Juan Acosta
SACAC Position: Inclusion, Access & Success Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Associate Director of College Counseling, The Westminster Schools (GA)
Years in Profession: 19
How did you first become involved in SACAC? I first joined SACAC when I attended my first conference in 2007 and that following summer I attended SACAC Summer Seminar as a new counselor.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I’m inspired by the collaborative and inclusive nature that’s innate to who SACAC is. This has allowed me to learn and grow in both my personal and professional life, while allowing me expand my network of colleagues and friends.
Favorite SACAC event/program: SACAC Summer Seminar, SACAC Annual Conference, and Mini Camp College (now College Admission Workshops)
Three words that describe SACAC: Family, Collaborative, Inclusive
Three words that describe me: Welcoming, Funny (I think), Engaging
Cory Bailey
SACAC Position: State & Area Initiatives Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Senior Admissions Coordinator at Mississippi State University (MS)
Years in Profession: 10
How did you first become involved in SACAC? My first SACAC experience was participating in Dry Run 2013. I finally joined the organization in 2014 then attended my first SACAC annual conference in Myrtle Beach, SC.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? My whole reason for working in higher education is to help students with their educational and career goals. I am inspired by SACAC’s mission to help all students, and enjoy working with professionals on both sides of the desk to carry out this mission.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Dry Run
Three words that describe SACAC: A fun time!
Three words that describe me: Eager, helpful, talented
Shannon Barrilleaux
SACAC Position: Member Relations Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Director of College Counseling at Metairie Park Country Day School (LA)
Years in Profession: 14
How did you first become involved in SACAC? Presenting at a Louisiana Drive-in Workshop
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? Helping ALL students to realize their postsecondary goals is core. Through SACAC, I’ve learned skills, partnered with colleagues, and discovered opportunities to support students in communities beyond my institution. The collaborative network that is SACAC and the individuals that make up the whole are inspiring.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The annual conference!!
Three words that describe SACAC: Comfortable, Challenging, Joyful
Three words that describe me: Caffeinated, Spirited, Positive
Pamela Bowie
SACAC Position: Communications Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization:
Years in Profession: 14
How did you first become involved in SACAC? As Dry Run faculty in 2015 on the campus of North Carolina State University
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? SACAC promotes professional growth! It is so necessary to continue to learn and be exposed to new ideas and perspectives.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Dry Run (one-time attendee, three-time faculty member!)
Three words that describe SACAC: Accessible, Supportive, Empowering
Three words that describe me: Energetic, Authentic, Driven
Katherine Buck Chastain
SACAC Position: Admission Practices Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Administrator of Student Recruitment, College of Architecture, Design & Construction, Auburn University
Years in Profession: 10
How did you first become involved in SACAC? I had the opportunity to attend 2013 SACAC Conference in Myrtle Beach and be the representative for my school who listened in on how to prepare for the Sweet Tea tour visiting my campus. From that point on, I knew that this organization was a group of passionate people who cared deeply about seeing young people succeed and achieve dreams. Since then I have been on faculty at Dry Run, served on the board in State and Area Initiatives and presented at many conferences. SACAC people are my people and anytime I can connect with a SACAC person I leave the conversation more passionate about our field!
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I strive daily to make my office an inclusive space for all my students and their families. SACAC inspires me to continue the fight for all students to have access to higher education with the support that they need to succeed!
Favorite SACAC event/program: Dry Run
Three words that describe SACAC: Inclusive, Invigorating, Caring
Three words that describe me: Energetic, Passionate, Type A
Christy Conley
SACAC Position: President-elect
Title and Institution/Organization: School Counselor at North Oconee High School (Bogart, GA)
Years in Profession: 18
How did you first become involved in SACAC? As a member of SACAC, I have enjoyed various opportunities to connect with colleagues and grow professionally within the SACAC organization. My SACAC involvement has primarily focused on ways to provide education and resources of the college admission process for public school counselors. I am passionate about ALL students having access to proper college admission advisement.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I connect with inclusion being the focal point of the SACAC mission statement. By advocating for students to have access and opportunities to reach their educational goals, SACAC is improving the lives of individuals, families, and our communities.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Annual Conference! The conference is filled with informative sessions that revitalize my spirit and motivate me to plow through the rest of the school year. The sessions also inspire me to adjust my counseling plan for the next school year and become a better counselor for my students!
