Microsoft Office Suite
Peggy Spears
Lorain,OH
Summary
Results-driven leader with expertise in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and training within higher education. Skilled in policy development, process optimization, and strategic problem-solving to drive performance and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, enhance collaboration, and deliver measurable results. Strong background in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on team leadership, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Recognized for integrity, reliability, and commitment to organizational success.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Senior Consultant
College Aid Services
04.2024 - 12.2024
- Interim Financial Aid Director: Led operational changes and provided project management support for financial aid processes.
- Managed Title IV Aid Administration, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
- Supported Berry and Seed software implementations for 2024-2025 federal regulatory changes.
- Conducted business process evaluations to improve compliance and authored growth strategies and recommendations.
- Delivered staff training, revised policies, and provided support for 2024-2025 federal updates.
- Prepared daily reports for Executive Leadership to monitor software progress and regulatory changes.
- Provided high-quality solutions through industry research and trend analysis.
- Mentored junior consultants, enhancing their contributions to project success.
Regional Director of Financial Aid
Ohio Business College
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and forms to streamline Financial Aid operations and ensure accreditation compliance.
- Managed Program Participation Agreement renewal submission to the Department of Education and quarterly IPEDS reporting.
- Created recruitment, hiring, and training protocols for Financial Aid staff.
- Provided feedback, recommendations, and weekly reports to the Executive Leadership Team, maintaining cross-department communication.
- Monitored and ensured timely completion of regulatory Financial Aid reports, verifying compliance and documentation accuracy.
- Streamlined operations by evaluating and implementing innovative solutions to improve efficiency.
- Motivated employees through effective communication, recognition programs, and aligned incentive structures.
- Produced 15 reports per week to analyze job performance against team goals.
Campus Director
Educational Compliance Management
07.2022 - 10.2023
- Administered reviewing, awarding, and reconciling Federal Aid to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Institutional policies across multiple environments and institutions.
- Maintained effective communication with network schools to optimize productivity and compliance.
- Completed Verification, ISIR corrections, Professional Judgment, and C-Code reviews to ensure accurate financial aid processing.
- Implemented, managed, and supported aid processing across multiple software systems simultaneously.
- Developed training protocols and webinars for software systems and Title IV regulatory compliance.
Student Finance Advisor II
Hondros College of Nursing
03.2021 - 07.2022
- Advised students on Federal Financial Aid options and packaged Financial Aid awards based on Cost of Attendance budgets.
- Managed Federal, State, and Private Grant and Loan programs.
- Conducted and reviewed daily data exchanges with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Completed R2T4 calculations and verified documentation accuracy for compliance.
- Identified issues and provided solution-oriented recommendations to enhance financial aid processes.
- Streamlined financial aid processes by implementing new software solutions for improved efficiency and accuracy.
- Led staff training initiatives and professional development workshops on best practices in student finance advising.
Financial Aid Representative
Ross Education
10.2016 - 03.2020
- Provided Financial Aid estimates, overviews, and repayment options to students.
- Managed the Financial Aid application process, including FAFSA, Student Loans, VA Eligibility, and Scholarships.
- Oversaw Accounts Receivable, including payments, loan distributions, and bank deposits.
- Audited Financial Aid documents for compliance with State and Federal regulations.
- Trained, mentored, and supervised Financial Aid Representatives.
- Contributed to increased enrollment rates by ensuring students had access to necessary funding.
- Cultivated relationships with local community organizations and businesses to secure additional scholarship opportunities for students.
- Answered over 50 customer communications per day via telephone, email and web chat.
Education
Associate of Science - Office Management
ROSS COLLEGE
Sylvania, OH11.2019
Skills
- Leadership and Strategic Problem-Solving
- Federal Regulations and Compliance
- Operational Efficiency and Process Optimization
- Data Analytics, Reporting, and Forecasting
- Staff Training, Development, and Mentorship
- Cross-Functional Collaboration and Team Leadership
- Software Implementation and Digital Transformation
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Change Management and Organizational Development
- Project Management, Implementation, and Documentation
- Systems and Operations Analysis
- Financial Management and Business Administration
- Productivity and Performance Improvement
- Analytical Thinking and Attention to Detail
Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe
- Jira
- Sage
- QuickBooks
- Salesforce
- Regent
- PeopleSoft
- Colleague
- Campus Vue
- FAFSA
- NSLDS
- COD
- FPS
- FAA Access
- Saint Director
- Global
- VIAS
- CAMS
- SMART
- Populi
- Blue
Certification
NASFAA Credentials: Campus Based Programs, Direct Loans, Need Analysis, Application Process
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsWork from home optionPaid time offTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leave401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing4-day work weekHealthcare benefitsSoftware
Sage
Adobe
Jira
QuickBooks
Salesforce
Regent
PeopleSoft
Colleague
CampusVue
FAFSA
NSLDS
COD
FPS
FAA Access
Saint Director
Global
VIAS
CAMS
SMART
Populi
Blue
Solfia
EStaff
Languages
English
Full Professional
Quote
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Affiliations
- NASFAA
- OASFAA
Timeline
Senior Consultant
College Aid Services
04.2024 - 12.2024
Regional Director of Financial Aid
Ohio Business College
10.2023 - 04.2024
Campus Director
Educational Compliance Management
07.2022 - 10.2023
Student Finance Advisor II
Hondros College of Nursing
03.2021 - 07.2022
Financial Aid Representative
Ross Education
10.2016 - 03.2020
NASFAA Credentials: Campus Based Programs, Direct Loans, Need Analysis, Application Process
Associate of Science - Office Management
ROSS COLLEGE
Similar Profiles
Parastoo MalakoutidanaParastoo Malakoutidana
Financial Aid Scholarship Advisor at Community College of Aurora (CCA), Office of Financial AidFinancial Aid Scholarship Advisor at Community College of Aurora (CCA), Office of Financial Aid
Jaelyn RossignollJaelyn Rossignoll
Work Study Student at Albany College Of Pharmacy Office Of Financial AidWork Study Student at Albany College Of Pharmacy Office Of Financial Aid
JULIJA MERLJAKJULIJA MERLJAK
HR and Recruitment Officer at First Aid Pro and Skills Training CollegeHR and Recruitment Officer at First Aid Pro and Skills Training College