EAB Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

EAB has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology development, marketing, and enrollment services.

Committed to transforming educational outcomes, EAB partners with institutions to implement evidence-based strategies that drive student success and institutional effectiveness through rigorous research and practical support.

Leadership Roles at EAB

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Kirshbaum
  • Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services - Lauren Richter
  • Chief Technology Officer - James Mathews
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Lia Davidson
  • Senior Director and Chief of Staff - Meredith Schatz
  • Community & Technical Colleges Chief of Staff - Joseph DiVirgilio
  • Managing Director and Chief of Staff, Enroll360 - Ashley Huffman
  • Business Solutions Managing Director & Chief of Staff - Anneke Strachan
  • Managing Director - Joseph Morrison
  • Managing Director - Ann Lippens
  • Michael Kirshbaum - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Kirshbaum, the Chief Financial Officer at EAB, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the organization. Kirshbaum oversees all financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation processes to ensure the company maintains the capacity to support educational partners effectively. By monitoring market trends and institutional spending patterns, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to guide executive decision-making regarding new service offerings and research investments. Michael Kirshbaum collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align financial objectives with the overarching mission of improving student outcomes. This leadership role involves maintaining rigorous standards for financial reporting and operational efficiency across all business units. Through the optimization of capital deployment, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required for sustained innovation in educational consulting. Kirshbaum drives the financial stability that allows the organization to remain a reliable partner for schools and universities navigating complex economic landscapes.

    Lauren Richter - Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services

    Lauren Richter, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services at EAB, directs the strategic operations of the enrollment division while managing executive-level coordination. Richter oversees the implementation of college preparation pathways and recruitment strategies that help institutions meet their enrollment goals. By aligning the efforts of the enrollment team with the broader organizational mission, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services ensures that all initiatives support student access and institutional growth. Lauren Richter collaborates with other senior leaders to streamline internal processes and enhance the effectiveness of service delivery. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that require cross-departmental cooperation and high-level oversight. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services drives improvements in recruitment and retention outcomes. Richter ensures that enrollment services remain responsive to the changing dynamics of the higher education landscape.

    James Mathews - Chief Technology Officer

    James Mathews, the Chief Technology Officer at EAB, directs the development of digital platforms and data infrastructure that power the company's research-driven solutions. Mathews oversees the engineering teams responsible for creating tools that help educators translate complex data into actionable insights. By prioritizing scalable technology, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all software frameworks remain robust and adaptable to the specific needs of diverse educational institutions. James Mathews collaborates with research and consulting teams to integrate advanced analytics into the core service offerings, enhancing the ability of schools to track student progress and institutional effectiveness. This leadership role involves managing the security and reliability of digital assets while driving innovation in educational technology. Through the implementation of cutting-edge systems, the Chief Technology Officer supports the organization's commitment to evidence-based practice. Mathews ensures that technology serves as a catalyst for meaningful change within the global education sector.
    James Mathews

    Lia Davidson - Chief Marketing Officer

    Lia Davidson, the Chief Marketing Officer at EAB, leads the brand strategy and market positioning efforts to expand the reach of the company's educational partnerships. Davidson oversees the communication of research findings and service value propositions to academic leaders across the globe. By crafting targeted messaging that highlights the impact of evidence-based strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that institutions understand the benefits of collaborative consulting. Lia Davidson coordinates with internal teams to align marketing initiatives with the evolving needs of the K-12 and higher education markets. This leadership role involves managing public relations, digital presence, and client engagement programs that foster long-term relationships with schools and universities. Through the development of comprehensive communication frameworks, the Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness of the organization's mission to improve student outcomes. Davidson ensures that the brand remains synonymous with academic rigor, practical feasibility, and deep institutional partnership.

    Meredith Schatz - Senior Director and Chief of Staff

    Meredith Schatz, the Senior Director and Chief of Staff at EAB, manages the operational flow and strategic alignment of the executive office. Schatz oversees the coordination of key initiatives that bridge the gap between research development and client implementation. By facilitating communication across departments, the Senior Director and Chief of Staff ensures that leadership priorities remain focused on the company's core mission of improving educational effectiveness. Meredith Schatz supports the execution of organizational goals by managing project timelines and resource allocation for high-priority programs. This leadership role involves working closely with the C-suite to refine internal processes and enhance the efficiency of collaborative partnerships. Through the management of executive workflows, the Senior Director and Chief of Staff drives the operational stability necessary for the organization to deliver consistent value to schools and universities. Schatz ensures that all strategic efforts remain cohesive and aligned with the long-term vision of the company.

