Driven, strategic executive ready to bring my skills to your organization | Strategy, program management, government relations
And now it’s done. I have opted to leave Federal Student Aid. Please reach out if your organization has any opportunities that may be of interest or fit for me or the hundreds of other ED/FSA employees that find ourselves out of work at this time. I’ll have more to say later. For now, thank you all for your support.
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.
Know that your fellow feds understand. You're driven and talented, so I hope you get to quickly land on your feet somewhere else. Wishing you the absolute best, Colleen - I'll be keeping my ear to the ground for any opportunities up your alley.
Girl, your going kick butt and wherever you land everyone will be better for it. So heartbreaking for so many!!
OMG this is terrible news for FSA and borrowers, but we totally get it! When will be your last day?
Thank you for your service, Colleen. I’m so sorry your federal career ended in the midst of this tragedy.
Colleen the respect I have for you is unmatched. I appreciate your transparency with everything and KNOW that your efforts did not go unnoticed. I'm sure we will all land on our feet with our heads held high! I wish you the best and want to personally thank you!
Colleen, thank you for always being the fearless leader FSA needed. You taught me so much about what it takes to rise to the occasion and get things done. Because of you, millions of students/borrowers were better equipped to manage their futures in higher ed and beyond. Thank you for your service to the American public and I’m here to support you in your next endeavor! 🩷🩷 And truly, thank you for being one of the best bosses anyone could ask for. You have taught me so much and I am so proud to know you! 🩷
Thank you Colleen for being a leader of principle and integrity! Best wishes to you and all your future endeavors!!!!
Proud of you Colleen. I know this was probably one of the toughest decisions in your life… I know it was for me. Hope we can chat soon.
Customer Insights - Voice of the Customer at Federal Student Aid
3moWhat a devastating loss for borrowers across the country. You were their most fierce advocate before FSA and I know you’ll continue to be after. Your integrity is so inspiring.