Ascend Learning Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ascend Learning has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, information security, human resources, legal, operations, and digital optimization.

Focused on driving professional growth through digital education, Ascend Learning delivers outcomes-focused tools that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world workplace impact across licensure-driven industries.

Leadership Roles at Ascend Learning

  • Chief Executive Officer - Neilson Silva
  • President - Susan Pollock
  • Chief Technology Officer - Ash Siebecker
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO - Paul Stein
  • 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 strategic vision for the organization. By prioritizing the development of digital content and simulation tools, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in healthcare and financial services education. Neilson Silva oversees the alignment of product innovation with market demands for licensure-driven career readiness. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to scale operations across North American markets. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chief Executive Officer drives the company toward achieving long-term growth targets. The executive maintains focus on delivering high-impact educational solutions that empower professionals to reach career milestones. Through rigorous oversight of corporate initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's position as a leader in tech-enabled education, ensuring that every product offering directly supports the mission of building real-world skills for diverse learners.

    Susan Pollock - President

    Susan Pollock, the President at Ascend Learning, executes the operational strategy and manages the day-to-day business activities of the company. By overseeing the delivery of digital content and simulation tools, the President ensures that the firm meets the needs of institutions and learners effectively. Susan Pollock drives the integration of various business units to maximize efficiency and support the company's mission of powering professional growth. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to align product development with market opportunities in healthcare and financial services. By monitoring performance metrics and operational outcomes, the President ensures that the company maintains its competitive position. The executive focuses on scaling operations to reach a broader audience of professionals seeking credentials. Through disciplined management of resources and processes, the President supports the company's commitment to providing high-quality, practical solutions that bridge the gap between learning and workplace success.

    Ash Siebecker - Chief Technology Officer

    Ash Siebecker, the Chief Technology Officer at Ascend Learning, architects the digital infrastructure powering the company's educational platforms. By managing the development of advanced assessment and analytics tools, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that learners receive high-quality, data-driven experiences. Ash Siebecker drives the integration of simulation technologies into the core product suite, facilitating better career readiness for professionals in fitness and healthcare. This role requires constant coordination with engineering teams to maintain system reliability and scalability across global digital environments. By optimizing the technical architecture, the Chief Technology Officer supports the company's commitment to practical, outcomes-focused learning solutions. The executive monitors emerging trends in educational technology to keep the firm at the forefront of the industry. Through strategic investment in software development, the Chief Technology Officer enables the company to deliver seamless, effective digital content that meets the evolving needs of employers and institutions worldwide.

    Paul Stein - Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO

    Paul Stein, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO at Ascend Learning, secures the digital assets and information systems critical to the company's operations. By implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO protects sensitive learner data and proprietary assessment tools. Paul Stein oversees the enterprise-wide IT strategy, ensuring that internal systems support the delivery of high-quality educational content. This leadership role involves managing complex risk assessments and maintaining compliance with industry standards across all digital platforms. By aligning information technology with business objectives, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO drives operational efficiency and data integrity. The executive coordinates with other leaders to ensure that technological infrastructure remains resilient against evolving threats. Through proactive management of information security, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO safeguards the reputation of the company as a trusted provider of professional growth solutions.
    Paul Stein

    Annie Drapeau - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Annie Drapeau, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascend Learning, manages the talent strategy and organizational culture necessary to support the company's mission. By overseeing recruitment, professional development, and employee engagement, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the firm's goals in the education sector. Annie Drapeau drives initiatives that foster a high-performance environment, enabling staff to deliver superior digital content and simulation tools. This role involves designing compensation structures and leadership programs that attract top talent to the organization. By cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the company's ability to innovate and adapt to market changes. The executive collaborates with the leadership team to ensure that human capital strategies directly contribute to the company's growth and operational success. Through effective talent management, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the foundation upon which the company builds its reputation for excellence.
    Lawrence Gold, the Chief Legal Officer at Ascend Learning, directs all legal affairs and regulatory compliance efforts for the organization. By navigating the complex legal landscape of the education and licensure-driven industries, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company's products and services meet all necessary standards. Lawrence Gold oversees intellectual property protection, contract negotiations, and corporate governance, providing the legal framework required for sustainable growth. This role involves advising the executive team on risk management and strategic partnerships that expand the company's market reach. By maintaining rigorous compliance protocols, the Chief Legal Officer supports the integrity of the company's digital assessments and analytics tools. The executive works closely with the board to address legal challenges and ensure alignment with corporate objectives. Through expert legal guidance, the Chief Legal Officer protects the company's interests while enabling the delivery of practical, outcomes-focused educational solutions to professionals across various fields.

    Colleen Flynn - Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization

    Colleen Flynn, the Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization at Ascend Learning, directs the analytical efforts to improve user engagement across the company's digital platforms. By testing and refining the customer journey, the Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization ensures that learners and institutions easily access the firm's assessment and simulation tools. Colleen Flynn oversees the implementation of data-driven strategies that increase the effectiveness of marketing and product outreach. This role involves analyzing user behavior to identify opportunities for enhancing the conversion of prospective learners into active users. By optimizing digital touchpoints, the Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization supports the company's goal of expanding its reach in licensure-driven fields. The executive collaborates with marketing and product teams to ensure that every digital interaction contributes to the company's growth. Through continuous experimentation and analysis, the Manager, Conversion Rate Optimization drives measurable improvements in user acquisition and overall business performance.

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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 Susan Pollock (President) and Ash Siebecker (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Ascend Learning’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ascend Learning includes leaders such as Neilson Silva (Chief Executive Officer), Susan Pollock (President), Ash Siebecker (Chief Technology Officer) 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, President, Chief Technology Officer, Vice President, Chief Information Officer and CISO, Chief Human Resources Officer.