OAKDALE, Minn., Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ECMC Group, a nonprofit corporation that provides services to students and schools in support of higher education and funds an educational foundation, today announced the appointment of David Hawn as president and chief executive officer.

This appointment follows the decision by the company's long-time president and chief executive officer, Richard (Dick) Boyle, Jr., to retire after 14 years of service. "Dick has been an exceptional leader," said John DePodesta, ECMC Group chairman of the board. "During his tenure, the company experienced tremendous growth helping hundreds of thousands of students pursue and finance their college education. On behalf of the board, the management team and the 1,300 employees of ECMC Group and its affiliated companies, I thank Dick for his exemplary and passionate leadership that has led to ECMC Group's extraordinary success."

Hawn brings more than two decades of higher education finance experience to his new role as president and chief executive officer. Hawn joined ECMC Group in 2008 and, most recently, served as ECMC Group's chief operating officer. Before joining ECMC Group, Hawn was chief operating officer of College Loan Corporation and senior vice president of operations and information technology at Wells Fargo Education Financial Services.

"ECMC Group is well positioned to innovate and grow and to continue funding its foundation. We are confident in Dave's leadership and look forward to many more years of continued success for ECMC Group," said DePodesta.

"I feel honored to serve as president and chief executive officer of ECMC Group," said Hawn. "ECMC Group is a vibrant organization full of talented people and I am enthusiastic about what we will accomplish together. I am grateful to Dick for his mentorship and friendship and look forward to continuing the legacy he built during his tenure as our leader."

Hawn will assume his new responsibilities on Feb. 1, 2014.

About ECMC Group
ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to help students recognize and realize their potential by investing in, creating and providing innovative education solutions that support schools and improve student educational outcomes. ECMC Foundation, funded by ECMC Group, furthers this mission by assisting people of all ages advance their education goals with a concentration on underserved individuals as well as those who may be the first member of their family to attend college. ECMC Group is headquartered in Oakdale, Minn.

Media inquiries:
Geri Gjesdahl
651-325-4071
gjesdahl@ecmc.org

SOURCE ECMC Group