Learn More about Robert and His Mission to Drive Change
Brief Introduction
Robert Heil is a trusted expert and solutions leader in higher education and business. Known for his ability to step into complex situations, produce results, and lead transformative change, Robert has played a key role in addressing the most pressing issues in education, including access and affordability. He is a sought-after advisor to leaders and policymakers at the highest levels, including the White House, the Department of Education, EdTech companies, and key philanthropic organizations. His career is marked by a strong track record of driving innovation and building strategic partnerships that create lasting impact.
Core Philosophy
Robert focuses on solutions, not problems. Whether it’s enhancing financial aid strategies and operations, advancing college access, or fostering innovative public-private partnerships, his mission is to deliver tangible results that transform higher education. By embracing emerging trends and anticipating future challenges, Robert helps universities and organizations thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Robert is commited to making college more accessible, affordable, and impactful for the next generation of students.
Professional Background
Over the years, Robert has proven time and again that he is a growth expert with a rare ability to navigate complex challenges and lead organizations to new heights. His leadership at Financial Aid Services (FAS) has been transformative, doubling the company’s size and positioning it as a market leader in the financial aid and higher education space. Robert has been at the forefront of some of the most impactful public-private partnerships like the Department of Education’s College Support Strategy, the Arizona State University and Starbucks College Achievement Plan, and partnerships with major philanthropic foundations. Robert has been integral in the strategic growth of multiple businesses, including Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) and RuffaloCODY, where he achieved 3X revenue growth and introduced cutting-edge digital engagement solutions for clients across the nation.
Top 10 Accomplishments
When the 2024 FAFSA rollout faltered, Robert Heil was called upon as a critical advisor to the White House, the Department of Education, and key EdTech and non-profit organizations. Working with the nation’s most influential companies and philanthropies, Robert spearheaded efforts to make FAS services available to under-resourced colleges and universities, impacting 62 HBCUs and many other minority-serving institutions in the process.
Since joining Financial Aid Services (FAS) in 2022, Robert has played a pivotal role in doubling the company’s size. His visionary leadership transformed FAS into a market leader, expanding its footprint and empowering colleges and universities to drive meaningful change for students today and in the future.
Robert’s belief in the power of collaboration is evident through his work with the Arizona State University + Starbucks College Achievement Plan. His firm’s platform helps deliver college tuition assistance to Starbucks employees, opening doors to higher education for thousands and highlighting the impact of innovative public-private partnerships on education access.
When Robert returned to RNL in 2019, he quickly reignited the company’s growth by expanding its digital offerings and penetrating the online education space. Through strategic mergers, new product launches, and a focus on profitability, Robert transformed RNL into a key player in higher education, delivering sustainable results for clients.
By transforming the go-to-market (GTM) strategy at a Chicago-based online education firm, Robert shifted the business model from revenue-share to fee-for-service, resulting in the largest influx of new clients in the company’s history. His ability to adapt and innovate propelled the firm into a new phase of growth and industry leadership.
During his tenure at RuffaloCODY, Robert led the company to 3X revenue growth over just four years. By optimizing operations, refining market strategies, and overseeing a portfolio of 250+ clients, Robert's strategic insight and leadership delivered one of the most impressive business expansions in the sector.
As an early pioneer in online education, Robert directed the launch of 11 new online degree programs at ACU, significantly broadening the university’s market reach. His innovative approach to digital learning helped establish ACU as a leader in the online education space at a time when few institutions were venturing into this new frontier.
While at ACU, Robert negotiated and secured joint ventures with some of the biggest names in tech and education, including Apple’s iTunesU. His visionary partnerships not only elevated ACU’s brand but also positioned the university as a trailblazer in digital education at a time when only the most prestigious institutions were collaborating with tech giants like Apple.
Robert’s leadership led to a series of remarkable achievements during his time at Abilene Christian University:
- A 27% increase in applications
- A 45% increase in graduate enrollment
- A 23% increase in student body diversity
- A 21% boost in tuition revenue—all in just three years.
These numbers demonstrate his strategic impact on the university’s growth and his ability to turn opportunities into measurable outcomes.
Robert’s forward-thinking approach to marketing and data analytics led to the development of predictive modeling strategies that were published in the American Marketing Association’s Journal of Marketing for Higher Education. His research continues to influence the industry’s approach to student engagement, retention, and success
Let’s Work Together to Achieve Your Goals
Contact Robert Heil today to discuss how he can bring transformative ideas and solutions to your next event.
