Strategic Education Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Strategic Education has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, marketing, and legal.

Driven by a commitment to accessible learning, Strategic Education empowers working adults to achieve advanced credentials through flexible, career-focused degree programs, significantly impacting professional development and workforce readiness.

Leadership Roles at Strategic Education

  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer - Abby Rice
  • Chief Operating Officer - Shawna Thayer
  • Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer - Jonathan Rydberg
  • Chief Information Officer - Narayanan Sundaresan
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy - Cole Ranzau
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Education Technology Services. Workforce Edge. Sophia - Christine Neff
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Denise Sousa
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Christa Hokenson
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Sowa Imoisili
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Lizette Herraiz
  • Abby Rice - Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Abby Rice, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer at Strategic Education, provides critical administrative and operational support to two key C-suite executives. This role involves managing complex schedules, coordinating high-level meetings, and facilitating communication between the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Human Resources Officer, and other stakeholders. Rice ensures efficient workflow and information management, enabling these officers to focus on strategic financial planning and human capital development. The Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer plays an integral part in supporting the organizational infrastructure that underpins Strategic Education's commitment to serving working adults. Abby Rice's diligent support is essential for the smooth functioning of financial oversight and human resources initiatives that drive the company's mission.

    Shawna Thayer - Chief Operating Officer

    Shawna Thayer, the Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Education, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the company's educational services. This executive oversees the critical functions that ensure the seamless delivery of undergraduate and graduate degree programs to a professional student base. Thayer's responsibilities encompass optimizing academic delivery processes, student support services, and institutional operations to meet the unique needs of working adults. The Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency and effectiveness across departments, ensuring that the company's flexible and practical approach to adult education is consistently implemented. By streamlining workflows and enhancing service delivery, Shawna Thayer directly contributes to the organization's ability to provide career-relevant education in fields such as business administration, public administration, accounting, and information technology, reinforcing the company's market position.

    Jonathan Rydberg - Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer

    Jonathan Rydberg, the Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Education, spearheads the development and management of strategic enterprise partnerships while also contributing to operational oversight. This dual role focuses on forging alliances that expand the reach of Strategic Education's degree programs to working professionals and their employers. Rydberg's responsibilities include identifying and cultivating relationships with organizations seeking to offer advanced credentials to their workforce. As Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Rydberg also contributes to optimizing the delivery of undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring they meet the practical needs of career-focused students. This executive's efforts in both partnership development and operational enhancement are crucial for advancing the company's mission of providing accessible, career-relevant education in business, public administration, accounting, and information technology.

    Narayanan Sundaresan - Chief Information Officer

    Narayanan Sundaresan, the Chief Information Officer at Strategic Education, directs the company's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. This leadership role involves architecting scalable IT systems that support the delivery of online undergraduate and graduate degree programs to working adults. Sundaresan oversees the development and maintenance of the technological platforms essential for curriculum access, student engagement, and administrative operations. The Chief Information Officer ensures robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive student and institutional data, aligning technology investments with the organization's mission to serve professionals balancing career and education. By driving innovation in educational technology, Nararayanan Sundaresan enhances the learning experience and operational efficiency across the enterprise, directly supporting the company's specialized offerings in business, public administration, accounting, and information technology.

    Cole Ranzau - Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy

    Cole Ranzau, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy at Strategic Education, collaborates closely with the Chief Marketing Officer to shape and execute comprehensive marketing initiatives. This role focuses on driving enterprise marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to serve working adults pursuing advanced credentials. Ranzau's responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional marketing efforts, analyzing market trends, and developing strategic plans to enhance brand visibility and student acquisition. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy plays a pivotal part in translating marketing objectives into actionable plans that resonate with professionals seeking career advancement through degree programs in business, public administration, accounting, and information technology. Cole Ranzau's strategic input is vital for expanding the reach and impact of Strategic Education's specialized offerings.

    Christine Neff - Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Education Technology Services. Workforce Edge. Sophia

    Christine Neff, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Education Technology Services. Workforce Edge. Sophia at Strategic Education, directs the comprehensive marketing strategy and brand positioning for the company's educational technology services and specialized initiatives. This leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of marketing, including digital campaigns, content development, and market outreach, to attract working adults pursuing advanced credentials. Neff is responsible for articulating the value proposition of Strategic Education's flexible degree programs in business administration, public administration, accounting, and information technology. The Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Education Technology Services. Workforce Edge. Sophia drives initiatives to enhance student enrollment and engagement by highlighting the practical relevance and career outcomes associated with the company's offerings. Christine Neff's strategic marketing leadership is instrumental in expanding the organization's market presence and impact.

    Denise Sousa - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Denise Sousa, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Strategic Education, provides essential administrative and organizational support to the Chief Human Resources Officer. This position involves managing the executive's calendar, coordinating meetings, preparing documentation, and facilitating communication within the human resources department and across the organization. Sousa ensures that the Chief Human Resources Officer has the necessary support to effectively manage talent acquisition, employee development, and HR policy implementation. The Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key role in maintaining the efficiency of HR operations, which are critical for supporting Strategic Education's mission of serving working adults. Denise Sousa's contributions are vital for the smooth functioning of human resources initiatives that underpin the company's educational services.

    Christa Hokenson - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christa Hokenson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Strategic Education, leads the company's human capital strategy, focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining talent to support its mission of serving working adults. This executive oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent management, organizational development, compensation, and benefits. Hokenson ensures that HR policies and practices align with Strategic Education's commitment to providing flexible and career-focused degree programs. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a critical role in fostering a supportive and productive work environment that enables the delivery of high-quality education in business administration, public administration, accounting, and information technology. Christa Hokenson's leadership in human resources is fundamental to the organization's operational success and its ability to meet the evolving needs of its student population and staff.

    Sowa Imoisili - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Sowa Imoisili, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Strategic Education, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key initiatives. This role involves working closely with senior leadership to drive the execution of the company's strategic objectives, particularly in serving working adults pursuing advanced credentials. Imoisili's responsibilities include facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, managing special projects, and ensuring alignment with the organization's mission. The Vice President, Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. Sowa Imoisili's contributions are vital for advancing the company's offerings in business administration, public administration, accounting, and information technology, ensuring that the operational framework effectively supports the delivery of flexible and career-relevant education.
    Lizette Herraiz, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Strategic Education, oversees all legal affairs and provides strategic counsel to the organization. This executive is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing higher education and corporate operations. Herraiz manages legal risks, advises on contractual matters, and guides the company in navigating the complex regulatory landscape associated with serving working adults pursuing advanced credentials. The Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel plays a vital role in protecting the company's interests and upholding its commitment to ethical practices in delivering degree programs. Lizette Herraiz's legal expertise is essential for maintaining the integrity and operational stability of Strategic Education's offerings in business administration, public administration, accounting, and information technology.
    Lizette Herraiz

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Strategic Education Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Strategic Education?
    Strategic Education is led by Abby Rice (Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer), along with executives such as Shawna Thayer (Chief Operating Officer) and Jonathan Rydberg (Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Strategic Education’s executive team?
    The executive team of Strategic Education includes leaders such as Abby Rice (Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer), Shawna Thayer (Chief Operating Officer), Jonathan Rydberg (Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Strategic Education have?
    Strategic Education has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Strategic Education’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Strategic Education includes roles such as Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy.