About us.
It's all in the name. When it comes to compliance, every institution needs a game plan. Setting direction. Building capacity. Due diligence, assessment, assurance. At HEC, we demystify compliance and advance administrative proficiency across higher education.
A little more about our values.
We care about your students, your institution, your faculty and staff, and your institutional goals.
Our services are always tailored to your institution’s needs.
We offer support with Title IV compliance, remote staffing on an interim short or long-term basis, process evaluations and compliance audits, policy development/review, training development and implementation, and communication strategies.
We have combined experience of over 35 years in higher education administration, compliance, and training. We take the confusion out of compliance!
Leadership Team
Annette Linders
Chief Executive Officer
Annette has 25 years of experience in higher education administration with a demonstrated track record in successful leadership and executive roles in higher education executive administration, compliance, and operations. Annette’s expertise includes all areas of student service operations and compliance, system automation, streamlined processing and communications to ensure optimal student service, while meeting applicable compliance and Federal Student Aid administrative capabilityrequirements. Annette has helped countless students across the country access higher education through financial aid, scholarship, and grant opportunities.
Annette has extensive experience in higher education, profit and non-profit organizations, grant writing and administration, veteran’s education benefits, scholarship best practice to ensure equity, while meeting the needs of students and institutional goals. Annette is skilled in athletics administration and compliance with financial aid at the Division I, II, and III level, relative to all aspects of federal student aid, collegiate associations and conference governance over federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarships. NCAA legislative authority and operating bylaws, as well as comprehensive experience and expert knowledge in athletic equivalency and head count sports, calculations, and exemptions.
Annette has proven success in building and maintaining positive relationships, commended throughout her professional career for outstanding interpersonal communication, organization, and problem solving skills, as well as the ability to work constructively under pressure while successfully meeting deadlines.
Annette earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of South Florida, Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University, and is currently PhD Candidate in Higher Education Leadership with Grand Canyon University.
When Annette isn’t excelling in her career, you can find her exploring nature on horseback, conquering rugged terrains on her dirt bike, or embarking on scenic hikes. Annette’s love for the great outdoors also extends to the water, where she enjoys the thrill of kayaking. Her adventurous spirit and love for travel fuels her creativity and drive both personally and professionally.
Consulting Specialties:
- Federal Student Aid (Title IV)
- Student Services
- Emergency relief funding, administration, and compliance
- Athletic association and conference compliance
- Institutional effectiveness and data analysis
- Internal / external audit and program reviews
Melissa Flores
Chief Legal Officer
Melissa has been practicing law for over two decades--the last 12 years has been exclusively in education law. Melissa’s expertise lies in protecting civil rights of students and employees while balancing policy/procedure adherence, advising on employer responsibilities and employee rights related to discipline and discharge, managing the interactive process related to accommodating students and employees with disabilities, and responding to Office for Civil Rights complaints and program reviews. Melissa understands the unique and diverse needs of academic institutions (both private and public, four-year and two-year) and can provide efficient and cost-effective legal advice and counsel for institutions with limited or no in-house legal teams.
Given the financial pressures and heightened regulatory burdens imposed upon institutions of higher education, Melissa advises on Title IX, Title VI, Title IV, Campus SaVE, Clery, and EDGAR Part 86 policy development, practical implementation, and on-going internal/external audits and program reviews. Melissa also advises on obtaining and maintaining federal financial aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Melissa works closely with clients to develop comprehensive legal compliance programs that address the institution’s particular needs, including the various COVID-19 issues institutions of higher education currently face. Melissa also updates student handbooks and provides comprehensive training on scenarios related to student discipline, student complaints of discrimination in the classroom, and engaging in the interactive ADA/504 process. Melissa conducts investigations of alleged student misconduct and recommends options for resolution under existing institutional policies.
Melissa has served as Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel at both two-and four-year, public and private institutions of higher education and has served as the Chief Civil Rights Officer at a K-12 public school district.
Melissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 1994 with a degree in English and from the J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1997. Melissa is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Utah’s Education, Culture, and Society Department. When not working or studying, Melissa spends time with her extended family and her five dogs.
Consulting Specialties:
- Civil rights (Title IX, Title VI, ADA/504, etc.)
- Regulatory Compliance
- Human Resources
- Policy Development
Alanna Andersen
Project Manager
Alanna brings a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to her role, showcasing a proven ability to manage staff and oversee complex projects from inception to completion. Her expertise in implementing effective organizational timelines has enhanced scheduling and time management across various professions.
Prior to joining HEC Partners, Alanna spent five years as a barn manager in the equine industry. Her responsibilities included administering medication, scheduling appointments for up to 48 horses, and managing staff while cultivating strong client relationships. Additionally, she handled logistics such as hotel arrangements, stall assignments, and show schedules for trainers, staff, and horses.
In the past two years, Alanna has transitioned into the mortgage industry, where she excelled in setting up initial loan files. She meticulously compiled and organized personal and financial information for 14 loan officers and collaborated with external financial institutions to gather confidential documentation, adhering to industry standards. Her experience in navigating the fast-paced and evolving landscape of mortgage compliance has honed her analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling her to address daily challenges with a fresh perspective.
Outside of work, Alanna enjoys spending time at the barn, where she teaches horseback riding lessons to children and cares for her horses. She also loves playing fetch with her Dachshund, Finn or unwind by curling up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book.
Robert Bienkowski
Project Manager
Robert has managed mid to large size projects— managing multiple calendars, keeping administrative notes, scheduling training dates, and managing project recordkeeping. Robert’s experience includes acting as project manager for the 2020 Title IX regulatory implementation for a ten-community college district with over 200,000 students and 10,000 employees. Robert holds a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Bachelor's of Science in Women's Studies.