Driven, strategic executive ready to bring my skills to your organization | Strategy, program management, government relations
It's somewhat bittersweet to announce that I was recently promoted to become the Executive Director of the newly formed Office of Loan Portfolio Management at Federal Student Aid. When I accepted the position two months ago, I dove in, putting together a strategy for tackling the challenges that I knew would come with managing a group of 200 dedicated public servants and shepherding 43M borrowers back into our complex repayment environment after a long payment pause and on-ramp. But now, I have lost many of those 200 staff, with more to come. I spend my days justifying our existence, our dignity, and our mission. I try to keep the work going in spite of the impossible environment we find ourselves in. I'm afraid of what the coming days, weeks, months, years will bring not just for me and the Department, but for the borrowers we serve. I've dedicated my career to the work of supporting college affordability and a student aid system that supports our most vulnerable, and it is heartbreaking to see that dissolving before my eyes. I'm not sure what the future will bring, but as always, I'm here to fight, to work for the mission, to do the right thing.
Wishing you the best my friend!
Been thinking about you and all the other folks at ED and FSA a lot the past few weeks. Congrats on the well earned promotion, and keep going!
Colleen, you have always been a wonderful leader who listens to staff and exemplifies the tremendous work ethic displayed by so many at FSA. We all believed in our mission, and it is so sad to see others working hard to dismantle what we all proudly put together over the years. It is heartbreaking and I am so sorry that you are having to endure that. Selfishly I am glad I am retired, but I do still feel the pain you all feel when you see the blatant disregard the administration shows for what we gladly accomplished every day in order to serve those who desired to further their education.
Since things went down regularly think of how you all are doing. Know you are appreciated and supported as you unnecessarily continue to fight for your and your teams existence. I saw first hand how dedicated you and your colleagues were to the mission, often working well beyond 8 hour days. Stay strong, take care of yourself and know many stand by you all.
Congratulations, Colleen, and thank you for your service in the face of some truly gargantuan tasks!
I’ve been thinking of all of my Department of Education friends lately, Colleen…I can’t imagine what the uncertainty feels like, but I’m trying to be optimistic that everyone will find a way to support students and their dreams. Congrats on this well earned promotion, students and the financial aid community are fortunate to have you in this role.
I’m so sorry this happening to you and your team. Keep up the good fight as long as you can.
I'm so sorry you're in this situation, but knowing that you're there, doing what you do so well, makes me breathe easier. We're behind you!
Thank you Colleen. Know that many of us on the outside are supporting you.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary at US Department of Education
4moFor what it’s worth, I’ve got your back!! So grateful you are leading this important work!