Public Policy Advisory Group

The group provides an essential practitioner perspective on emerging legislation and public policy matters and serves as a practical resource to AACRAO’s Executive Director and Government Relations staff as they craft responses to proposed legislation or regulation. Areas of expertise may include admissions, enrollment services, financial aid, access and equity, serving veterans and servicemembers, community colleges, graduate and professional education, competency based education, credit for prior learning, and others.

The Advisory Group consists of 8-12 AACRAO members selected based on their areas of expertise and type of institution and are representative of the regional, gender, and ethnic diversity of the association. Members are appointed for a three-year term.

2024 - 2025 Members:


Sara Sullivan (Chair)
Associate Registrar
University of Iowa

Tim Amyx
Director of Admissions and College Registrar
Volunteer State Community College

Blake Bedsole
Director of Admissions and School Relations
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Alana Davis
Associate Provost and University Registrar
William & Mary University

Tara Kent
Director, Office of the Registrar
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Sarah Kessler
Associate Registrar
University of Georgia

Catharine Punchello
Vice Provost and University Registrar
Thomas Edison State University

Gina Sobania
Director of Military, Veteran, and Adult Learner Services
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Steve McDowell
Associate Vice President for Financial Aid Services & Title IV Compliance
Connecticut State Community Colleges

Laura Stone
Compliance Specialist
University of Connecticut

Erika Swain
Assistant Director for Compliance and Authorization
University of Colorado - Boulder

Jerry Martinez
Dean of Enrollment Management and Registrar
Wharton County Junior College

Kylie Borges
Associate Registrar, Degree Progress and Degree Audit
Stanford University