Press Release

Thomas Buffoni Named Commercial Business Director of the National Student Clearinghouse 

HERNDON, VA, October 29, 2008 - The National Student Clearinghouse has appointed Thomas Buffoni as its commercial business director. The Clearinghouse, a non-profit organization, is the nation's trusted source for degree and enrollment information and provides reporting, verification and research services for more than 3,200 colleges and universities. Mr. Buffoni began his appointment October 20, 2008.

As commercial business director, Mr. Buffoni reports to Tracie MacMahon, vice president of operations, and oversees the commercial account development and management team for the Clearinghouse's verification services. Mr. Buffoni also handles the exploration and development of new authentication and verification services which the Clearinghouse provides on behalf of institutions. In addition, Mr. Buffoni works with Janine Greenwood, general counsel at the Clearinghouse, on commercial contracts.

"Tom has a strong background in the financial services industry and brings with him vast commercial client management experience," said MacMahon. "He is a great addition to the Clearinghouse. I look forward to working with him as we continue to grow and expand."

"The Clearinghouse has an admirable reputation and to be a part of the team is an honor," said Buffoni. "I'm looking forward to working with my peers and with our commercial clients while upholding the great service reputation the Clearinghouse prides itself on."

Mr. Buffoni has more than 12 years experience in the financial services industry in various roles, including marketing, product management, operations and legal. Before joining the Clearinghouse, he served as the vice president of Affinity at JPMorgan Chase. Prior to JPMorgan Chase, Mr. Buffoni worked for various financial institutions, including Sallie Mae and USA Group. He has a Bachelor of Science in business management from St. Francis College.

About The National Student Clearinghouse®

The National Student Clearinghouse (a non-profit formed in 1993) is the unique and trusted source for higher education enrollment and degree verifications. The Clearinghouse serves as a single point of contact for the collection and timely exchange of accurate and comprehensive enrollment, degree and certificate records on behalf of its more than 3,300 participating higher education institutions, which represent over 92% of the national enrollment.

Through its verification and reporting services, the Clearinghouse saves higher education institutions cumulatively more than a hundred million dollars annually. Most Clearinghouse services are provided to colleges and universities at little or no charge, including enhanced transcript and research services, enabling institutions to redistribute limited staff and budget resources to more important student service efforts. All Clearinghouse services are operated in full compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

In addition, the Clearinghouse provides accurate FERPA compliant verifications to student loan providers, employers, student credit issuers, student health insurance providers, the U.S. Department of Education, and others who access its registry more than 100 million times annually.

For more information, visit www.studentclearinghouse.org.

For Questions About This Press Release Only, Contact:
Kathleen Dugan
Marketing Director
703-742-4208
dugan@studentclearinghouse.org

For Help With or Questions About Any Clearinghouse Service, Contact:
703-742-4200
service@studentclearinghouse.org