Meet Lucy Manzo, Account Executive, Northeast Region

I have spent the bulk of my career selling products and services that help college administrators recruit and retain students. Investing in higher education is often the second largest investment next to purchasing a home. Listening to administrators and advocating for new products or enhancements to services to make college affordable, reduce student borrowing, or help students and families make informed decisions is always rewarding.

I enjoy working with administrators to solve any new challenges as the higher education landscape changes; the focus is always the student. One highlight of my career was bringing an interest-free payment plan to the community college sector. I was persistent in convincing community college administrators their students had a need for smaller, more manageable payments.

Nelnet’s purpose, values, and culture resonate with me. I previously sold payment platforms to colleges, so I have a solid understanding of how things work in the Bursar and Student Financial Services areas and I am excited to reconnect with clients.

The most important part of my role is to retain and grow existing partnerships to ensure we are solving for our clients’ needs today and in the future. I envision myself as an ambassador of the Nelnet brand as I work to serve customers’ needs.

I believe in the value of higher education, its tangible and intangible benefits. Each time I partner with a higher education administrator, we are focused on streamlining and enhancing the student and family experience as they strive to achieve their dreams of higher education.

I am a great listener who always tries to find solutions for my clients, family, and friends. I have found my strength in serving others enables me to develop enduring partnerships, fix things, and bring them back from the abyss.

I have always been a remote employee with a dedicated office in my home. I love Microsoft Teams, which I find highly effective. I prefer it to email, as it’s much easier to get to the point and connect via a call or video. Face-to-face interactions, even via a computer, are quicker and you get to know your customers and colleagues better. Of course, like everyone else I am tied to my iPhone and all the apps that enable me to work efficiently and effectively.

I motivate myself and am guided by my faith, family, and my desire to do well.

The most effective piece of advice, relative to my career is: “What’s important to the customer is what’s most important.”

Everything revolves around my family! I love the Jersey shore (not the TV show!), cooking, and spending time with my family and my two dogs.