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 Representative-at-Large

Laurie Schiavone

Candidate's Statement:
I am honored to have been nominated as a candidate for Representative-at-Large. I have been an active member of VASFAA since moving to Virginia five years ago. Over the years, I have served as committee chair for the Electronic Services Committee, as a member of the State Relations Committee, and currently as a member of the Training Committee. I have participated in many of VASFAA’s awareness activities such as the High School Guidance Counselor Workshop for the past three years and the Call 12 event for the past two years. If elected, I look forward to the challenge of serving on the board and advancing the mission of VASFAA.

While working on my master’s degree, I began my career in financial aid on the front lines as an administrative assistant at a private, four-year college in New York. After receiving my degree, I was offered an Assistant Director of Financial Aid position at another private, four-year college in New York. After five years in that position, my family and I decided to move to Virginia where I accepted a position as the Director of Financial Aid at John Tyler Community College. After five more years, it was time to accept yet another challenge. The Virginia Community College System recently created a Director of Financial Aid position to offer leadership and support to the 23 colleges in the system and I was thrilled to have been recruited and selected for that position.

I have gained extensive knowledge and professional development from being a member of VASFAA. I have also developed lifelong friendships through my involvement. I can only imagine what additional benefits I would gain as well as offer to the membership from being an active member of the board.

Thank you for this opportunity.