BOB COLE, B.A.

Bob Cole has dedicated his career to helping students and families access, afford, and attain a higher education. Over the past three decades, he has held leadership roles across government, nonprofit, and higher education finance organizations, developing innovative programs that have helped thousands of families navigate the path to college.

Bob began his career at the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME), where he directed the Federal Student Loan and Maine State Grant programs. During his tenure, he became actively involved in statewide college aspirations initiatives, sparking a lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunities and improving college affordability.

He later spent nearly 18 years with the national nonprofit organization American Student Assistance (ASA), serving in leadership roles spanning marketing, sales, and community relations. While at ASA, Bob launched Massachusetts' first mobile college planning center and developed financial literacy and college access programs for organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Negro College Fund.

Since joining CollegeWell in 2018 as President and CEO, Bob has led significant organizational and strategic initiatives, including the successful transition of Private College 529's administration and custody to Catalis and Charles Schwab. He currently leads efforts to expand the reach and impact of Private College 529 through innovative product development, strategic partnerships, and national growth initiatives designed to help more families plan and pay for higher education.

Bob is a graduate of Bates College and is an active member of the College Savings Foundation and the College Savings Plans Network. He is also a frequent contributor to Forbes on issues related to college affordability, savings, and higher education finance.  Bob is also the proud parent of a Birches graduate of the class of 2024!