Strategic Education Executive and Leadership Team

Abby Rice, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer at Strategic Education, manages the administrative operations supporting financial planning and human capital management. Rice coordinates the scheduling and communication workflows for the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Human Resources Officer, ensuring executive focus remains on core strategic objectives. By facilitating information flow between departments, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer supports the efficient execution of organizational policies. Abby Rice organizes critical data and documentation required for financial reporting and talent development initiatives. This leadership role involves maintaining high-level oversight of administrative projects that impact the entire company. Through meticulous coordination, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer enables the leadership team to drive growth and maintain operational stability. Ultimately, Rice ensures that executive functions operate with precision and clarity.

Shawna Thayer, the Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Education, directs the internal infrastructure supporting adult learners across North American markets. Thayer manages the operational efficiency of degree delivery, ensuring that academic programs align with the practical needs of working professionals. By optimizing administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates seamless access to business and public administration curricula. Shawna Thayer monitors key performance indicators to maintain high standards of service delivery, directly impacting student retention and academic success. This leadership role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to refine the educational experience for students balancing career obligations. Through rigorous process improvement, the Chief Operating Officer strengthens the institutional capacity to scale programs in accounting and information technology. Ultimately, Thayer ensures that operational frameworks support the broader mission of providing relevant, career-focused education to a diverse, working-adult population.

Jonathan Rydberg, the Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Education, manages strategic alliances that expand the reach of degree programs to corporate partners. Rydberg oversees the development of customized educational pathways designed to address specific workforce skill gaps in business and public administration. By cultivating relationships with large-scale employers, the Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer facilitates professional advancement for thousands of working adults. Jonathan Rydberg coordinates with internal academic teams to ensure that partnership offerings remain aligned with industry demands and career progression goals. This leadership role involves negotiating complex agreements and driving growth through enterprise-level engagement. Through the expansion of these corporate networks, the Partnerships Vice President, Enterprise & Chief Operating Officer strengthens the market position of the organization. Ultimately, Rydberg secures long-term value by connecting academic excellence with the practical requirements of modern, high-growth organizations.

Joe Schaefer, the President, Education Technology Services at Strategic Education, leads the development and deployment of digital tools that enhance the learning experience for working adults. Schaefer oversees the innovation of technology-enabled platforms that support degree programs in information technology and business administration. By driving the adoption of advanced educational software, the President, Education Technology Services ensures that students have access to modern, flexible learning environments. Joe Schaefer manages the integration of these technology services with academic curricula to maximize student engagement and career readiness. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Chief Information Officer to align technical capabilities with the evolving demands of the education market. Through the continuous improvement of digital delivery mechanisms, the President, Education Technology Services strengthens the competitive advantage of the organization. Ultimately, Schaefer ensures that technology remains a core driver of student success and institutional growth.

Narayanan Sundaresan, the Chief Information Officer at Strategic Education, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for delivering advanced degree programs to working adults. Sundaresan oversees the integration of learning management systems and data analytics platforms that support student engagement and academic outcomes. By driving technical innovation, the Chief Information Officer ensures that information technology curricula remain current with evolving workforce requirements. Narayanan Sundaresan manages the security and scalability of digital assets, providing a robust foundation for remote and hybrid learning models. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement tools that enhance the educational experience for professionals. Through the deployment of advanced software solutions, the Chief Information Officer optimizes the delivery of degree programs across the entire organization. Ultimately, Sundaresan secures the technological edge required to maintain market leadership in the competitive landscape of adult education services.

Cole Ranzau, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy at Strategic Education, executes the strategic vision for brand positioning and student acquisition. Ranzau coordinates marketing initiatives that highlight the value of degree programs for working professionals seeking advanced credentials. By aligning promotional efforts with the specific needs of the adult learner demographic, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy ensures consistent messaging across all channels. Cole Ranzau manages the operational flow of marketing campaigns, facilitating collaboration between creative teams and data analysts. This leadership role involves monitoring market trends to refine outreach strategies for business, accounting, and technology programs. Through the implementation of targeted marketing tactics, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer. Driving Enterprise Marketing Strategy drives enrollment growth and brand awareness. Ultimately, Ranzau supports the overarching goal of connecting working adults with transformative educational opportunities.

Sowa Imoisili, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Strategic Education, directs the strategic alignment of organizational priorities and executive initiatives. Imoisili manages the operational cadence of the leadership team, ensuring that cross-departmental projects support the mission of serving working adults. By facilitating communication across the enterprise, the Vice President, Chief of Staff enables the effective execution of long-term goals related to degree program expansion. Sowa Imoisili oversees the integration of key business functions, from curriculum development to student services, to ensure a cohesive approach to education. This leadership role involves managing high-priority initiatives that require coordination between the Board and senior management. Through the optimization of internal processes, the Vice President, Chief of Staff drives organizational efficiency and strategic focus. Ultimately, Imoisili ensures that all institutional efforts remain centered on providing high-quality, relevant education to professionals seeking career advancement.

Denise Sousa, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Strategic Education, manages the administrative infrastructure supporting talent acquisition and employee development. Sousa coordinates the daily operations of the human resources department, ensuring that the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains focus on building a high-performing workforce. By organizing recruitment workflows and internal training schedules, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer facilitates the growth of the company's human capital. Denise Sousa handles sensitive documentation and communication, supporting the implementation of policies that foster a culture of professional excellence. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of HR initiatives that align with the broader organizational mission of supporting working adults. Through efficient administrative support, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer enables the HR team to attract and retain top talent. Ultimately, Sousa ensures that the human resources function operates with maximum effectiveness and professional integrity.

Christa Hokenson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Strategic Education, directs the talent strategy and organizational culture necessary to support the company's mission. Hokenson oversees recruitment, employee engagement, and professional development programs that ensure the workforce remains aligned with the needs of adult learners. By architecting compensation and benefits structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer fosters an environment that attracts top-tier talent in education and technology. Christa Hokenson manages the implementation of performance management systems that drive accountability and growth across all departments. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to ensure that human capital strategies support the delivery of high-quality degree programs. Through the cultivation of a diverse and skilled workforce, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the institutional capacity to innovate and scale. Ultimately, Hokenson ensures that the organization maintains the human resources foundation required to deliver exceptional educational outcomes.

Lizette Herraiz, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Strategic Education, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for the entire organization. Herraiz oversees the management of intellectual property, corporate governance, and contractual obligations related to degree program delivery. By providing expert legal guidance, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures that all academic and business operations adhere to the complex regulatory requirements of the education sector. Lizette Herraiz manages relationships with external counsel and regulatory bodies to mitigate risk and protect the company's interests. This leadership role involves advising the Board and executive team on legal matters that impact the strategic direction of the business. Through the proactive management of legal affairs, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel supports the sustainable growth of the company. Ultimately, Herraiz ensures that the organization operates within a secure and compliant legal environment.