2025-2026 MASFAA Presidential Award

Carla Minchello

Director of Financial Aid

Wheaton College

Carla was nominated by Susan Beard, who wrote: “It is my great honor and distinct pleasure to wholeheartedly nominate Carla Minchello for the MASFAA Presidential Award. Carla is the very epitome of an exemplary financial aid administrator and her unwavering dedication to our profession spans nearly three decades.

For almost 30 years, Carla has generously shared her profound knowledge and expertise with countless colleagues across a wide range of colleges and universities. Her impact became immediately apparent upon her arrival at Wheaton, where she quickly became an invaluable resource. She took younger staff members under her wing, mentoring them in the nuances and artistry of financial aid administration, while simultaneously helping our more senior colleagues stay on the cutting edge of an ever-evolving field.

Carla consistently exemplifies the highest standards of professional conduct, using her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and meticulous attention to detail every single day. Her deep and unabashed knowledge of financial aid regulations is a pillar of our work, and she consistently goes above and beyond, quietly working extra hours each week to ensure every detail is handled with precision.

Carla’s contributions to the financial aid community extend far beyond her primary role at Wheaton. In recent years, she has been a leader in the field, guiding the annual FISAP webinar for MASFAA members. Over the past three decades, she has also devoted her talents to numerous MASFAA committees and has been a tireless advocate for students and families, presenting at countless financial aid nights for high schools across the region.

Carla’s sustained commitment, leadership, and impactful service have made a lasting and meaningful contribution to the financial aid community. Her dedication and professionalism have not only shaped the careers of those she has mentored but have also helped countless students and families navigate the complexities of financial aid. For these reasons and so many more, I am proud to nominate her for the MASFAA Presidential Award.”