Financial Aid Team Takes on Statewide Leadership Roles

For many students, financial aid is a key factor in their college decision and determining whether they can complete their degree. Recent changes to federal financial aid rules passed by Congress have made this an especially complex time for professional staff in financial aid offices across the country. At Bentley, this summer our aid administrators are providing much needed leadership and helping to share best practices, advice and support not just on our own campus, but as part of a statewide network. The Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators recently announced new roles and committee assignments that include significant contributions from Bentley staff.

James McGehee, director of financial assistance, will serve as the 55th president of MASFAA in 2026-2027. In this role he will manage the organization’s executive council and committee chairs, overseeing work that impacts approximately 650 aid administrators across Massachusetts. He served as president-elect during the 2025-2026 academic year and was recently passed the ceremonial gavel to begin his presidency. After a year as president, he will remain as the past president for a year to advise and mentor the following president.

 

Viviana Suavita, associate director of financial assistance, just completed the 2025-2026 MASFAA Leadership Academy. As part of her participation in that cohort, she also agreed to serve as the co-chair of the Early Awareness & Outreach Committee. In that role, she revived a committee that had been dormant for several years and helped start new partnerships with other organizations to provide financial aid expertise from MASFAA members to high school students just starting to consider attending college. Viviana will continue as the committee chair in the new academic year.

Also serving on MASFAA committees in 2026-2027 are:

Sarah Barker, Senior Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Shane Desmond-Williams, Associate Director of Financial Assistance

Krisbelle Freeman, Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Lauren Sullivan, Executive Director of Student Financial Services