Three words that describe SACAC: Empowering, inspiring, and professional
Three words that describe me: Dedicated, compassionate, enthusiastic
Jade Domingue
SACAC Position: Government Relations Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Senior Assistant Director of Admission at Agnes Scott College (GA)
Years in Profession: 7
How did you first become involved in SACAC? My first year as an admission counselor, I attended Georgia Legislative Day. At 22 years old and fresh out of college, I was so nervous to talk to a legislator on my own. After that meeting, I felt so empowered, and I wound up in conversation with Ashley Young, who was Co-chair of the program at the time, about my meeting. The next year, she encouraged me to be a part of the committee and soon after, she encouraged me to take over as Legislative Day Co-Chair. From there, I was introduced to more SACAC members and more opportunities to help me grow as a leader and to support students beyond what I’m able to do as an admission counselor for my specific institution. Most of the opportunities I’ve taken on within SACAC have been the direct result of someone telling me, “I think you should go for this,” and I’m really appreciative to be a part of a network that has nurtured my professional leadership.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? The mission reminds me that, while we all work for individual institutions, we come together as a network to influence higher education access.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Legislative days!
Three words that describe SACAC: Nurturing, Collaborative, Engaged
Three words that describe me: Energetic, adventurous, curious
Jonathan Ferrell
SACAC Position: Board Advisor
Title and Institution/Organization: Director of College Counseling at Pace Academy (GA)
Years in Profession: 14
How did you first become involved in SACAC? During my first year in admissions, my boss sent me to SACAC. I somehow was introduced to Stacey Lightfoot who then introduced me to Brandi Smith. Before that conference ended I was on the faculty for Camp College. The following year I was on the conference registration committee, and the rest is history!
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? The thing that drove me to the conference specifically is the way we promote professional growth for our members. I feel that when we know and grow more, we are able to better serve our students. Our best work can’t be done in silos, we must be collaborative professionals.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The annual conference, duh! HA
Three words that describe SACAC: Necessary, Refreshing, Impactful
Three words that describe me: Driven, Passionate, Assiduous
Federico (Freddy) Glitman
SACAC Position: Advancement Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Associate Director of Admission at Lynn University (FL)
Years in Profession: 11
How did you first become involved in SACAC? My first ever event was Dry Run in Columbia, South Carolina. What an incredible opportunity to understand the role we play in a student’s life. Although I would love to say this is a 9-5 job, it isn’t. We carry our emotions on our sleeve and Dry Run helped me to better understand why I need to be in this profession. I found incredible mentors (Amy Moffatt and Warren Quirett) that to this day I still text to pick their brain on certain situations.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? “promoting ethical responsibility” – I absolutely love that we continue to ask those uncomfortable questions to bring up the right answers and opportunities. We have such an incredible organization with the next leaders of our profession fighting the battles that our students may not be able to. We do the small things that make a major difference and I am proud that we always ourselves before making a decision “Is this ethical?”
Favorite SACAC event/program: All of them. You can’t pick one of them. The Annual Conference is a family reunion, where you are reminded why we do what we do. Dry Run is a phenomenal opportunity to understand the role we plays in the lives of students when reviewing their application and ultimately seeing the past 4 years of their lives. Summer Seminar proves that not everything is perfect and how we need to continue fighting for what’s right.
Three words that describe SACAC: Family, Mentorship, Thought-provoking
Three words that describe me: Instigator, Disrupter, Dedicated
Christine Grover
SACAC Position: National College Fairs Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Director of College Counseling, Trinity Preparatory School (FL)
Years in Profession: 10
How did you first become involved in SACAC? I had been very involved with International ACAC when I worked abroad, so the first thing I did when I relocated to Florida in 2020 was to join SACAC. While all of the events were virtual that first year, I knew I wanted to become more involved with the organization.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I am inspired by the collaborative and inclusive nature of SACAC; working from both sides of a desk to help students realize their postsecondary goals.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The networking, professional development, and fun of the Annual Conference cannot be beat!
Three words that describe SACAC: Dedicated, Impressive, Inspiring
Three words that describe me: Driven, Resilient, Curious
Anita Hua
SACAC Position: Annual Conference Chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Associate Director of College Counseling at The Lovett School (GA)
Years in Profession: 14
How did you first become involved in SACAC? The first time that I had the opportunity to serve SACAC was actually during my first SACAC annual conference in Raleigh, NC. I served on the Extend the Dream Grant committee. I had great mentors and as a result, the opportunity truly fell into my lap, but I’m more than grateful to have been considered. Extend the Dream was just the beginning and it gave me a different perspective and a different way of thinking about and approaching my place and role in the organization.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? “…promoting ethical responsibility, professional growth, access, advocacy, and outreach to help all students realize their postsecondary educational goals.” SACAC has always been a place for me to engage professionally in a meaningful way. I’ve had the great privilege of serving as a committee member for the Horizon Award, a Governance and Nominating committee member, Dry Run faculty member, Camp College faculty member, and eventually serving on the Board of Directors for the first time as a one of the Grants chairs. There are so many ways to get involved and ultimately to serve our members and the students that we all work hard to serve. SACAC’s mission inspires me because there is room for everyone to contribute and to get involved.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The conference, of course!
