Get to Know Regional Directors Alan Ishida and Jon Potter
Regional Directors are financial aid experts who live all across the United States and focus on helping schools in their region. They can serve as an invaluable resource to your school. What can Regional Directors provide for you and your colleagues?
- Expert advice from the #1 default prevention servicer
- A familiar, approachable face at area conferences
- Information about any of Nelnet’s loan servicing solutions, both for schools and for borrowers
- Help with financial aid-related issues
- Training solutions for your financial aid office
Alan Ishida and Jon Potter are both Regional Directors in the western part of the country. Alan serves Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, the Pacific Islands, Washington, and Wyoming. Jon assists schools in California and Oregon. Get to know Alan and Jon here:
Alan Ishida – Regional Director, Nelnet Partner Solutions
1. How long have you been with Nelnet?
Alan: In total, I have been with Nelnet for 21 years. This is my second stint with the company. I started in 1988 and worked in various capacities until 2002, when I left to work for a Texas-based company. In 2006, Nelnet acquired that company.
Jon: Ten years.
2. How long have you been in the financial aid industry?
Alan: I will have been working in the financial aid industry for 26 years come this July.
Jon: Twenty years.
Jon Potter, CA Regional Director, Nelnet Partner Solutions
3. What do you like most about working for Nelnet?
Alan: The opportunity to work with such an extraordinary group of individuals.
Jon: The innovative, smart, and great people.
4. What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a Regional Director?
Alan: The ability to help our school partners, the Department of Education, and Nelnet achieve their objectives.
Jon: Interacting with my customers.
5. What trends are you seeing in financial aid offices?
Alan: Reduced budgets have required financial aid offices to be resourceful. I am always so impressed with how they are able to roll with the punches, adapt, and re-deploy existing resources to continue serving their customers at the highest level.
Jon: An increased awareness of the importance of financial literacy.
6. What are three words that describe you?
Alan: Genuine, friendly, and appreciative.
Jon: Fun, curious, and witty.
7. What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Alan: That while attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, my roommates and I won an air band concert, playing to Twisted Sisters’ “I Wanna Rock.” For anyone who knows me, this is very outside my personality.
Jon: I’ve officiated three weddings.
8. What do you like to do in your free time?
Alan: Spend time with my family and friends, coach youth sports, watch movies, and attend sporting events.
Jon: Travel to places near and far. I also enjoy long walks with my pooch, Rex.
9. If you were a cartoon character, who would you be and why?
Alan: My wife would say Fred Flintstone. Fred’s character was based on Ralph Kramden of the Honeymooners. Ralph was bossy. I have no further comment.
Jon: Wimpy. I’ll pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. 🙂
