Jim Matchefts serves as General Counsel for the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). Mr. Matchefts joined MOHELA in 2007. Prior to joining MOHELA, he served for 10 years as General Counsel to the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE). As part of his duties with the MDHE, he oversaw the operation of the MDHE Student Loan Program, which is Missouri’s state-designated guaranty agency under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. For five years before joining the MDHE he worked in the St. Louis City Counselor’s Office, representing the City of St. Louis in various civil litigation and corporate matters. He has earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Washington University, a Doctor of Education degree from Saint Louis University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University.