Home » Executive director/CEO of KHEAA, KHESLC named

Executive director/CEO of KHEAA, KHESLC named

Gene Hutchins
Gene Hutchins

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2017) – The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)/Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation (KHESLC) announced today that Gene Hutchins is the new executive director/CEO, succeeding Carl Rollins, who is retiring Dec. 31.

Hutchins begins his new position on Nov. 27 and assumes the role of the head of KHEAA/KHESLC effective Jan. 1.

As executive director, Hutchins will oversee KHEAA, KHESLC, the Kentucky Affordable Prepaid Tuition program (KAPT) and the Asset Resolution Corporation (ARC).

Hutchins has 38 years of experience in post-secondary education and student assistance related management. Hutchins served as the chief financial officer of the New Jersey Higher Education Assistance Authority for 22 years.

Hutchins has served as the board chair of the National Council of Higher Education Resources (NCHER). He is currently the board secretary of the Education Finance Council (EFC).

“The board of directors of KHEAA/KHESLC is pleased to have found someone with the background and qualification of Gene Hutchins,” said Charles Vinson, chairman of the KHEAA/KHESLC board. “Mr. Hutchins has had a lifelong career in higher education. He is passionate about the work he does, and we look forward to great days ahead for the Commonwealth as Mr. Hutchins leads the agencies into the future.”

“I will be honored to lead the Kentucky student assistance agencies which make a critical positive difference in the lives of Kentucky students by supporting their completion of programs of post-secondary study. The assistance that KHEAA and KHESLC provide truly represents an investment in Kentucky’s future,” said Mr. Hutchins.

“Replacing Carl Rollins is very difficult to do, and we were fortunate to have a great number of highly qualified candidates. I am very excited to have someone with Gene Hutchins’ experience and exemplary reputation join KHEAA/KHESLC as Executive Director,” said Stephen Zeitz, Chair-Elect of the KHEAA/KHESLC Board. “I believe he will continue to provide the exceptional leadership that we have come to expect in our organizations.”

“KHEAA is an important partner in bringing much needed financial support to many students in Kentucky who want to further their education,” said Mark Bunning, deputy secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. “As a member of the board, I look forward to working with Gene as he begins a new chapter of leadership for KHEAA. His experience and background are well suited for continuing successful KHEAA programs as well as forging ahead with new ideas. I also want to thank Carl Rollins for his commitment to higher education and leadership of these agencies.”

KHEAA/KHESLC is a trusted advocate for students and families to help them achieve their postsecondary education and workforce development goals.