Back Together –
Navigating What’s New in Student Finance

Fall Virtual Workshop

NO REGISTRATION COST!

Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT

Main Workshop Session:

Back Together – Navigating What’s New in Student Finance

Moderator: Jen McMahon, Mac Insight Group

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping the financial aid and student loan landscape.  In this workshop, we will have open discussions of key changes affecting financial aid, loan origination, repayment, and collections. And how these changes are affecting us in our different departments and positions across higher education.

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what’s changing, how these updates may impact students and universities, and what to consider as they navigate the new requirements and processes.

Jen McMahon

Mac Insight Group

Managing Partner and Founder
Strengths Finder: Empathy | Competition | Achiever | Communication

With over two decades of hands-on experience in higher education, Jen McMahon is a bold, big-hearted leader who stands at the intersection of strategy, operational excellence, and student advocacy. As Managing Partner and Founder of Mac Insight Group, she is driven by a mission to help colleges and universities operate more effectively, ensuring they become not only more efficient but also truly student-centered places where access, affordability, and connection guide every decision. 

Jen’s expertise spans the full student journey, from the moment a student first expresses interest, through the intricacies of financial aid, to ensuring affordability via strategic student account management. Her unmatched skill set includes enrollment strategy, financial aid optimization, student financial services, and operational transformation across undergraduate, graduate, and online admissions. She’s equally comfortable guiding a campus through FAFSA complexities, redesigning financial systems, or helping institutions uncover millions in underutilized aid.

What truly sets Jen apart is her ability to lead with both data and intuition. She’s known for pairing strategic insight with practical action, seeing the big picture while pulling the right levers to achieve transformational outcomes. Her superpower lies in identifying and removing barriers created by outdated processes and uncovering hidden financial resources that often generate a significant return on investment for institutions. 

Jen’s leadership style is characterized by infectious enthusiasm and a people-first mindset. Whether launching a one-stop center, designing econometric models, or rallying cross-campus teams toward student-centered solutions, she inspires those around her to move forward with clarity and purpose. 

Before founding Mac Insight Group, Jen served as a vice president at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, where she crafted enrollment and financial strategies tailored to diverse institutional needs. Her earlier roles at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Greenville University, and Belhaven University solidified her reputation as a change agent who leads with confidence and care.  

Beyond her professional achievements, Jen brings the same passion and competitive spirit to her personal life. She’s a fierce competitor at game night, a dedicated pickleball player, and loves sharing foodie adventures with her husband, Mac. Above all, she finds her greatest joy in cheering on her four teenagers, showing up with the same energy and commitment she brings to her work.  

Jen holds a Master of Science in Management Practice and a Bachelor of Science from Greenville University.

Email: jen@macinsightgroup.com
Phone: 618-581-9438
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mcmahon/

Jen McMahon, Mac Insight Group

Breakout Rooms:

Collaborating and Communication with Campus Partners - Cathlyn Foss, Cal Lutheran
Explore the keys to successful campus partnerships and collaboration—building relationships, aligning goals, and creating lasting impact together.

Get an Extra Hour Out of Your Day with AI - Rogé Karma, Nelnet Campus Commerce
Practical AI tools and workflows for managing email, meetings, daily priorities, specific industry news, spreadsheets and building presentations.

Supporting International Students Through Visa Uncertainty - Brian Carchedi, Flywire
A conversation about the financial and operational impacts of visa uncertainty and ways institutions can better support international students

Early-Stage Collections: Lower Cost, Higher Contact, Faster Recovery - Justin Franklin, Director of Communications & Engagement, Cedar Financial

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors for helping support this virtual workshop!

Cedar Financial Logo
Flywire logo
Nalnet
PacWest SFS

Contact Us

PacWest SFS
18111 Nordhoff Street, Box # 8359
Northridge, CA 91330
info@pacwestsfs.org