Three words that describe SACAC: Spirited, evolving, relevant
Three words that describe me: I’ll give you two words: trained extrovert! 🙂
Claudia Jolivert
SACAC Position: Treasurer
Title and Institution/Organization: Senior Associate Director of College Counseling at Ransom Everglades School (FL)
Years in Profession: 15
How did you first become involved in SACAC? In 2012 my colleague Steve Frappier and I co-presented Eight (Maybe Ten) is Enough at SACAC’s annual conference. And in 2016 I joined the Annual Conference planning team to coordinate SACAC’s 50 years in Miami.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? As a member of the Grants Committee, I have the honor and privilege of awarding funding for professional growth. I am inspired by the human resources and financial opportunities we can extend to our members in a effort to empower and help them grow in our profession.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The Annual Conference is my favorite program, but the highlight of my time as a SACAC Board member has been welcoming CPF recipients to the Annual Conference, in particular those individuals attending the conference for the first time.
Three words that describe SACAC: the real deal
Three words that describe me: spirited, kind, chocolate-lover
Zaire McCoy
SACAC Position: President
Title and Institution/Organization: Associate VP for Enrollment Management at Rollins College (FL)
Years in Profession: 20
How did you first become involved in SACAC? My first professional experience with SACAC was Dry Run 2002 hosted at Rollins College. My formal involvement started in 2009 on the Local Arrangements Committee and served as Registration Co-chair that year and taking advantage of all opportunities to serve whether through Drive-In Workshops, Annual Conferences, and previous Board service has lead me here!
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? It starts with our collaborative network that promotes ethical responsibility, professional growth, access, advocacy and outreach to help ALL students. Without each of us doing our part, we cannot weave this tapestry that is SACAC. Every program, opportunity, gives us the chance to live the mission. Our network is our net worth.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The annual conference! Where else do you get to learn, develop, grow and be challenged by your chosen family!
Three words that describe SACAC: Intentional, Engaging, Supportive
Three words that describe me: Relationship builder, Loyal, Sarcastic
Diana McAfee
SACAC Position: Executive Assistant
Years in Profession: 20 (7 in college admissions, 13 as an association executive assistant)
How did you first become involved in SACAC? As a first-year admission counselor, I attended the annual conference at the Peabody in Memphis in 2000. During that conference I learned that the association needed a new exhibitor chair, so I volunteered to serve.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? “Supporting” and “engaging” our network of professionals. I love being able to assist and empower the members of this association to continue on their journeys to be the best professionals they can be.
Favorite SACAC event/program: As a former member, I only ever attended the annual conference, and it was always an incredible experience. In my role as Executive Assistant, I am supporting the efforts of each and every event, so my favorite is any which our members are able to attend!
Three words that describe SACAC: Collaborative, Resourceful, Evolving
Three words that describe me: Communicator, Organizer, Joyful
Allison North
SACAC Position: Admission Practices & Advancement Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Associate Director of Admissions & Recruitment, Mercer University
Years in Profession: 8
How did you first become involved in SACAC? I attended my first SACAC conference and dry-run in 2014. I knew from that point I wanted to get more involved and started volunteering at the conferences.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? The entire mission inspires me, but especially the advocacy part. We are all in this for the betterment of students and to help them reach their full potential. Because of the relationships we form with our students, we are able to be better advocates for them through the process.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Definitely Dry Run!!! It is where I formed so many lasting friendships in this profession.
Three words that describe SACAC: Engaging, inspiring, and collaborative! If I had a fourth word, it would be FUN!
Three words that describe me: Advocate, passionate, resilient
Justine Okerson
SACAC Position: Finance Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Senior Associate Director, East Carolina University
Years in Profession: 11
How did you first become involved in SACAC? Presenting at annual conference.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I am most inspired by the phrases “inclusive network”, “advocacy,” and “supporting professionals.” The members of SACAC are professionals who care about making change in their hemispheres for their students and each other, while not being afraid to lend advice or offer solutions and support for colleagues at what would appear to be competing institutions or schools.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Annual Conference
Three words that describe SACAC: Conscious, Dynamic, Inventive
Three words that describe me: Adventurous, Creative, Vibrant
Kelly Pietkiewicz
SACAC Position: Government Relations Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Scholarship Coordinator, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
Years in Profession: 10
How did you first become involved in SACAC? As an admissions counselor at the University of Memphis attending the annual conference.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? There are a lot of aspects that stick out to me, but I think the one that does the most is the “professional growth” aspect of SACAC> We all come to SACAC with a passion to serve students and make the college counseling world better, but we all are imperfect in that work. SACAC allows us the opportunity to continue to learn and grow in our work to best serve ALL students.
Favorite SACAC event/program: I LOVE the annual conference! Not only are you getting to see all of your amazing mentors, friends and meet new people, but you typically get to explore a new city as well. I always leave the annual conference recommitted to the work I am doing.
