Lauren Thayer

Director of Marketing

Lauren joined the Ascent team in April 2016 to launch Ascent Student Loans, elevate marketing strategies and spearhead consumer campaigns. Lauren possesses over a decade of expertise in integrated marketing and niche branding strategy within the sports, education, and self-development industries. Lauren’s passion for marketing education began while she attended college at San Diego State University and served as Marketing Lead Supervisor for the SDSU Aztec Recreation Center. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, she became the Online Marketing Manager for Road Runner Sports and then went one to […] Read more

Trixie Balestri

Client Relationship Manager

Trixie joined the team in 2010 bringing her vast experience in customer relationship management. Trixie’s broad experience includes managing existing relationships and assisting in the cultivating of new customer relationships. Additionally, Trixie has over 10 years of experience in the student loan industry. As an integral member of Ascent Student Loans team, she is responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with schools and service providers, as well as internal departments. Prior to joining Ascent, Trixie led school account manager teams as well as providing sales support functionality to national sales teams. She has experience in sales and marketing, […] Read more

Dennis Wentworth

Vice President of Business Development

Dennis has over 28 years of experience in the student loan industry, with the last 14 years heading up the National Sales Teams for Sallie Mae and Next Generation Insurance.  Dennis has been responsible for developing, implementing and leading the overall sales strategies, marketing, communications and development of numerous sales professionals, focusing on higher educational products/programs for colleges and universities.  He has expertise in sales, marketing, consumer lending, insurance, business banking, operations, customer service, and risk management.  Dennis received a BA Degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and a MS Degree from Southern Illinois University […] Read more