ACE on the Hill 2025

Join us for ACE on the Hill 2025 on February 11 in Washington, DC.

This inaugural advocacy day will bring college and university presidents and chancellors together with federal policymakers at a pivotal moment for higher education. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from policymakers and congressional staff in the new Congress, as well as engage with their own congressional delegations.

The event will precede ACE Experience 2025 (ACEx), which is scheduled for February 12–13.

Location & Agenda

Reserve Organization of America/Top of the Hill
One Constitution Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
(located across from the Dirksen Senate Office building at the corner of Constitution and 1st Street NE)
Nearest metro stop: Union Station (red line)8:00 a.m.: Shuttle departs from Washington Hilton for Capitol Hill for 8:45am drop off

Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
Note: Breakfast will be provided at Top of the Hill

8:45 a.m.: Arrival and check in at ROA/Top of the Hill
9:00 a.m.: Welcome

Speaker: ACE President Ted Mitchell

9:15 a.m.: Overview of the day

Speaker: Jon Fansmith, Senior Vice President of ACE Government Relations and National Engagement

9:30 a.m.: Outlook from the Hill: A Conversation with Appropriators

Speakers:

Emily Slack, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Labor-HHS, Senate Committee on Appropriations (Republicans)
Amanda Beaumont, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Labor-HHS, Senate Committee on Appropriations (Democrats)
Emily Goff, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Labor-HHS, House Committee on Appropriations (Republicans)
Philip Tizzani, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Labor-HHS, Senate Committee on Appropriations (Democrats)
Moderator: Emmanual A. Guillory, Senior Director of ACE Government Relations

10:30 a.m.: Washington, DC/Federal Relations Update

Speaker: Jon Fansmith, Senior Vice President of ACE Government Relations and National Engagement

11:00 a.m.: Outlook from the Hill: A Conversation with Authorizers

Speakers:

Rashage Green, Education Policy Director and Counsel, House Committee on Education and Workforce (Democrats)
Emanual Kimble, Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Education and Workforce (Democrats)
Sara Garcia, Senior Policy Advisor, Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (Democrats)
Chance Russell, Economist and Policy Advisor, House Committee on Education and Workforce (Republicans)
Lauren Schwensen, Senior Advisor of Education Policy, Senate Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions (Republicans) (invited)
Moderator: Emmanual A. Guillory, Senior Director of ACE Government Relations

Noon: Working Lunch

Note: Lunch to be provided at TOTH

12:15 p.m.: Tax and Higher Education in the 119th Congress

Discussion with Jamie Cummins, Senior Tax Counsel, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Moderator: Steven Bloom, Assistant Vice President of ACE Government Relations

1:00 p.m.: Depart for Hill meetings

Note: Space at Top of the Hill will be open for the afternoon for space between meetings. ACE staff will be available to help direct you to the various Senate and House office buildings.

4:00 p.m.: Wrap up discussion led by ACE Government Relations staff
5:00 p.m.: Shuttle departs for Washington Hilton
6:00 p.m.: ACEx Welcome reception at Washington Hilton

This schedule is subject to change. The agenda will be updated as speakers are identified, and the location on Capitol Hill will be specified when the details are available.