Reading Time: 2 Minutes 20 Seconds
At Financial Aid Services (FAS) and Genesis Software, with decades worth of experience, we are known for our industry expertise! But how did our experts first begin their journey in the world of Higher Education?
This month we are chatting with Ronda Daly-Dolan! Ronda is one of our Senior Sales Executives and Client Relations Managers at FAS. Read more about how Ronda started in the Financial Aid Industry below!
___________________________________________________________
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have started my journey at FAS/Genesis in 2005 as the front desk coordinator. Back then, I was a single stay-at-home mom, striving to provide for my kids. I feel extremely lucky that I was able to join the FAS/Genesis Family. I answered the phones, organized all incoming and outgoing mail, and helped with a variety of administrative duties. This role allowed me to interact with our clients and gain insights into Title IV processing and consulting across different departments. It provided me with the knowledge to guide schools in their communications.
A few years later, there arose a need for a sales representative who could travel to conferences nationwide, reaching out to potential schools and maintaining connections with existing clients. This was an opportunity right up my alley!
My first trip took me to Atlanta, Georgia, for a Larry Prather ‘Workshop for Schools.’ Since then, I’ve never looked back!
Fast forward to 2020, and I was finally able to fulfill my lifelong dream of relocating to Florida on a full-time basis. I now cherish my home office, where I can work comfortably with my loyal companion, Zoey, by my side. Through video conferences, I stay connected with schools and colleagues, enabling me to remain in touch with our vibrant culture.
On average, I probably do around 18-20 trips for work each year, and I wouldn’t change a thing! It is my way of connecting with our schools, vendors, and the staff members who accompany me at conferences. Particularly my trusted partners David Nichols, Kathy Hunt, and Bill Nevins, who feel like family to me. We work seamlessly together – meeting, greeting, mingling, and most importantly, listening and learning.
I also find immense satisfaction in collaborating with Jenn and Chelsie in the Client Relations Department, where they take charge once a sale is finalized and expertly guide schools through our onboarding processes. Liam also lends his expertise to assist with our marketing materials!
Recently my son Max joined our FAS/Genesis family! He is right out of college, and I couldn’t be prouder that he decided to work in the Financial Aid World! I’m ecstatic that I can bounce questions off him and benefit from his insights.
As the financial aid industry is constantly evolving, I am committed to continuously learning about the challenges faced by our schools. I strive to bring back innovative ideas to our development team, with the aim of enhancing the student financial aid process.
Here’s to a successful and prosperous future for all!