Beginning May 16th, 2008, on-line voting will commence. Members will also have an opportunity to vote at the conference in Newport News should you forget to go on-line beforehand. You will be sent an e-mail with voting instructions in early May. The Nominations and Elections committee has put together an excellent slate of candidates for you tomake a selection for each office. The candidates' statement of candidacy and pictures are provided for your assistance.

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Candidate for President-Elect

Sheila Nelson-Hensley

Candidate's Statement:
I would like to thank the Nominations and Elections Committee for giving me the opportunity to serve VASFAA in the office of President-Elect. I appreciate having the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much.

My financial aid experience began more than twenty-five years ago as a work-study student at a small private college in West Virginia. Like many of you, little did I know where that work-study job would take me. Since that time, I have served this profession and its students in three states. My experience has been in small privates, large publics, and two-year and four-year institutions.

When I came to Virginia nearly ten years ago, I knew that I needed to get involved in the State Association. Many of the people that are involved in VASFAA are not only colleagues, but lifelong friends. I was welcomed with open arms by this organization and became actively involved in committees. I have served as a member of the Public Relations Committee, as a member of the Secondary School Relations Committee and twice as Chair of that committee. As part of my work on these committees, I have also worked closely with the Awareness Committee. I am currently serving on the VASFAA Board as a Rep-at-Large.

VASFAA depends on the contributions of all of its members to be a strong and vital organization. I encourage each of you to get involved. Involvement will energize you both professionally and personally. If elected, I will help you to help our organization. I will take your ideas and concerns to the Board. I will continue to encourage VASFAA’s growth, hail our accomplishments, and work with the Board to define our goals and objectives in this ever-changing industry.

It would be my honor and my privilege to serve VASFAA at this level. I appreciate your support and look forward to working with you as we accomplish great things.