is the Associate Director of Customer Service within University Bursar for the University of Illinois System. University Bursar is a system-wide service center that supports the billing and payment needs of all locations within the University of Illinois System. In this role, Alice provides leadership and oversight to the Senior Director of University Bursar for the Customer Service unit within University Bursar. Alice works closely with the Enrollment Management Teams on each campus to address and resolve student-impact issues, ensuring all stakeholder’s objectives are shared and considered through open communication.

In 2023, Alice was selected into the Professional Staff Leadership Academy within the University of Illinois. This professional development opportunity accommodates approximately 20 individuals across the University of Illinois in any given twelve-month class. Professional Staff Leadership Academy is a program that utilizes superior leadership principles and applications to develop key professionals.

Alice holds a bachelor’s degree of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield. Alice started her career at University Bursar in 2008. Alice is also a Certified Business Administrator and a Certified Customer Service Professional.

In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Sean Steinmarc is a dynamic leader dedicated to making education more accessible for all students. A Wharton graduate, Sean leverages his financial services expertise to drive operational efficiencies through technology. After venturing into education financing, Sean launched an award-winning startup that combined gamification and cause marketing to enhance consumer engagement. Currently, he serves as Chair of the Institutional Loan Task Force and Legislative Co-Chair at COHEAO. As CEO at TFC Tuition, Sean applies his financing, technology, and customer experience skills to provide innovative student financing solutions, ensuring school sustainability and student success.

With an esteemed career spanning 19 years in higher education, Charlotte currently serves as Executive Director of Service Excellence at University of North Georgia, a public university with approximately 20,000 students across five campuses. In this capacity, she leads initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and efficiency of services provided to students, faculty, and staff, thereby ensuring a distinctive educational experience.

Previously, Charlotte served as Chief Compliance Officer, where she was responsible for overseeing institutional compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures related to compliance. Her leadership in this role was pivotal in upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

In addition, Charlotte has held the role of Executive Director of Business Services, where she managed student financial operations, accounts receivable, and logistical and postal service functions in support of the institution’s mission. She also has experience as a Bursar, managing student billing and financial services with a focus on accuracy and transparency.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Charlotte is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and ethical environment. She espouses the belief that "Excellence is not a skill, it's a choice," a philosophy that underpins her commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence. In her personal time, Charlotte loves spending time with family and singing with a community gospel choir.

Linda Wilson is a seasoned professional in the financial management and campus technology industry, currently serving as a Senior Growth Account Executive at Transact Campus. Linda leverages her extensive experience and expertise to consult with clients, problem-solve, and build solutions that support university business goals and enhance the student experience. Linda is a dedicated professional who embodies strategic planning, innovation, and a passion for enhancing the educational landscape.

Linda spent nearly two decades at Gonzaga University, where she was instrumental in managing financial systems, enhancing business efficiency, and ensuring PCI compliance. As the Director of Finance Systems and Services, she demonstrated leadership by coordinating teams and liaising with IT to meet development needs. Her deep understanding of business needs and processes, coupled with her ability to streamline workflow, significantly contributed to the University's operational success.

Linda is deeply committed to helping universities finance teams navigate challenges and develop “bullet proof “continuity strategies.

Lottia is a sought-after conference speaker, host, and workshop facilitator. She is the central regional director of financial aid campus operations/outreach for Austin Community College. She previously served as the Financial Wellness Chair for COHEAO, and she is the Founder and Executive Director of Relay Heroes Today Leaders Tomorrow, a nonprofit based in the DFW, TX metroplex with advocacy in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Nairobi, Kenya. Relay was founded in 2017 to assist families in college readiness, financial literacy, scholarship, and consulting. The organization's mission is to work with people as young as kindergarten to enhance opportunities for individuals and families in financial responsibility and educational success. Since the organization's inception, they have awarded over $100,000 in aid and scholarships to students and families in need. Lottia's commitment to financial aid, student accounts, and financial literacy has led to over 20 years of experience in higher education. She resides in a suburb in the Austin Metro Area of Austin, TX. In her spare time, Lottia enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and volunteering.