    Joseph DiVirgilio - Community & Technical Colleges Chief of Staff

    Joseph DiVirgilio, the Community & Technical Colleges Chief of Staff at EAB, directs the strategic support provided to two-year institutions and technical schools. DiVirgilio oversees the development of specialized toolkits that address the unique challenges faced by community colleges, including workforce readiness and student retention. By coordinating with research teams, the Community & Technical Colleges Chief of Staff ensures that all recommendations reflect the specific operational contexts of these institutions. Joseph DiVirgilio facilitates partnerships that help leaders make informed decisions about program design and resource allocation. This leadership role involves managing the execution of initiatives that bridge the gap between academic training and career success. Through the application of evidence-based strategies, the Community & Technical Colleges Chief of Staff drives improvements in student outcomes across diverse technical and community college environments. DiVirgilio ensures that the organization remains a dedicated partner in the success of these vital educational institutions.

    Ashley Huffman - Managing Director and Chief of Staff, Enroll360

    Ashley Huffman, the Managing Director and Chief of Staff, Enroll360 at EAB, leads the operational strategy for the Enroll360 platform, focusing on optimizing recruitment and enrollment outcomes. Huffman oversees the integration of research-backed tools into the enrollment workflows of partner institutions. By managing the coordination between product development and client services, the Managing Director and Chief of Staff, Enroll360 ensures that schools receive the support necessary to meet their enrollment targets. Ashley Huffman collaborates with institutional leaders to refine recruitment strategies and improve the effectiveness of student outreach programs. This leadership role involves overseeing the execution of complex enrollment initiatives that require precise data analysis and strategic planning. Through the application of evidence-based practices, the Managing Director and Chief of Staff, Enroll360 drives measurable improvements in student recruitment and retention. Huffman ensures that the Enroll360 platform remains a critical asset for institutions seeking to navigate competitive enrollment environments.

    Anneke Strachan - Business Solutions Managing Director & Chief of Staff

    Anneke Strachan, the Business Solutions Managing Director & Chief of Staff at EAB, directs the operational strategy for business-focused educational solutions. Strachan oversees the implementation of frameworks that assist institutions in optimizing organizational communications and campus safety protocols. By coordinating with cross-functional teams, the Business Solutions Managing Director & Chief of Staff ensures that all service offerings remain aligned with the practical needs of schools and universities. Anneke Strachan manages the execution of strategic projects that enhance institutional effectiveness and resource management. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive office and the business solutions division to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality support. Through the application of rigorous research and real-world testing, the Business Solutions Managing Director & Chief of Staff drives improvements in the operational capacity of partner institutions. Strachan ensures that all business solutions remain grounded in the company's commitment to collaborative partnership and academic excellence.

    Joseph Morrison - Managing Director

    Joseph Morrison, the Managing Director at EAB, directs strategic initiatives focused on institutional growth and operational excellence across higher education sectors. Morrison oversees the development of research-backed frameworks that assist universities in navigating complex enrollment and retention challenges. By aligning institutional goals with data-driven insights, the Managing Director ensures that partner schools achieve measurable improvements in student outcomes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with academic stakeholders to refine program design and resource allocation. Joseph Morrison maintains a focus on scaling these solutions to meet the diverse needs of educational environments throughout North America. Through the implementation of evidence-based practices, the Managing Director drives long-term sustainability for partner institutions. The work performed by Morrison directly supports the broader mission of enhancing educational accessibility and quality, ensuring that every strategic decision translates into tangible progress for students and faculty alike.

    Ann Lippens - Managing Director

    Ann Lippens, the Managing Director at EAB, architects comprehensive solutions for K-12 and higher education systems, focusing specifically on workforce readiness and literacy development. Lippens oversees the integration of research-based toolkits into existing campus infrastructures to improve student performance metrics. By analyzing institutional data, the Managing Director identifies critical gaps in academic programming and designs targeted interventions that foster long-term success. Ann Lippens coordinates with cross-functional teams to ensure that all implementation support remains aligned with the unique requirements of each partner institution. This leadership role requires deep engagement with educational leaders to optimize program effectiveness and resource utilization. Through the application of rigorous testing and real-world analysis, the Managing Director drives significant advancements in campus safety and organizational communication. Lippens ensures that every initiative remains grounded in practical feasibility, ultimately strengthening the capacity of schools to serve diverse student populations effectively.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EAB Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads EAB?
    EAB is led by Michael Kirshbaum (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Lauren Richter (Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services) and James Mathews (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of EAB’s executive team?
    The executive team of EAB includes leaders such as Michael Kirshbaum (Chief Financial Officer), Lauren Richter (Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services), James Mathews (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does EAB have?
    EAB has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in EAB’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of EAB includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director, Chief of Staff & President, Enrollment Services, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Director and Chief of Staff.