January 26, 2026
Edfinancial Services Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Support Continued Growth
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (January 26, 2026) – Edfinancial Services announced a series of strategic leadership appointments that reflect the company’s sustained growth to reinforce its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term stability across all business divisions.
As part of this transition, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tony Hollin has appointed John Farinella as President of Edfinancial Services. Farinella previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and brings more than three decades of leadership experience within the student loan servicing industry. “John’s deep understanding of our industry, combined with his steady leadership and genuine care for people, has been instrumental in shaping Edfinancial’s success,” said Hollin. “I have complete confidence in his ability to lead the organization into its next chapter.”
Farinella joined Edfinancial in 1993 after serving in multiple leadership roles at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Over the past 30+ years, he has played a critical role in building Edfinancial’s operational strength and culture of service. As President, Farinella will continue to work with Hollin, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategic alignment. “Edfinancial has never stopped evolving,” said Farinella. “From operational excellence to the responsible integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence, we remain focused on becoming stronger and more efficient every day. I’m honored to help lead the company forward.”
While transitioning the President title, Hollin will remain CEO, continuing to guide the company’s overall strategic direction and focusing on innovation and growth across all three divisions of the company: Edfinancial, Edamerica, and Medfinancial.
With Farinella’s appointment, Marc Bitsko has been named Chief Operating Officer. Bitsko joined Edfinancial in 2022 as Director of Operations and was later promoted to Vice President. He brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including over two decades at PHEAA, where he oversaw federal contract management and large-scale operations. “My journey reminds me that growth is never a solo achievement,” said Bitsko. “I’m grateful for the leaders and teams who shaped my career, and I look forward to empowering others as we continue driving Edfinancial’s success.”
Additionally, Elena Lubimtsev, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations, has been appointed President of Medfinancial, one of the company’s fastest-growing divisions. Lubimtsev has been with Edfinancial since 2000 and has led the development and expansion of Medfinancial for more than a decade. She will continue serving as Government Relations Officer, representing the company with industry partners and government stakeholders. “Edfinancial has never been just a place of employment for me,” said Lubimtsev. “We built this company together, and I am honored to lead Medfinancial into its next phase of growth.”
Edfinancial also announced the promotion of Nickie Jernigan to Senior Vice President of Edamerica Operations. Nickie brings extensive experience in operational leadership, technology, and client service. Since joining Edfinancial, she has led loan origination teams, launched a systems and solutions department focused on agile development, and overseen contact center operations and workforce management across multiple divisions. “Nickie’s consistency, integrity, and commitment to excellence make her an outstanding leader for Edamerica,” said Farinella. “She truly cares about our employees and our clients, and I can always count on her to do the right things.”
Edfinancial also announced several additional leadership promotions:
“These leadership changes position Edfinancial to remain competitive, resilient, and forward-thinking,” said Hollin. “Together, this team reflects the values of excellence, innovation, and service that define who we are.”
Edfinancial Services has experienced significant growth over the past three years, and these appointments ensure the organization is well-prepared to meet future challenges with confidence and strength.
About Edfinancial Services:
Edfinancial is a nationally recognized student loan servicer and support organization that helps students and schools navigate financial aid processes. With a strong commitment to employee growth, community, and service, Edfinancial continues to offer meaningful careers with upward mobility. The company has continually been recognized as a Top Workplace since 2020.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (January 26, 2026) – Edfinancial Services announced a series of strategic leadership appointments that reflect the company’s sustained growth to reinforce its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term stability across all business divisions.
As part of this transition, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tony Hollin has appointed John Farinella as President of Edfinancial Services. Farinella previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and brings more than three decades of leadership experience within the student loan servicing industry. “John’s deep understanding of our industry, combined with his steady leadership and genuine care for people, has been instrumental in shaping Edfinancial’s success,” said Hollin. “I have complete confidence in his ability to lead the organization into its next chapter.”
Farinella joined Edfinancial in 1993 after serving in multiple leadership roles at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Over the past 30+ years, he has played a critical role in building Edfinancial’s operational strength and culture of service. As President, Farinella will continue to work with Hollin, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategic alignment. “Edfinancial has never stopped evolving,” said Farinella. “From operational excellence to the responsible integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence, we remain focused on becoming stronger and more efficient every day. I’m honored to help lead the company forward.”
While transitioning the President title, Hollin will remain CEO, continuing to guide the company’s overall strategic direction and focusing on innovation and growth across all three divisions of the company: Edfinancial, Edamerica, and Medfinancial.
With Farinella’s appointment, Marc Bitsko has been named Chief Operating Officer. Bitsko joined Edfinancial in 2022 as Director of Operations and was later promoted to Vice President. He brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including over two decades at PHEAA, where he oversaw federal contract management and large-scale operations. “My journey reminds me that growth is never a solo achievement,” said Bitsko. “I’m grateful for the leaders and teams who shaped my career, and I look forward to empowering others as we continue driving Edfinancial’s success.”
Additionally, Elena Lubimtsev, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations, has been appointed President of Medfinancial, one of the company’s fastest-growing divisions. Lubimtsev has been with Edfinancial since 2000 and has led the development and expansion of Medfinancial for more than a decade. She will continue serving as Government Relations Officer, representing the company with industry partners and government stakeholders. “Edfinancial has never been just a place of employment for me,” said Lubimtsev. “We built this company together, and I am honored to lead Medfinancial into its next phase of growth.”
Edfinancial also announced the promotion of Nickie Jernigan to Senior Vice President of Edamerica Operations. Nickie brings extensive experience in operational leadership, technology, and client service. Since joining Edfinancial, she has led loan origination teams, launched a systems and solutions department focused on agile development, and overseen contact center operations and workforce management across multiple divisions. “Nickie’s consistency, integrity, and commitment to excellence make her an outstanding leader for Edamerica,” said Farinella. “She truly cares about our employees and our clients, and I can always count on her to do the right things.”
Edfinancial also announced several additional leadership promotions:
- Beau Hollin has been promoted to Vice President of Innovations & Productivity, where he will focus on leveraging technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency and productivity across all divisions.
- Sherrie Burke has been promoted to Vice President of Compliance, recognizing her leadership in regulatory oversight and her instrumental role in the successful launch of Edfinancial’s newest servicing contract.
- Tori Watson has been promoted to Vice President, Regional Director for Edamerica, following exceptional regional growth and sustained client success.
“These leadership changes position Edfinancial to remain competitive, resilient, and forward-thinking,” said Hollin. “Together, this team reflects the values of excellence, innovation, and service that define who we are.”
Edfinancial Services has experienced significant growth over the past three years, and these appointments ensure the organization is well-prepared to meet future challenges with confidence and strength.
Edfinancial is a nationally recognized student loan servicer and support organization that helps students and schools navigate financial aid processes. With a strong commitment to employee growth, community, and service, Edfinancial continues to offer meaningful careers with upward mobility. The company has continually been recognized as a Top Workplace since 2020.
Contact:
Amelia Childers, Communications & Engagement Director
AChilders@edfinancial.com, (865) 342-5500
