Human Resources
HR Lunch & Learn – State Agency PSLF Guidance / Q&A
Are you familiar with the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program? It has helped Washington public service employees receive more than $1.5 billion in federal student loan forgiveness since 2017. In a 2024 survey of Washington public service employees, 47% said the promise of earning loan forgiveness through PSLF affected their decision to begin working in public service and 65% said it influenced their decision to stay in public service for at least 10 years. In this presentation, we will talk about the employer’s role in helping employees attain loan forgiveness through the PSLF program.
Participants will learn about the PSLF program and the state agency PSLF employment certification program. We will discuss best practices to support employees, steps to complete the PSLF form and ideas to leverage PSLF as a no-cost recruitment and retention tool. There is time for questions after the presentation, you are welcome to submit questions in advance.
Presenters:
Terri Parker, PSLF Policy & Performance Analyst, OFM State HR
Terri Parker serves as PSLF Policy and Performance Analyst with the State Human Resources Workforce Strategies section. She has served as human resource subject matter expert in multiple roles within State Human Resources since 2013. Prior to joining State HR, she served as a professional HR business partner with several state agencies. Terri is passionate about helping employees succeed. Her current role provides a new window for serving and supporting state agencies and their employees.
Amber Hay, PSLF Loan Advocate, Washington Student Achievement Council
Amber Hay serves as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Advocate in Washington State. Prior to joining the Washington Student Achievement Council in late 2023, Amber spent 6 years working as an academic advisor at Central Washington University. In coaching students in navigating college, she found a passion for teaching financial literacy and pursuing advocacy on behalf of student loan borrowers.
Jessica Manfredi, Student Loan Advocate, Washington Student Achievement Council
Jessica Monteiro Manfredi is the Student Loan Advocate with the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). Prior to joining WSAC, Jessica worked within higher education at both the university and community college level, with a focus on helping students obtain alternative funding options. Throughout her career, Jessica has advocated on behalf of students – whether that be to find ways to reduce debt while attending school or helping them achieve student loan forgiveness after graduation.
