SLM Financial Hires ADI Graduate

Scottsdale, AZ (Feb. 1, 2006) - Automotive Dealership Institute graduate J. Benjamin Steffen has joined SLM Financial, a subsidiary of Sallie Mae offering career-training education loans, as part of the company’s expansion to provide partner schools with more personalized service. Steffen will serve schools in Arizona and New Mexico, according to T.J. Fitzpatrick, SLM West regional manager.

“Benjamin is a key addition to our staff,” said Fitzpatrick. “He has an excellent background in finance, and the training he received at the Automotive Dealership Institute helped hone his skills. I know he will be a valuable asset for SLM for years to come.”Steffen, who is based in Phoenix, has three years of experience in finance and real estate. He most recently worked in consumer loan sales for Wells Fargo Financial Services. He holds an undergraduate degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Southern Illinois University, where he was the 2002 American Marketing Association Marketer of the Year. He graduated from the Automotive Dealership Institute in 2005, earning a diploma in Automotive Finance and Insurance Management. ADI’s career Placement Department introduced Steffen to both Wells Fargo and Sallie Mae.”This is a dream job,” said Steffen. “It couldn’t be better. I’m basically servicing all of Sallie Mae’s career training schools in Arizona and New Mexico, meeting with school officials and administrators, and helping new schools with their financing programs. I’m looking foward to growing with this company, and staying with them for the long term.”"We are very proud of Benjamin,” said Arzu Algan, ADI CFO and Dean of Education. “He achieved Dean’s List honors at Southern Illinois University, and he applied that same work ethic and determination at our school. When he told us he was interested in the banking side of the business, we were able to arrange an interview with Wells Fargo. Then the Sallie Mae opportunity arose. We have known T.J. Fitzpatrick for many years, and knew that Benjamin would be an excellent fit. There is no doubt that he will have a very successful career with SLM Financial.”The Automotive Dealership Institute is a Scottsdale, AZ-based automotive management training facility that specializes in educating the next generation of Finance and Insurance managers and service advisors. ADI is approved by the State of Arizona Board for Private Postsecondary Education. For more information call (877) 998-7200 or visit www.autodealerinstitute.com.SLM Financial Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corp., commonly known as Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of education
funding. The company offers a full-range product line to meet the needs of consumers, homeowners, students and schools. For more information call (888) 272-5543 or visit www.salliemae.com.