As we start a new year, we welcome a very special year in our lives.  GASFAA will turn 40 this fall and we need to pause, reflect, celebrate and plan for the next 40 years.  In 1967, a small group of financial aid professionals came together to form the Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.  GASFAA is a not for profit organization established to promote training, professional development and resources for members to effectively administer student financial aid in Georgia.

We need to pause and think of where we started and what we have become.  Countless thousands of professional staff have been trained and mentored by our association. Numerous individuals have given their time, effort, and knowledge to assist our students, our association and our members.  We have grown from that initial start to over 600 members from post-secondary institutions, financial institutions, governmental agencies, and other interested organizations that are concerned with the support and administration of financial aid for students attending colleges and universities in the state of Georgia.  

Our professional organization is dedicated to assisting students achieve their educational goals.  To that end, we offer numerous training activities and workshops designed to assist with administrating financial aid.  We offer activities to stimulate professional development, preparation, effectiveness, the exchange of ideas, sharing of experiences and an environment of collaboration and communication.

 I welcome you to our website and encourage you to explore what we have to offer for you and your professional development. You will find during this year training opportunities available for all staff members involved in administration of financial aid.  You will discover the conference options and can utilize our website for assistance.

I am privileged to have the opportunity to serve you this year and I want to thank you for this honor.  Please let me know what suggestions you have for our organization, our services or our website.

Sincerely,
David R. Bledsoe
GASFAA President 2007-2008