Ascend Learning Executive and Leadership Team

Neilson Silva, the Chief Executive Officer at Ascend Learning, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the tech-enabled education company. Silva guides Ascend Learning's mission to power professional growth across critical sectors like healthcare, fitness, and financial services. This leadership involves ensuring the effective deployment of digital content, assessments, analytics, and simulation tools that build real-world skills for diverse professionals. Neilson Silva's focus remains on enhancing career readiness and bridging the gap between educational learning and tangible workplace impact. The Chief Executive Officer's role encompasses driving innovation in product development and market expansion, solidifying Ascend Learning's position as a provider of outcomes-focused solutions. Silva ensures alignment with the company's core objective of fostering career milestones for learners and employers alike.

Mandeep Johar, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascend Learning, oversees all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Johar manages the company's financial health, ensuring robust resource allocation to support Ascend Learning's growth initiatives in tech-enabled education. This involves rigorous budget management, investment analysis, and financial forecasting to sustain the delivery of digital content, assessments, and simulation tools. Mandeep Johar's responsibilities extend to optimizing financial performance across all business units, including healthcare, fitness, and financial services sectors. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in evaluating potential mergers and acquisitions, driving financial strategies that enhance shareholder value and operational efficiency. Johar ensures financial compliance and reporting standards are met, supporting the company's commitment to practical, outcomes-focused solutions.

Susan Pollock, the President at Ascend Learning, directs significant operational segments and strategic initiatives within the company. Pollock oversees key business functions aimed at powering professional growth across critical sectors, ensuring the effective delivery of Ascend Learning's tech-enabled educational solutions. This leadership involves driving operational excellence and fostering collaboration among teams responsible for digital content, assessments, analytics, and simulation tools. Susan Pollock's role is integral to maintaining Ascend Learning's reputation for practical, outcomes-focused solutions that prepare professionals for career milestones. The President champions initiatives that enhance market reach and impact, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching mission. Pollock's leadership contributes to bridging the gap between learning and tangible workplace results.

Ash Siebecker, the Chief Technology Officer at Ascend Learning, architects the technological vision and infrastructure supporting the company's digital education platforms. Siebecker leads the development and implementation of innovative solutions, including advanced analytics and simulation tools, that enhance professional growth across various industries. This role involves overseeing the technology roadmap, ensuring scalability and security for Ascend Learning's digital content delivery. Ash Siebecker's expertise drives the integration of cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of learners and employers in healthcare, fitness, and financial services. The Chief Technology Officer is instrumental in maintaining Ascend Learning's competitive edge by fostering a culture of technological advancement and operational excellence. Siebecker ensures the technology stack effectively supports the company's mission of bridging learning with workplace impact.

Annie Drapeau, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascend Learning, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Drapeau focuses on cultivating a high-performance culture that supports Ascend Learning's mission of powering professional growth through innovative educational solutions. This involves talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership development programs designed to attract and retain top talent across the organization. Annie Drapeau's responsibilities include ensuring a robust talent pipeline to support the continuous delivery of digital content, assessments, and simulation tools. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key role in shaping Ascend Learning's employee experience, fostering an environment that aligns with the company's commitment to practical, outcomes-focused solutions. Drapeau ensures HR policies and practices support the company's strategic objectives and market impact.

Paul Stein, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO at Ascend Learning, leads the company's information technology infrastructure and cybersecurity strategy. Stein ensures the integrity, security, and availability of Ascend Learning's digital platforms and sensitive data, protecting against evolving threats. This involves managing IT operations, implementing robust security protocols, and overseeing the deployment of technology solutions that support professional growth. Paul Stein's role is critical in maintaining the trust of institutions, employers, and learners who rely on Ascend Learning's digital content, assessments, and simulation tools. The Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO champions best practices in information governance and risk management. Stein's leadership ensures that Ascend Learning's technological backbone is secure, efficient, and aligned with the company's commitment to outcomes-focused solutions.

Lawrence Gold, the Chief Legal Officer at Ascend Learning, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the organization. Gold ensures Ascend Learning operates in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations across its diverse service areas, including healthcare, fitness, and financial services. This involves managing contracts, intellectual property, corporate governance, and risk mitigation strategies. Lawrence Gold's expertise is vital in navigating the complex legal landscape associated with tech-enabled education and professional development. The Chief Legal Officer plays a crucial role in safeguarding the company's interests and supporting its mission to deliver high-quality digital content and assessments. Gold ensures legal frameworks are in place to foster innovation and protect Ascend Learning's brand reputation for practical, outcomes-focused solutions.

Colleen Flynn, the Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization at Ascend Learning, drives initiatives to enhance user experience and conversion rates across digital platforms. Flynn leads data-driven strategies to optimize website performance and user journeys, ensuring learners and employers can effectively access Ascend Learning's resources. This involves analyzing user behavior, conducting A/B testing, and implementing improvements to digital content, assessment interfaces, and simulation tools. Colleen Flynn's focus is on maximizing engagement and facilitating career milestones for professionals in licensure-driven fields. The Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization plays a key part in translating user insights into actionable improvements that support Ascend Learning's outcomes-focused approach. Flynn ensures the digital experience aligns with the company's commitment to bridging learning with workplace impact.