July 8, 2009

Who's Who at OGSLP?

Name: Melissa Ryburn
Department: Oklahoma Money Matters
Title: Outreach Coordinator
Tenure with OGSLP: 3 years

How do your daily duties directly impact OGSLP's customers?
I’m the designated outreach coordinator for OKMM and OGSLP partners and customers located in the central and eastern parts of the state. I work with schools, lenders, community agencies and service organizations to bring personal finance education and resources to the people they serve. It’s my job to customize our services to best meet the needs of our clients.

What advice would you give to someone in our industry who's new to working with student loans?
When you’re new to this industry, rely on the people who are more seasoned to mentor you along the way. In the student loan business, things can change on a daily basis – which can be both exciting and overwhelming. Most importantly, remember that OGSLP is here to help you as you learn the ropes. Let our expertise and tools help you serve students and make education more accessible.

What do you find most challenging about working with student loans?
Because my job requires me to stay current on financial education resources and trends, it’s particularly challenging for me to keep up with the legislative and regulatory changes that impact OGSLP’s technical operations. It’s important to be familiar with available resources, like OGSLP’s Web site, so I’m prepared when asked student loan-related questions during workshops. I’m glad I can rely on each of OGSLP’s departments and knowledgeable staff for information and assistance.

What are some of the unique services your department provides our customers?
OKMM specializes in providing customized products to best meet our customers’ financial education needs. We produce personalized Web text, newsletter articles, educational materials, brochures and fliers. We also offer on-site financial literacy workshops and train-the-trainer sessions on topics like budgeting, saving, consumer credit, student loan management and identity theft prevention. We believe it’s important to make our customers’ jobs easier, so we partner to help them incorporate financial education into the good work they’re already doing with borrowers.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I love to read, cook, dance, play with my dogs and spend time with family and friends. Most recently, I’ve become a consultant with The Pampered Chef. It keeps me busy and I enjoy the new opportunities and challenges it’s providing me.