Spencer Blackwell partners with finance leaders in higher education to improve student receivables and reduce manual workload. He brings experience helping colleges adopt practical, student-friendly approaches to managing past-due balances.

Becky Budner joined ECSI in 2012 and currently serves as Senior Manager of Product Management. In this role, she oversees service levels, product features, and functionality across ECSI’s portfolio of products, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives and long-term goals. During her tenure, Becky has served as a primary business operations contact for ECSI's Federal Perkins Loan Servicing product line, leveraging her extensive experience and institutional knowledge to support operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and client success. Becky earned a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Chris has worked in higher education for over 18 years, with a career focused supporting student success through financial aid services and institutional partnerships. He began his work on campus assisting students with military education benefits processing and went on to develop military scholarships and support programs at multiple universities.

Over the past decade, Chris has specialized in partnering with colleges and universities in a variety of capacities; from default management strategies and enhancing enrollment services to pre-collection outreach. His work centers on helping institutions improve student outcomes, reduce cohort default rates, and provide proactive, student-centered financial wellness support.

Chris has also contributed to the profession through service on multiple state and regional financial aid association boards. Supporting students has always been central to his work, and in his role at Inceptia, Chris continues to help institutions achieve positive student and institutional outcomes. He lives in Arizona with his wife, three children and their dog, Chewbacca.

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, he has been instrumental in assisting hundreds of institutions in optimizing their payment systems, with a strong focus on improving student experience and engagement.

Throughout his career, Scott has worked closely with universities to drive meaningful improvements in payments processes, ensuring that institutions can efficiently manage their financial operations while providing a seamless experience for students. His extensive background in higher education and payments technology positions him as a valuable voice on the evolving landscape of student financial services.

Though Scott will always consider himself a New Yorker at heart, he's called Colorado home for over 20 years. He enjoys the alpine lifestyle, particularly hiking and skiing. Scott is married to Tracy, a writer and television producer for Food Network and HGTV, and they are proud parents to Ruby, a student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Andrew Linn began his career in higher education administration in 2006 before moving to the Student Financial Aid Office in 2009. He has held leadership positions in scholarship administration, customer service, and financial aid operations and compliance at several public four-year universities. Andrew is a team leader for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ Standards of Excellence program and is an active member of the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrator’s having served multiple terms on the Executive Board. Currently, Andrew serves as the Executive Director of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at the University of Memphis. He enjoys the extraordinary comradery within the financial aid profession and is driven by turning pain points into points of pride.

Andrew earned his Financial Aid Administrator Certification in 2025 and has professional credentials in the following areas: Administrative Capability, Application Process, Campus-Based Programs, Consumer Information, Cost of Attendance, Direct Loans, Professional Judgment, Student Eligibility, Verification, and Return of Title IV Funds.

Lori S. Hartung is a seasoned leader in the higher education sector, currently serving as the Regional Sales Executive for ECSI, a technology-based solutions provider for colleges and universities. With over 35 years of experience, she has held key roles, including Regional Director of Sales in the accounts receivable management industry, and Senior Manager of Industry and Government Relations for a student loan servicing company. Beyond her professional expertise, Lori is an active industry advocate. She serves as the immediate Past-President of the Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organization (COHEAO) and is a member of the Minnesota Collections Network, demonstrating her dedication to advancing higher education finance. Lori is known for her ability to make complex, technical topics engaging and accessible. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a degree in Political Science, she resides in Dousman, Wisconsin, with her husband and a variety of pets.

Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, canning, and organizing events. With a passion for lifelong learning and industry collaboration, Lori continues to make a significant impact on the higher education community.

Dr. Sonia Lewis is the Founder and CEO of The Student Loan Doctor LLC, an award-winning education and consulting firm specializing in federal student loan repayment and forgiveness strategies. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education and financial aid, Dr. Lewis is widely recognized as America’s Student Loan Expert, providing trusted guidance to borrowers nationwide.

Founded in 2016, The Student Loan Doctor LLC has been formally cited by the City of Philadelphia for its measurable impact and service to the community. To date, the organization has helped more than 50,000 borrowers successfully navigate repayment options and secure over $55 million in student loan forgiveness.

The firm was established to educate borrowers, simplify complex federal loan systems, and deliver clear, actionable repayment strategies. Its broader social-impact mission is to remove student loan debt as a barrier to social mobility, financial stability, and long-term wealth building.

Dr. Lewis is a highly sought-after speaker and media contributor, engaging audiences across industries and age groups. Her expertise has been featured on major national and international platforms including CNN, ABC World News, Black Enterprise, Essence Magazine, Fox News, KYW News Radio, BET, Forbes, Money Magazine, InvestFest (EYL),TSP Scale, and numerous other conferences and media outlets.

John Mealy is a Lead Product Manager at TouchNet where he is responsible for the product planning and execution throughout the product lifecycle. He defines the product vision, gathers and prioritizes product and customer requirements, and collaborates cross-functionally to execute on that vision. John began his career with TouchNet in 2007 as an implementation consultant. Since 2010, John has managed TouchNet’s Bill+Payment solution, which gives students the convenience of 24/7 online access to manage their student accounts and enroll in payment plans while streamlining business office operations at higher education institutions. 

