Emily Economou
New Rochelle,NY
Summary
Extensive higher education administrative and leadership experience including data analysis, writing, budgeting, direct student support, and public speaking. In-depth knowledge of federal and New York state financial aid compliance regulations. Strong ability to discern and support needs of others and work collaboratively. Customer service oriented with demonstrated sound judgment.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director, Student Financial Services
Fordham University
Bronx, NY
05.2022 - Current
- Prepare reports for large batch freshmen and continuing undergraduate financial aid packaging. Research students ready for a financial aid package and monitor students still being prepared for packaging.
- Assist directors with preparing over 20,000 annual financial aid packages, Trouble shoot data inconsistencies, and test package groups.
- Prepare financial aid packages for transfer students, international students, and students studying abroad.
- Serve as liaison to admissions for international students (over 700) and study abroad office for study abroad financial aid package adjustments (750 annually).
- Troubleshoot why students are not yet packaged, and assist counselors with determining a resolution.
Financial Services Representative/Counselor
Fordham University
Bronxville, NY
01.2020 - 05.2020
- Ran and reviewed daily tracking reports to determine students not ready for financial aid package, and helped resolve conflicting information.
- Reviewed FAFSA and CSS Profile information for thousands of applicants to be cleared for aid package preparation.
- Provided excellent customer service, resolving student financial aid account discrepancies quickly and efficiently.
- Analyzed loan compliance and resolved delayed disbursements.
- Interpreted and adhered to all federal and state Title IV regulations and policies regarding student financial aid.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve financial aid targets and improve overall customer service.
- Collaborated with study abroad office regarding specific financial aid packages and consortium agreements. Adjusted aid packages for over 700 students annually.
Enrollment Services Counselor
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, NY
09.2016 - 01.2020
- Improved client satisfaction by providing personalized financial aid counseling services tailored to individual needs.
- Advised dozens of business school graduate students on academic plans and credit track completion options. Utilized Degree Works and CRM to assist with student program completion.
- Met with families to present financial aid options, policies, procedures, and Title IV compliance regulations.
- Prepared individual financial aid packages.
- Completed student financial aid verifications, based on department of education compliance regulations.
- Adjusted loans to be within Title IV compliance, and meet student needs.
Piano Technician
Harmony Tuning, Self Employed
New Rochelle, NY
06.2007 - 09.2016
- Developed client base of over 400 customers over a short period of time.
- Tuned pianos for individual customers, religious organizations, and schools.
- Completed minor repairs as needed to maximize piano performance.
Editor, Newsletter & Social Media
Community UU Congregation
White Plains, NY
06.2010 - 06.2016
- Wrote articles for monthly newsletter and edited other submissions.
- Launched use of Constant Contact for large audience weekly emails.
Bookkeeper
Summit Music Festival
Pleasantville, NY
06.2010 - 01.2011
- Managed accounts payable and receivable activities.
- Handled payroll processing for over 30 seasonal employees, ensuring timely payment and adherence to tax regulations.
Director of Admissions
The New School, Milano School (Graduate Division)
New York, NY
03.1998 - 10.2000
- Supervised 5 member admissions application processing staff. Ensured timely and accurate processing of graduate school applications and marketing correspondence.
- Served as primary contact with faculty members across graduate division, to ensure appropriate marketing messaging and outreach for potential graduate students. Created new recruitment brochures and course catalogs.
- Served as a liaison between prospective students, families, faculty, and administration throughout the admissions process, facilitating seamless communication among all parties involved.
- Implemented recruitment methods designed to increase application pool within targeted areas.
Director of Admissions
Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA
06.1994 - 01.1998
- Managed a diverse team of 15 admissions professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on achieving departmental goals.
- Collaborating with senior leadership, devised and implemented strategic recruitment plan with consideration to both long and short term goals.
- Served as primary contact for coordination of application screening and tracking, visit and marketing communications.
- Increased enrollment rates by developing and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives.
- Streamlined the admissions process for efficiency, resulting in faster response times for prospective students.
- Traveled world-wide to assist with international student recruitment, specifically regarding application and student visa processing.
Assistant Director of Admissions
Berklee College of Musicq
Boston, MA
12.1989 - 06.1994
- Reduced application processing times by identifying areas of inefficiency and implementing procedural improvements within the office workflow.
- Assisted prospective students with admissions by processing paperwork, arranging and conducting campus tours and conducting follow-up activities.
- Coordinated and participated in campus recruitment events, orientation programs and open houses.
Admissions Systems Coordinator
Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA
09.1987 - 12.1989
- Improved system efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing automation tools.
- Developed user training materials for new applications, increasing employee proficiency and reducing support requests.
Education
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Boston College
Chestnut HillBachelor of Arts - Psychology
Mount Holyoke College
South HadleySkills
- Customer Service
- Ellucian Banner data system
- Leadership and Collaboration
- PowerFAIDS data System
- Process Improvement
- Sales Force CRM System
- Strategic Planning
- Slate data system
- Data Analysis
- Financial aid data sources: COD, NSLDS, HESC
- Project Management
Timeline
Assistant Director, Student Financial Services
Fordham University
05.2022 - Current
Financial Services Representative/Counselor
Fordham University
01.2020 - 05.2020
Enrollment Services Counselor
Mercy University
09.2016 - 01.2020
Editor, Newsletter & Social Media
Community UU Congregation
06.2010 - 06.2016
Bookkeeper
Summit Music Festival
06.2010 - 01.2011
Piano Technician
Harmony Tuning, Self Employed
06.2007 - 09.2016
Director of Admissions
The New School, Milano School (Graduate Division)
03.1998 - 10.2000
Director of Admissions
Berklee College of Music
06.1994 - 01.1998
Assistant Director of Admissions
Berklee College of Musicq
12.1989 - 06.1994
Admissions Systems Coordinator
Berklee College of Music
09.1987 - 12.1989
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Boston College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Mount Holyoke College