Jon Fansmith represents ACE and its members on matters related to the federal budget and appropriations process, with a particular focus on student aid.

He serves on the Executive Committee of the Committee for Education Funding, a 100-member coalition of national education associations, and coordinates the efforts of the Student Aid Alliance, a coalition of over 80 higher education organizations. Fansmith also serves on the board of directors of the Foundation for Education Investment and the advisory board of the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students.

Fansmith earned a BA in history from Georgetown University and an MA in government from The Johns Hopkins University. He held positions in the academic and nonprofit sectors before joining ACE.