As Strada senior vice president, affordability, Justin Draeger focuses on addressing systemic barriers to an affordable education after high school while reducing its cost, increasing awareness about financial aid, and supporting state strategies to better connect financial aid to talent and workforce development.

Draeger joined Strada in 2024 after spending more than 15 years as president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, a membership organization representing more than 29,000 financial aid professionals at nearly 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the United States. There, he served as a prominent advocate and voice for student financial aid issues and was the principal liaison among NASFAA members, the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and the media. Dedicated to aiding underserved populations, Justin has committed most of his career to the idea that education after high school should be bound only by ambition and effort, not finances or background.

Since starting his career in 2002, Draeger has played pivotal roles in administering, interpreting, communicating, and shaping student financial aid policy. His experience includes positions as a director of financial aid, regulatory and policy analyst, and spokesperson, along with senior roles in government relations, communications, and policy development. He serves on several boards dedicated to advancing health and education.

Draeger earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration from Baker College. Originally from Toledo Ohio, he and his wife are parents of three children and live in Fairfax, Virginia.