Meet our Family

Experts. Partners. Problem-Solvers.

At Financial Aid Services, Inc. (FAS), our strength comes from our people. For over 45 years, our team has combined expertise, passion, and collaboration to help schools navigate the complexities of financial aid. Meet the professionals who make it happen every day.

Sandi O’Connell

President & CEO

Sandi O’Connell

President & CEO

Sandi joined FAS full-time in 1991, learning every aspect of the business from her father and FAS founder, Al Gillis. With decades of hands-on experience in Title IV programs, consulting, and school management software, Sandi has guided schools through regulatory changes, audits, and training initiatives. As a partner and servant leader, she fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and a touch of fun—ensuring FAS teams and client schools thrive together and realize their important purpose. Sandi’s mission to “pay it forward” is the foundation of FAS’ newly created leadership program providing numerous opportunities for students, interns and career professionals.

Ron Berton

President & CFO

Ron Berton

President & CFO

With more than 35 years at FAS, Ron brings deep expertise in financial aid and school management. He has worked directly with the Department of Education and led in the original design of FAS’ Genesis-SMSS software. Ron’s transition into CFO over 20 years ago was a natural segway to allow Ron to further his vision and drive in the company’s financial sustainability and growth. Ron has played a major role in his strategic leadership collaborating with the CEO to shape business plans and drive value creation. Ron’s innovative approach ensures stable financial health for both clients and FAS internal teams enabling FAS to provide effective tools and resources for every aspect of Title IV administration and school management.

Kathy Hunt

Managing Director

Kathy Hunt

Managing Director

With nearly two decades in the proprietary school sector, Kathy oversees the Verification and C-Code Departments and contributes to compliance initiatives. She brings hands-on experience from curriculum development and classroom instruction, ensuring clients receive knowledgeable and practical support. Off the clock, Kathy can often be found cheering on her sons at hockey and football games.

Ronda Daly-Dolan

Senior Sales & Client Relations Director

Ronda Daly-Dolan

Senior Sales & Client Relations Director

Ronda is the friendly first point of contact for new schools and software users. With a background in customer relations, legal support, and the technical industry, she brings energy, positivity, and clarity to every client interaction. Ronda represents FAS nationwide at conferences, always aiming to make complex financial aid processes simple and seamless.

David Nichols

Client Solutions Manager / Senior Consultant

David Nichols

Client Solutions Manager / Senior Consultant

David has over 25 years of experience in Title IV administration. He serves as a key contact for new and existing clients, providing guidance on Pell Grants, Direct Loans, compliance, and training. Known for his approachable expertise, David helps schools navigate federal regulations and optimize their financial aid operations.

Aria O’Connell

Business Development Manager

Aria O’Connell

Business Development Manager

Aria O’Connell serves as Business Development Manager at Financial Aid Services, Inc. & Genesis-SMSS, where she leads strategic growth initiatives and shapes the company's Business Development function to support institutions nationwide. She works with prospective and current schools to understand challenges, uncover opportunities for improvement, and provide solutions that simplify financial aid administration and compliance. In addition to business development, Aria oversees FAS’s marketing strategy, ensuring institutions have clear, practical information as they explore their financial aid and school management options. With prior experience in financial aid processing and sales consulting, she brings hands-on insight and a relationship-driven approach to every partnership.

Susan Barber

Senior Consultant

Susan Barber

Senior Consultant

Celebrating over 27 years with FAS, Susan is a senior member of the Compliance and Pell Departments. She assists schools with Title IV administration, audits, R2T4 calculations, cash management, and training. Dedicated to precision and client support, Susan ensures institutions have accurate guidance and follow-up documentation. Outside work, she enjoys family time, cooking, and outdoor activities.

Jackie Tuthill

Senior Consultant

Jackie Tuthill

Senior Consultant

Jackie has 17 years in Title IV administration, with 12 at FAS. She supports schools with compliance, direct loans, program setup, training, and audits. Jackie combines technical knowledge with a personable approach, making her a trusted resource for clients. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling in her Jeep with her husband and three dogs.

Joslyn Darling

Senior Consultant

Joslyn Darling

Senior Consultant

With over 22 years in the proprietary school sector and 15 at FAS, Joslyn manages multiple responsibilities, including compliance, HCM2 processing, and Genesis software support. She ensures schools stay compliant while maximizing operational efficiency. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, family time, and the outdoors.

Ashley Gura

Director of Product Strategy

Ashley Gura

Director of Product Strategy

Ashley has spent more than 13 years in the higher education industry, building her expertise from the ground up. Prior to joining Financial Aid Services, she worked for a nonprofit guarantor agency where her path took her from the call center to technical support, quality assurance, training, and ultimately application administration. Each role sharpened her understanding of both the technical mechanics and the human side of financial aid operations.

She joined FAS in Verification, gained experience in Pell processing, and eventually found her groove with Student File Direct. Today, she lives and breathes the platform; managing feature requests, testing enhancements, translating client needs into functional solutions, and ensuring the system works the way real people need it to work.

When she’s not collaborating with development or refining workflows, Ashley is adventuring. Whether that’s sightseeing from the Eiffel Tower, wandering through Irish fields in search of thousand-year-old ruins, or introducing her best boy, Elliot, to a brand-new backyard expedition.

Frank Carney

Senior Product Manager - Genesis SMSS

Frank Carney

Senior Product Manager - Genesis SMSS

Frank Carney is Director of Genesis Support/Senior Business Analyst and has been working for Financial Aid Services & Genesis for the past seven years. His responsibilities include supporting Genesis clients with inquiries, performing demonstrations for prospective clients, training new clients and also acts as a liaison between Genesis Support and the Engineering Team for future software enhancements. Prior to joining FAS & Genesis, Frank worked in the Financial Services industry for 15 years as a Client Relationship Manager. Outside of work Frank enjoys quality time with his family, dining out and traveling.

Liam O’Connell

Genesis Support Team Lead

Liam O’Connell

Genesis Support Team Lead

Being raised around Financial Aid Services Inc. & Genesis School Management Software, Liam has witnessed the company’s growth and evolution firsthand. From an early age he developed a strong understanding of the business and a deep appreciation for the schools and communities it serves.

Liam officially joined FAS during high school, working summers and gaining experience in the day-to-day operation of the business. After additional internships during college, Liam joined FAS full-time in 2022 following graduation with a B.A. in Business Management. He stepped into the role of Marketing for FAS & Genesis.

In that role, Liam played a key part in building and expanding the company’s marketing efforts. He helped develop and manage marketing strategies across products and services, coordinated promotion for events and seminars, supported digital advertising initiatives, and worked closely with the sales team to strengthen outreach and client engagement. Over time, he assumed responsibility for overseeing marketing efforts for the organization. In early 2026, Liam transitioned into a new role with the Genesis Software team. As a member of Genesis, he is developing in-depth expertise with our software and is working directly with clients to provide hands-on support and guidance. With a strong foundation in both marketing and operations, he brings a well-rounded perspective to serving schools and supporting the continued growth of the company.

Liam is proud to carry forward the family legacy and is committed to the long-term success of FAS & Genesis.