Three words that describe SACAC: Educational, Family, Empowering
Three words that describe me: Advocate, Engaging, Loyal
Jessica Jaret Sant
SACAC Position: Immediate Past President
Title and Institution/Organization: Chief Engagement Officer, The Lovett School
Years in Profession: 17
How did you first become involved in SACAC? I attended Dry Run in 2006 at the University of Georgia, and I was hooked. Having just graduated from college, I found the people and the mission of SACAC to be energizing and inspirational.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I’ve always been drawn to work that is human-centered. What’s more people-oriented than providing support to the professionals who are supporting our students? There’s nothing better!
Favorite SACAC event/program: There’s truthfully so many, but I think the annual conference is my favorite. We are a big organization, and we span 9 states (along with the Caribbean!). So, the annual conference is a great way to visit with colleagues I wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to see.
Three words that describe SACAC: growth-oriented, community, family
Three words that describe me: collaborative, curious, and hungry (literally, I’m always thinking about food)
Brent Shropshire
SACAC Position: Member Relations
Title and Institution/Organization: Director of Counselors, College Readiness, Wellness & Fine Arts, Bartow County School System (GA)
Years in Profession: 23
How did you first become involved in SACAC? In 2003 Furman University sponsored me to attend Summer Seminar as a new counselor to the profession and from there I attended my first conference in the spring of 2004.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I love the collaboration among public school counselors, independent counselors and college professionals. I also love how we advocate for access for all students.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The annual conference is my favorite event; however, I would also like to add that I am thankful that SACAC offers the Counselor Participation Fund to help Public School Counselors to attend the conference and events and I am thankful for the Extend the Dream Grant to help fund student programs.
Three words that describe SACAC: Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive
Three words that describe me: Friendly, Loyal, Collaborator
Myra Simpson
SACAC Position: Finance Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Director of College Counseling at the Shorecrest Preparatory School (FL)
Years in Profession: 23
How did you first become involved in SACAC? When I became a college counselor in 2005, the very first professional development program I attended as a new college counselor was the SACAC Summer Seminar. I received a complimentary SACAC membership because of my attendance, which I renewed for many years afterwards. I rejoined SACAC in 2016 when I moved to Florida to work at Oak Hall School. I immediately began to get involved, specifically in Legislative Advocacy; in March of 2017, I represented SACAC at NACAC’s Legislative Advocacy Day and the next month served as a volunteer at the Super Conference. After the conference, I was motivated to serve SACAC in other capacities, so I applied to be Co-Chair of the Counselor Participation Fund and was also appointed to serve on the NACAC Governance and Nominating Committee.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? I am inspired by SACAC’s mission to foster collaboration among its members and support professionals in their work towards helping students attain their educational goals. As a multi-state affiliate organization, SACAC provides the interconnectedness for members within our region and the ability to gain valuable insight into the larger world of college admissions.
Favorite SACAC event/program: The SACAC Annual Conference! Having attended an annual conference as a member of a single state affiliate for many years, attending my first SACAC Conference was an eye-opening experience in seeing so many members representing different states and educational institutions.
Three words that describe SACAC: Dynamic, Engaging, Ethical
Three words that describe me: Caring, Loyal, Resilient
Lucy Smith
SACAC Position: Inclusion, Access & Success Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Associate Director of College Counseling, Charlotte Latin School (NC)
Years in Profession: 18
How did you first become involved in SACAC? I first got involved through the email listserv and visiting the website for resources back when I was newer to college counseling. I eventually applied for and was awarded a SACAC grant so that I could attend Summer Seminar, where I learned so much more and began building a network of colleagues and friends. Since then, SACAC has continued to play a huge role in my growth as a counselor.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? Promoting student access is the most important thing we do as college admission professionals. Every student should have the ability to choose college as a next step after high school.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Sweet Tea Tour – I have made so many friends and memories on those tours, and I love getting to see different college campuses that I can then share with my students.
Three words that describe SACAC: Inspiring, inspired, dynamic
Three words that describe me: Driven, organized, fun-loving
Courtney Vaughn
SACAC Position: Professional Development Co-chair
Title and Institution/Organization: Associate Director of College Counseling at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (GA)
Years in Profession: 7
How did you first become involved in SACAC? My introduction to the profession was as a participant of Dry Run 2015 at NC State. I remember leaving energized, ready, and inspired! I didn’t have a full understanding of the ACAC’s at that time, but I knew that I wanted to be a part of learning spaces like that in the future.
What aspect of SACAC’s mission inspires you? “supports and engages its collaborative network” – when we are at our best, we can give our best to our students. It is encouraging to know that this network of professionals supports each other toward one common goal: helping students achieve their postsecondary goals.
Favorite SACAC event/program: Dry Run! That’s where it all began
Three words that describe SACAC: Supportive. Insightful. Energizing.
Three words that describe me: Energetic. Dedicated. Driven.