ABOUT US

Synergy & Associates ("Synergy") offers innovative and strategic consulting services for higher education institutions and postsecondary training facilities. Our consultants, seasoned and trusted industry experts, bring over 40 years of combined experience in campus operations, administration, management of single and multi-campus institutions, training facilities, and institutional compliance. They are well-versed in accrediting agencies, state authorization, distance education (online) requirements, Title IV, HEA Student Financial Assistance (FSA) Programs, state approving agencies, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' veterans education (VA) benefit programs, state/federal military tuition assistance programs, and various student financing programs.

We have extensive technical and practical hands-on experience with various systems, including student information systems (e.g., Anthology Student/CampusNexus, Banner, PeopleSoft), financial aid software systems (e.g., PowerFAIDS, Diamond, Education Partners), Federal Student Aid systems, Enrollment Manager (formerly VA-ONCE) for veterans' education benefits, military portals for tuition assistance programs, ETPL sites for WIOA-eligible training programs, and learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas).

At Synergy, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding the highest integrity and ethical and professional standards. We believe in creating purposeful partnerships and helping schools mitigate risks to achieve their objectives.

Meet the Team

Trusted industry experts with over 40 years of collective experience in higher education.

Chris Lee

Principal Financial Aid Consultant

Chris brings 20 years of experience in higher education across both proprietary and nonprofit institutions. He has extensive knowledge in institutional compliance, including Title IV (Federal Student Aid), VA Education Benefits, DOD Tuition Assistance Programs, and non-Title IV Student Assistance Programs. His expertise also encompasses Business Analysis & Process Optimization, Policies & Procedures Development, Training & Development, and Project Management.

Before founding Synergy & Associates, LLC in 2018, Chris began his career in 2002 as the Director of Financial Aid at a private trade school in Nevada. Throughout his career, he has worked in postsecondary education at various institutions across states including California, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. He has held several leadership roles, such as Chair of a Catalog Committee, and has successfully led numerous initiatives and projects, including positions like:

Corporate Financial Aid Compliance Officer

Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services
Director of Financial Aid Training, Compliance & Services
Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid Training & Corporate Development
Vice President of Financial Aid, Compliance and Services
Interim Campus President
Chief Financial Officer (Commercial Services company)

Anne Hope

Senior Consultant

Anne possesses over 20 years of extensive experience in higher administration and management within public, private, and nonprofit institutions. Her areas of expertise encompass federal student aid (including initial institutional eligibility), Title IV compliance audits, program reviews, student accounts, both institutional and programmatic accreditation, catalog reviews, distance education, institutional compliance, and all facets of student services. Additionally, Anne provides training in key areas such as verification, file review, accreditation, online practices, and staff development.

Earlier in her career, she served as a sports newspaper columnist, college professor, and NCAA Division I college basketball coach. She is also the award-winning author of "Bent Pages."

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