Executive Team Updates

COVID-19 Outbreak

March 19, 2020
  • Advocacy
  • Financial Aid and FAFSA
  • Higher Education Act
  • Online and Distance Learning
  • Veterans and Service Members
  • covid-19
  • Federal relations

Like all of you, the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted nearly everything we do here at AACRAO. In addition to cancelling our Annual Meeting for the first time since WWII, we have moved all staff to mandatory teleworking. We hope to minimize any impacts to member services so feel free to reach out to us if we can be of help.

We continue to monitor legislative and regulatory activity here in Washington, DC. There were signs from the Senate there could be some movement on reauthorization of the Higher Education Act but that may now be a casualty of the pandemic. As part of the monumental effort to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the economy there are a number of initiatives to help address the disruptions to higher education. These include guidance from the Education Department on financial aid flexibility, bills aimed to protect student veterans, and discussions to provide some modification of return to Title IV. We will provide updates as we learn more.

AACRAO has been around for 110 years. As one of the oldest higher education associations in the United States we have navigated the many challenges our country and higher education have faced over more than a century. The COVID-19 outbreak will test us and our institutions but there is comfort in knowing we are part of a strong community with an enduring commitment to the well being of our students. Together we will persevere. Take good care.

Michael V. Reilly served as the Executive Director, AACRAO 2012 - 2021

COVID-19 Outbreak

March 19, 2020
  • Advocacy
  • Financial Aid and FAFSA
  • Higher Education Act
  • Online and Distance Learning
  • Veterans and Service Members
  • covid-19
  • Federal relations

Like all of you, the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted nearly everything we do here at AACRAO. In addition to cancelling our Annual Meeting for the first time since WWII, we have moved all staff to mandatory teleworking. We hope to minimize any impacts to member services so feel free to reach out to us if we can be of help.

We continue to monitor legislative and regulatory activity here in Washington, DC. There were signs from the Senate there could be some movement on reauthorization of the Higher Education Act but that may now be a casualty of the pandemic. As part of the monumental effort to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on the economy there are a number of initiatives to help address the disruptions to higher education. These include guidance from the Education Department on financial aid flexibility, bills aimed to protect student veterans, and discussions to provide some modification of return to Title IV. We will provide updates as we learn more.

AACRAO has been around for 110 years. As one of the oldest higher education associations in the United States we have navigated the many challenges our country and higher education have faced over more than a century. The COVID-19 outbreak will test us and our institutions but there is comfort in knowing we are part of a strong community with an enduring commitment to the well being of our students. Together we will persevere. Take good care.

melanie-people-pageMelanie Gottlieb, AACRAO Executive Director

Melanie is responsible for ensuring the association's operations (including staff, infrastructure, products, and services) are in alignment to carry out the mission according to the strategic direction of the AACRAO Board of Directors.


headshot of Qunitina Barnett GallionQuintina Barnett Gallion, Associate Executive Director at AACRAO

Quintina is the executive lead responsible for AACRAO's position in the field of higher education administrators. She synchronizes all association staff, activities, and offerings to fulfill AACRAO's five strategic goals.


Square photograph of Tina Deneen

Dr. Tina Deneen, Associate Executive Director at AACRAO

Dr. DeNeen is the executive lead responsible for professional development and content delivery with a focus on strategic plan alignment, and maintains overall responsibility for the activities in the EMD Division.


martha-people-pageMartha Henebry, Associate Executive Director

Martha is the executive lead for operations and membership at AACRAO. She oversees member acquisition and systems management and implementation. She also coordinates the organization's IT, Accounting, and HR departments. 

Dr. Mike Simmons, Associate Executive Director

Dr. Simmons is the executive lead responsible for leading the consulting, corporate partnerships, and grants teams in creating and maintaining valuable strategic relationships and creating resource opportunities that allow AACRAO to meet strategic goals and serve our members.