HESAA University Instructor Bios
Sharon Austin, Senior Marketing Manager, Client Services
Sharon is a key staffer who serves in the important role of liaison between HESAA and New Jersey institutions. She has a thorough understanding of HESAA’s mission and services, as well as deep experience in conducting training sessions for high school guidance counselors and financial aid professionals throughout New Jersey.
Kristina M. Fripps, Assistant Director of Grants and Scholarships
Kristina joined HESAA in May 2017 to serve as the Assistant Director of Grants and Scholarships. She has worked in the financial aid field since the mid ninety’s beginning in the student lending industry as well as for various colleges and universities. Kristina enjoys assisting students with their financial aid so that they may achieve their educational goals.
Jossette Greene, NJ STARS Program Officer
Jossette is responsible for overseeing the NJ STARS Program for county and state colleges. Prior to joining HESAA, Jossette served as the NJ STARS coordinator for Middlesex County College. Jossette earned a bachelor’s in business administration and a master's in project management from DeVry University.
Jean Hathaway, Director of Grants and Scholarships
Jean is currently the Associate Director of the Grants & Scholarships at HESAA and is responsible for the verification, awarding and certification of state aid programs and managing the NJFAMS grant system. She has over 25 years of Higher Education experience, beginning her career in financial aid at The Cittone Institute/ Lincoln Technical Institute in 1992. She joined HESAA in January 2016 where she was responsible for the payment unit and small scholarship programs. Prior to joining HESAA, Jean was with Rutgers University’s financial aid office in New Brunswick for 16 years, where she was Assistant Manager of Processing and Student Services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Rider University.
Lorraine M. Palmer, Associate Director, Student Loan Programs
Lorraine had extensive experience in mortgage underwriting before joining HESAA in 1998. She is currently responsible for oversight of NJCLASS originations and the Special Loans unit. She has been a key player in ongoing efforts to provide NJCLASS borrowers with on-line processes, including eSign. Lorraine holds an associate degree in business management and accounting from Mercer County Community College and a bachelor in liberal studies from Rider University, where she graduated magna cum laude.
Dana Barrett, Program Specialist, Student Loan Programs
Dana Joined HESAA in 2007 as a Program Officer. In 2022 Dana was promoted to Program Specialist. She has 22 years of experience in lending and operations. Dana enjoys helping the agency build successful loan programs that help the students of New Jersey meet their educational goals.
Joseph Procopio, Program Associate, NJCLASS Loan Originations
Joseph joined the NJCLASS Loan Processing department in 2000, after several years in the banking and mortgage field. He is currently responsible for underwriting NJCLASS loans, reviewing and maintaining day-to-day processes, along with supervision of the department. Joseph is a liberal arts graduate of Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
