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2025 WyASFAA Annual Conference:
Through The Years:
Our Story, Our Future.
Presenter Bios
Allison Murray
Leading From Within
Allison Murray is the Associate Director of Scholarships at the University of Wyoming. In 2021 she earned certification as a Financial Aid Administrator through NASFAA’s CFAA program. Currently, she serves as the President Elect for Wyoming Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Prior to her work in financial aid at UW, Allison served as a music educator in Texas for 10 years. She earned Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music Education degrees from the University of North Texas.
AI & Financial Aid: Supporting Students, Simplifying Work
Andrew Ley
Andrew is the Lead AI Learning Specialist at Black Hills Special Services Cooperative spearheading a push for AI awareness and integration across the Midwest and Rocky Mountain region. His passion lies in bridging the gap between traditional practice and cutting-edge technology. Andrew has presented on responsible AI usage at numerous conferences and facilitates workshops to help educators, leaders, organizations, and community members understand AI, while at the same time address the ethical considerations that are embedded with its adoption.
Brenda Hicks
What is Our WY
Brenda Hicks, FAAC®, has served Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, in both admissions and financial aid since 1991 and is currently the Associate Vice President of Student Financial Planning and Director of Financial Aid. She is the 2021 recipient of the NASFAA Allan Purdy Distinguished Service award and is in the KASFAA and RMASFAA Hall of Fame. She served as NASFAA National Chair in 2020-2021. She remains active in state, regional, and national professional associations. When not working she is ‘Mom’ to two beautiful boys. She and her husband of 31 years live in Winfield, KS with their dog Toby.
Damian White
Office of Inspector General
Special Agent Damian White began his career with the Department of Homeland Security, specifically with Customs and Border Protection, within the United States Border Patrol. In 2015, Special Agent White transitioned into the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General, conducting probable cause arrests, conducting field interviews, and providing instruction in multiple law enforcement disciplines. Special Agent White now serves as the U.S. Department of Education Phoenix Office Resident Agent in Charge.
James Broscheit
Shake the Funk
I have been working in financial aid since 1986. Yes, 1986. I have spent all but approximately 6 months of that on the school side, early proprietary and 4-year public since. I am currently the Director of Financial Aid at the Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. I worked my way through many financial aid positions while now landing in office leadership and administration. I have enjoyed the privilege to spend time at several 4year publics universities and in that I have come to know that every campus has an identity, and in that identity, there is a place for every student. I think that part of our mission is to help the student find that right place for a successful investment in higher education. Higher Ed has and hasn’t changed over the years. I have enjoyed serving in both state and regional associations and in getting to know so many wonderful people over the years.
Justin Chase Brown
RMASFAA Update & Creating an Ecology of Validation for Students
Justin Chase Brown serves as the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Interim Director of Husker Hub one-stop, and as President-Elect for the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (RMASFAA). He’s earned degrees from Texas A&M University, University of Kansas, and University of Nebraska. Justin was recognized by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) with the NASFAA Gold Star Award for innovation. He is passionate about employing data analysis and technology to improve operations, aid delivery, and student service and is deeply committed to excellence in the financial aid profession and in advocating for innovative practices to support student success. Justin lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife, Jennifer, a Cytogenetic Technologist, and their three children, 14, 12, and 2.
Karen McCarthy
Inside the Beltway
Karen McCarthy serves as vice president of public policy and federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), where she leads the association’s federal advocacy strategy and public policy initiatives. As NASFAA’s chief lobbyist and primary liaison to Congress and the U.S. Department of Education, Karen plays a central role in shaping national financial aid policy and legislative efforts.
Karen has held multiple leadership roles within NASFAA, where she has overseen public policy development, regulatory analysis, research initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Her work has been instrumental in advancing federal student aid policy, simplifying the FAFSA process, and ensuring effective communication between policymakers and practitioners.
Her background also includes direct institutional experience in financial aid administration at Boston University and Miami University of Ohio. With a strong foundation in student advising, regulatory compliance, and technical training, Karen brings a comprehensive understanding of both policy and practice to her work.
A native of Massachusetts, she holds a master’s degree from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.
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