Jennifer Newton serves as the Director of Compliance for Finance and Administration at the University of Central Arkansas. She has 15 years of experience in higher education with a professional focus on risk management, policy development, and supporting institutional compliance through effective and practical practices.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. She is passionate about fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and responsible decision-making within higher education.

Vice President, Enrollment and Financial Strategy Midwestern University

Gregory O’oyne serves as Vice President, Enrollment and Financial Strategy at Midwestern University, where he leads strategy across student enrollment, financial operations, and the University’s private and institutional loan programs. He oversees the full enrollment lifecycle—admissions, student financial services, registrars, and institutional research—and ensures compliance with the Higher Education Act.

He also directs the University’s financial planning and budgeting and advises on management of its long-term investment portfolios.

In more than thirteen years at Midwestern University, O’Coyne has helped advance the institution’s mission in healthcare education, managing over $300 million in financing and refinancing transactions. He brings deep experience aligning fiscal strategy with enrollment goals to drive sustainable institutional growth.

Before joining Midwestern, O’Coyne held leadership roles in student financial aid, corporate finance, and regulatory compliance at a private postsecondary institution focused on nursing and allied health education. He began his career in 1999 at Ernst & Young’s Phoenix audit practice, specializing in financial statement audits of banks and financial institutions.

O’Coyne represents Midwestern University through several professional organizations, including the Education Finance Council, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s Fiscal Officers Council. He holds an M.S. in Data Analytics from Western Governors University and a B.S. in Accounting and Information Systems from Arizona State University, and is a CPA licensed in Arizona.

Sandra Ott is the Director of Student Accounts at the University of Central Arkansas with 19 years of experience in higher education.  Prior to joining the team at UCA, she was the Assistant Bursar at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for 7 years.  She has a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Central Arkansas.  Her focus as director is ensuring students view the Student Accounts Office as a resource.

Jennifer is the Executive Director of Revenue & University Bursar at the University of Memphis, where she serves on the CFO Leadership Team and leads institution wide initiatives in student revenue strategy, operational modernization, and financial stewardship. With more than 20 years of progressive experience across bursar operations, enterprise payment systems, compliance oversight, and ERP integrations, she has built a career transforming complex financial environments into efficient, student centered operations.

Jennifer’s leadership has produced measurable institutional impact, including modernizing cashiering infrastructure, reducing staff size while increasing productivity, and cutting nonpayment drops from 1,200 per term to under 200. Her background spans multiple institutions and roles in student accounts, federal fund management, accounts receivable, and large scale reconciliation.

She is recognized for her expertise in Banner AR/Finance, TouchNet, CashNet/TransAct, PCIDSS administration, and cross functional collaboration that strengthens both student success and institutional financial health.

Karen Reddick, Vice President - Business Development Karen 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.

Denise Varrientos is the Senior Director of the Business Office at WSU Tech with more than 25 years of accounts receivable experience in both healthcare and higher education. She has lead major student accounts initiatives, including tuition model redesigns, online payment plans and pre-collection strategies to improve the student payment experience. Denises served as KASFAA Fiscal Officer Chair for nine years and helped revitalize the Kansas Fiscal Officers Workshop. An award-winning landscape photographer and past Senior Board Member of Professional Photographers of Kansas, she enjoys combining creativity and problem-solving both in and outside the workplace.

Jason M. Williams was selected as the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations at the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General in January 2024.

Williams leads a team of talented professionals responsible for investigative operations, including information technology-based crimes and all criminal activity nationwide involving ED programs and operations. He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigation Services. Williams began his Federal career in 2001 with the U.S. Department of Transportation as an Operations Research Assistant in Washington, DC. During that time, he worked on loss-of-life quantitative studies and participated in a white paper group that analyzed potential terrorism scenarios involving the use of hazardous materials. That experience led Williams to pursue a career in law enforcement, and in 2004, he became a Hazardous Materials Enforcement Investigator with the U.S. Department of Transportation and later a Senior Investigator and Program Manager. In 2008, Williams joined ED OIG as a special agent, rising to the position of Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the Southeastern Regional office in 2016. In 2019, Williams became the Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture OIG Southeast Region, a position he held until returning to ED OIG. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, and a certificate in Strategic Management from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.

Linda Wilson is a passionate higher education professional with extensive experience in financial management, campus technology, and operational strategy. As a Senior Growth Account Executive at Illumia, she partners with colleges and universities to solve complex business challenges, align technology with institutional goals, and create solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and the student experience. Known for her collaborative approach and strategic mindset, Linda is dedicated to helping institutions navigate change while fostering innovation and long-term success.

Prior to joining Illumia, Linda spent nearly two decades at Gonzaga University, where she played a pivotal role in managing financial systems, improving business processes, and strengthening PCI compliance efforts. As Director of Finance Systems and Services, she led cross-functional initiatives, coordinated teams, and partnered closely with IT to deliver solutions that met evolving institutional needs. Her ability to bridge business and technology, combined with her focus on process improvement and stakeholder engagement, contributed significantly to the university’s operational excellence.

Drawing on both her campus leadership experience and industry expertise, Linda is especially passionate about helping university finance teams prepare for the unexpected. She works closely with institutions to identify risks, strengthen business continuity planning, and develop resilient, "bulletproof" strategies that support long-term institutional success.