Nancy Smith Joins ASLA As Director Of Marketing & Operations

1/24/2006

Little Rock, AR:  ASLA welcomes Nancy Smith as director of marketing & operations, effective February 6, 2006. Formerly with the Student Loan Guarantee Foundation of Arkansas, Nancy succeeds Jim Hemphill, who has joined Edfinancial Services as vice president and consolidation manager in Knoxville, TN.

“Nancy is very well known and respected in Arkansas,” says Tony Williams, president of ASLA. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, and we’re expecting great things, as she develops new business and nurtures existing relationships with our partner lenders and schools.”

Smith served as client services division manager for SLGFA for sixteen years, where her work included program review, compliance, technical assistance and training. Smith received AASFAA’s Outstanding Service Award in 2002. She holds a B.A. from Hendrix College.

“I am incredibly excited about working with ASLA,” says Smith. “Their stellar reputation for working with and for Arkansas students is unparalleled. I look forward to strengthening the relationships and friendships developed over the past sixteen years in the financial aid arena. I am very proud to be part of the extraordinary ASLA team.”

Jim Hemphill provided leadership and played a critical role in ASLA’s 35% average annual growth during his tenure. He helped the Arkansas financial aid community understand the important benefits that ASLA provides to Arkansas schools and students.

Hemphill supports Smith wholeheartedly: “Nancy brings her personal and professional character and credibility to ASLA. Her industry knowledge is significant, and she has been a noteworthy advocate for financial aid professionals.”

“We are fortunate to have had Jim as part of the ASLA team for over four years, and we wish him the best of luck in his new position,” says Williams. “Jim will work closely with Nancy to ensure a smooth transition, and we look forward to working with Jim in his new role as he will be able to assist ASLA with our loan consolidation services.”

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The Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) is a nonprofit state agency created to provide information about and access to educational funding for all Arkansas students who wish to attend Arkansas institutions of higher education. ASLA is an Edfinancial Services lender.

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