About Us
The 529 Network: The National Voice for Education Savings Plans
The 529 Network is a national advocacy, member driven organization established in 1991 as an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) to support and strengthen Section 529 college savings plans. The 529 Network was created to bring state officials together, foster communication and cooperation, and serve as a central clearinghouse of information about state-administered 529 savings and prepaid plans. Its core purpose is to help make higher education more attainable by improving the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of 529 plans nationwide, as well as to monitor federal policy and promote legislation that supports these tax-advantaged college saving tools.
Mission & Vision in Action
Together, The 529 Network’s membership, board, and staff pursue a clear mission: to empower members to enhance and advance 529 education savings plans while promoting broader access and financial preparedness for education. Their vision is a future in which 529 plans are widely used instruments that invest in family and community education goals and help ensure successful tomorrows for students across the country.
Membership & Participation
Membership in The 529 Network is open to state agencies and public officials responsible for administering Section 529 plans, including elected officials and senior staff in executive, legislative, or administrative roles. Certain non-profit organizations involved in college savings can also join on the public sector side. In addition, firms in the private sector that participate in the NAST Corporate Affiliate Program and are engaged in the administration or support of 529 plans are eligible for membership. This broad membership base allows The 529 Network to foster collaboration among plan administrators, policymakers, and industry partners, facilitating the sharing of innovations and best practices that ultimately benefit families saving for education.
Members participate in The 529 Network’s activities by attending events, engaging in dialogues on best practices, and contributing to discussions about federal policy affecting 529 plans. These gatherings help build professional networks among peers, enable collective problem-solving, and provide opportunities to learn from diverse experiences in different states.
Leadership Structure
The 529 Network is governed and guided by an Executive Board, which provides both policy and administrative oversight to ensure the Network fulfills its mission. The Board sets the strategic direction and priorities for The 529 Network, focusing on long-term viability, member engagement, increased national awareness of the value of 529 saving, and advocacy to protect and expand the reach of 529 plans.
For the 2026 cycle, the Executive Board includes a mix of state treasurers and senior plan directors who bring deep experience in public finance and college savings. Among its leadership are:
Hon. Steven Johnson, Chair
Kansas State Treasurer
Lael Oldmixon, Vice-Chair
Executive Director, Education Trust of Alaska
John Mitchell, Treasurer
Director of College Savings & Deputy Treasurer, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
Mary Morris, Past Chair
Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Savers
Ben Gibbons
Director of Marketing, Ohio Tuition Trust Authority
Jessica Wetzel
Director, Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program
Hon. Zach Conine
Nevada State Treasurer
Hon. Roby Smith
Iowa State Treasurer
Linda Fernandez
Division Director, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Hon. Joe Perry
Maine State Treasurer
Dawn Hall
Executive Director, ID 529 Education Savings
Jeremy Rogers
Director, NY 529 College Savings
John Smith
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Jane Smith
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Jane Smith
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Jane Smith
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The Board works year-round — often through monthly meetings — and is supported by various committees that focus on communications, federal initiatives, technology and operations, diversity and leadership development, and governance. These committees bring additional voices and expertise into The 529 Network’s work and help shape recommendations for the broader membership.
Staff Leadership & Support
Day-to-day operations of The 529 Network are managed by a small leadership team, which works closely with the Executive Board to advance the Network’s goals. The Network’s Director is responsible for member engagement, coordinating committee work, managing federal policy initiatives, and ensuring the effectiveness of communications and outreach efforts. Catherine Seat serves in this role, acting as the primary point of contact for The 529 Network inquiries and working with both the board and member committees to implement strategic priorities.
In addition to the Director, staff support includes roles focused on communications and media outreach. For example, the Communications Director for NAST (who also handles The 529 Network media relations) helps promote awareness of 529 plans through traditional and social media and supports the development of tools and content that help members educate the public about college savings.