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Attorney General DeWine Announces Formation of Advisory Group on Student Loan Debt Collection

9/2/2016

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today the formation of the Attorney General's Advisory Group on Student Loan Debt Collection.

 "Most Ohio students pay their student debts responsibly. However, when accounts are unpaid, we have a statutory obligation to collect this debt on behalf of public universities," said Attorney General DeWine.  "This advisory group will take an in-depth look at all aspects of student loan debt collection, from what happens at a school to what happens as debt collection proceeds, to help make sure Ohio's practices are thorough, transparent, and fair."

Attorney General DeWine created the external advisory group to examine issues regarding debt collection practices for unpaid student loans at Ohio public colleges and universities, including:

  • the uniformity of university policies, fees, and penalties regarding unpaid accounts
  • whether students are being adequately educated regarding all responsibilities when taking student loans
  • the university certification process for student debt accounts
  • student debt collection and litigation processes within the Ohio Attorney General's Office 
The advisory group will be chaired by Dan Sadlier, Chairman of the Board of Directors (retired) at Fifth Third Bank.  The advisory group will include the following representatives:
  • State Senator Kevin Bacon
  • State Representative Mike Duffey
  • Cyan Blackwell, student representative
  • Stephanie Blausey, President, Ohio Bursars Association
  • Margie Brickner, Chief Executive Officer, Reliant Capital Solutions
  • Michelle Chavanne, General Counsel, Ohio Department of Higher Education
  • Lydia Ertachew, student represenative
  • Amy Giordano, Vice President of Student Services, Owens Community College
  • Maria Humayun, student representative
  • Angela Johnson, Executive Director of Enrollment Operations, Cuyahoga Community College
  • Michael Papadakis, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Vice President of Financial Services & Innovation, The Ohio State University
  • Faith Phillips, President, Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
  • Brent Shock, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Director of Financial Services, Miami University
  • Keith Weiner, Attorney, Keith D. Weiner & Associates, LPA
The first meeting of the group will take place at 2:00 p.m. on September 29th, 2016 at the Ohio Attorney General's Office in Columbus.

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Media Contacts

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