Heather Gaumer
About Heather Gaumer
Heather Gaumer serves as the Director of Business Development at Sallie Mae, bringing extensive experience in financial aid and admissions from various educational institutions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Simpson College and a Master of Public Administration from Drake University.
Current Role at Sallie Mae
Heather Gaumer serves as the Director of Business Development at Sallie Mae. She has held this position since 2017, contributing to the company's strategic initiatives and fostering partnerships within the financial services sector. Her role involves identifying growth opportunities and enhancing business relationships, aligning with Sallie Mae's mission to support students in achieving their educational goals.
Education and Expertise
Heather Gaumer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History from Simpson College, where she studied from 2001 to 2005. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Executive Leadership from Drake University in 2011. Her academic background provides a solid foundation for her work in business development and financial literacy.
Professional Background
Heather Gaumer has extensive experience in the field of student financial aid and admissions. Prior to her current role, she worked at Iowa Student Loan in various capacities, including as a Financial Literacy Liaison and Lender and School Services Liaison. She also held positions at Mercy College of Health Sciences and Simpson College, where she served as Director and Associate Director of Admissions, respectively.
Leadership and Involvement
Heather has held several leadership positions within professional organizations. She served as Past President, President, and President-Elect of the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Additionally, she has been involved with the Iowa JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy and participated in various committees, including the Government Relations Committee for the Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling.
Contributions to Financial Aid Initiatives
Heather Gaumer has actively contributed to national financial aid initiatives. She was a member of the 2014 Public Service Loan Forgiveness Task Force for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and participated in the Negotiated Rule Making Task Force. Her involvement in these initiatives reflects her commitment to improving financial aid processes and supporting students' access to education.