City College’s chief financial aid officer will be a part of a federal panel creating regulations for two-year colleges throughout the country.

Appointed by the U.S. Community College Financial Aid Professionals Association, Brad Hardison will travel to Washington D.C. this spring to negotiate and draft new policies with the U.S. Department of Education, according to a City College press release.

“I was very honored…not everybody gets chosen,” Hardison said. “It’s a nice recognition of what I’ve done.”

Hardison said he believes in the importance of giving back. His mother began volunteering full-time after she retired. He said he always keeps it in mind.

“I think everyone can do something to give back,” said Hardison. “I enjoy and like giving back.”

Superintendent-President Dr. Lori Gaskin said that Hardison’s appointment could boost the college’s mission to prioritize student success.

“He knows first-hand the impact of financial aid on our students and is an outstanding choice for this appointment,” Gaskin said.

Hardison grew up in Torrance, Calif. After graduating from Torrance High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCSB.

He started working part time at the UCSB bookstore, his first job in higher education.

“I started seeing it like, ‘this is an interesting place to work,’” Hardison said. “I like working with students, and I like an educational environment. So a lot of things were appealing to me.”

He was hired by the UCSB financial aid office and eventually decided to pursue a master’s degree in public administration at California State University, Northridge, while working full-time.

After Hardison earned his master’s degree, he knew that City College Financial Aid was looking for a director, so he applied and got the position in 2000.

“I think it’s exciting to work with students who are pursuing their dreams and goals,” Hardison said. “Financial aid is providing them with financial assistance so they actually make it happen.”