Ascend Learning Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ascend Learning has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology architecture, human capital, legal compliance, operational management, and digital conversion optimization.

Focused on bridging the gap between education and professional success, Ascend Learning delivers high-impact digital content and simulation tools to empower learners across healthcare, fitness, and financial services sectors.

Leadership Roles at Ascend Learning

  • Chief Executive Officer - Neilson Silva
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mandeep Johar
  • President - Susan Pollock
  • Chief Technology Officer - Ash Siebecker
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Annie Drapeau
  • Chief Legal Officer - Lawrence Gold
  • Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization - Colleen Flynn
  • Neilson Silva - Chief Executive Officer

    Neilson Silva, the Chief Executive Officer at Ascend Learning, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By aligning digital content delivery with the evolving needs of licensure-driven fields, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in the education technology market. Silva oversees the integration of simulation tools and analytics across all business units to maximize learner outcomes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive sustainable growth and market expansion. By prioritizing outcomes-focused solutions, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation that bridges the gap between academic preparation and workplace performance. Neilson Silva maintains a focus on scaling operations to meet the demands of diverse professionals seeking credentials. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's position as a leader in professional growth and career readiness.

    Mandeep Johar - Chief Financial Officer

    Mandeep Johar, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascend Learning, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies necessary for sustained growth. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the resources required to develop advanced assessment and analytics platforms. Johar coordinates with other C-suite leaders to evaluate investment opportunities in new licensure-driven markets. This role involves rigorous analysis of operational efficiency to support the company's mission of powering professional growth. By optimizing financial structures, Mandeep Johar directly impacts the ability of the organization to deliver high-quality educational tools to a global user base. The Chief Financial Officer monitors market trends to adjust fiscal strategies, ensuring long-term stability. Through disciplined financial oversight, Johar supports the expansion of digital content offerings that help professionals achieve career milestones.

    Susan Pollock - President

    Susan Pollock, the President at Ascend Learning, executes the operational strategy and oversees the day-to-day performance of the company's core business units. Driving the delivery of digital content and simulation tools, the President ensures that all products meet the needs of institutions and learners in healthcare and fitness fields. Pollock coordinates cross-functional efforts to streamline service delivery and enhance the impact of educational solutions. This leadership role involves managing the execution of growth initiatives across North American markets. By focusing on operational excellence, Susan Pollock directly supports the company's goal of bridging learning with workplace success. The President works closely with the CEO to translate strategic vision into actionable business outcomes. Through effective management of resources and teams, Pollock ensures that the organization remains responsive to the demands of professionals seeking credentials and career readiness.

    Ash Siebecker - Chief Technology Officer

    Ash Siebecker, the Chief Technology Officer at Ascend Learning, architects the digital infrastructure and software platforms that power the company's educational solutions. Overseeing the development of simulation tools and assessment engines, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technology products meet the high standards required for professional licensure preparation. Siebecker drives the integration of advanced analytics to provide actionable insights for institutions and employers. This leadership role involves managing engineering teams to maintain scalable, secure, and user-friendly platforms. By prioritizing technological innovation, Ash Siebecker enables the company to bridge the gap between learning and workplace impact effectively. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with product teams to implement features that enhance the learner experience across healthcare and financial services. Through continuous technical improvement, Siebecker ensures the reliability and performance of the digital ecosystem that supports thousands of professionals.

    Annie Drapeau - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Annie Drapeau, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascend Learning, designs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that sustain the company's workforce. Overseeing employee engagement, performance management, and corporate culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts top-tier talent capable of advancing education technology. Drapeau aligns human capital initiatives with the broader mission of supporting professional growth in licensure-driven fields. This role involves fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional development for all staff members. By implementing robust HR policies, Annie Drapeau directly impacts the operational effectiveness of the company. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with leadership to ensure that the workforce remains agile and focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for learners. Through strategic talent management, Drapeau supports the long-term success and innovation goals of the entire organization.
    Lawrence Gold, the Chief Legal Officer at Ascend Learning, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property matters for the company. Overseeing the protection of proprietary digital content and assessment tools, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the organization operates within the complex regulatory frameworks of the education and professional licensure sectors. Gold provides critical guidance on corporate governance and risk mitigation to the executive team. This role involves navigating legal challenges associated with expanding into new markets and service areas. By maintaining rigorous compliance standards, Lawrence Gold safeguards the reputation and operational integrity of the company. The Chief Legal Officer collaborates with other leaders to ensure that all business initiatives align with legal requirements and ethical standards. Through proactive legal strategy, Gold supports the company's mission to provide reliable and credible educational solutions to professionals.

    Colleen Flynn - Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization

    Colleen Flynn, the Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization at Ascend Learning, directs the data-driven strategies used to improve user engagement and product adoption across digital platforms. Overseeing the analysis of learner behavior, the Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization identifies opportunities to refine the user journey and increase the effectiveness of educational content delivery. Flynn implements testing frameworks to optimize the performance of assessment tools and simulation interfaces. This role involves collaborating with marketing and product teams to ensure that digital solutions resonate with professionals seeking career milestones. By focusing on conversion metrics, Colleen Flynn directly impacts the company's ability to reach and support a broader audience. The Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization utilizes advanced analytics to drive continuous improvement in the digital experience. Through precise optimization efforts, Flynn ensures that the company's products remain accessible and highly effective for all users.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ascend Learning Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ascend Learning?
    Ascend Learning is led by Neilson Silva (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mandeep Johar (Chief Financial Officer) and Susan Pollock (President).
    Who is part of Ascend Learning’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ascend Learning includes leaders such as Neilson Silva (Chief Executive Officer), Mandeep Johar (Chief Financial Officer), Susan Pollock (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ascend Learning have?
    Ascend Learning has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ascend Learning’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ascend Learning includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.