Robert Proudfoot

Gary Railsback is a transformational leader in higher education, specializing in accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness. With a Ph.D. in Higher Education & Organizational Change and over four decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in guiding universities through accreditation processes, faculty development, and program evaluation. His expertise spans multiple accrediting bodies, including CAEP, NCATE, and HLC, making him a sought-after consultant for institutions seeking to enhance their academic standards. Throughout his career, he has served in leadership roles at Warner Pacific University, Azusa Pacific University, and Point Loma Nazarene University, among others, shaping policies that drive quality and integrity in education. Even after retiring from full-time work, he continues to influence the field through consulting, mentorship, and research, leaving a lasting impact on higher education institutions nationwide.

Michael Turner is an accomplished independent school leader with a proven track record of strategic vision, institutional growth, and financial stewardship. With over two decades of experience as a Head of School, administrator, and educator, he has successfully led schools through leadership transitions, enrollment expansion, and crisis management while strengthening governance and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. His expertise spans fiscal management, capital campaigns, faculty recruitment, and innovative program development, consistently delivering sustainable growth and community engagement. A dedicated communicator and relationship-builder, Turner fosters trust among trustees, faculty, students, and families, ensuring mission-driven leadership that positions schools for long-term success.

I am excited to share my professional executive biography, highlighting my journey in educational leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. With over 25 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, as well as military service, I have dedicated my career to driving student success, fostering institutional growth, and advocating for public education.

Dr. Stephen Peters is a distinguished educational leader and visionary, celebrated for his transformative impact on K-12 education. With a career spanning over three decades, he has guided underperforming schools to national and state accolades, significantly increased student success rates, and driven systemic improvements as Superintendent of Laurens County School District 55. Under his leadership, the district achieved national recognition, expanded dual enrollment opportunities, and increased college scholarships by $12 million in just two years. As CEO of The Peters Group, Dr. Peters has extended his influence, providing innovative professional development and leadership programs that empower educators nationwide. A prolific author and advocate for literacy, he has served as President of the International Literacy Association and earned numerous awards for his contributions to education. Dr. Peters’ legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to fostering equity, excellence, and opportunity for all learners.

With nearly 30 years of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Corey S. Weiss has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and excellence in diverse learning environments. As the Principal of the Juneau Community Charter School and HomeBRIDGE in Alaska, Dr. Weiss is recognized for his expertise in curriculum development, organizational management, and transformational leadership. A holder of a Doctorate in Transformative Leadership from Concordia University-Portland, along with multiple advanced degrees and certifications, he combines deep knowledge with a strategic vision to drive systemic improvements and inspire collaboration. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Weiss is a lifelong learner and passionate mentor who seeks to contribute meaningfully to organizational growth while embracing opportunities for continued learning.

Bill Fischer is a highly accomplished higher education executive with over two decades of experience in student development and administration. Currently serving as the Vice President for Student Development at the University of Dayton, Fischer has led transformative initiatives to enhance student engagement, academic success, and the overall student experience. With expertise in crisis management, strategic planning, and policy development, he has successfully aligned the Student Development Division with the university’s broader goals. Fischer’s collaborative leadership style, combined with a strong legal background and experience in conflict resolution, has positioned him as a key influencer in higher education. He is also an active contributor to professional organizations, including his tenure as President of the Association for Student Conduct Administration.

Karen Prewitt is a highly accomplished mathematics educator with over 19 years of experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and professional development. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and educational equity, earning recognition such as Teacher of the Year and Master Teacher. With extensive expertise in mathematics, she has developed and implemented innovative curricula aligned with state and national standards, while integrating technology to enhance the learning experience. Known for her strategic vision, Karen has led numerous initiatives to improve teaching practices and student outcomes, including facilitating professional development for educators and mentoring colleagues. Her ability to communicate clearly and foster collaboration has made her a key figure in transforming educational environments and empowering both students and educators.

Dr. Samuel Heikinen is an accomplished executive leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in global engagement, diversity initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Currently serving as the Associate Provost for Global and Community Engagement at Slippery Rock University, he has successfully led initiatives to expand international student enrollment, develop global partnerships, and integrate community engagement with global education efforts. His expertise spans across building cross-cultural relationships, strategic planning, and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in academic settings. Dr. Heikinen's leadership has been instrumental in creating transformative educational opportunities that connect students to the world, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected society.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey in educational leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to empowering educators and communities. With over five decades of experience, I am passionate about driving innovation and inclusivity in education. Here is my biography.

Rick Pinkowski is an accomplished financial and strategic leader with over 34 years of experience in higher education, finance, and organizational development. Throughout his career, Rick has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrity, ethical leadership, and community service, helping organizations grow and thrive. His deep expertise spans financial operations, human resources, student services, and capital planning, allowing him to drive impactful change in the institutions he has served. As Vice President for Finance at Villa Maria College and Hilbert College, Rick led significant projects that improved business practices, secured key funding, and enhanced operational efficiency. His ability to manage complex financial portfolios, lead multi-year strategic planning, and oversee large-scale capital projects has been instrumental in the success of these institutions. Rick is known for his strategic foresight, innovative thinking, and collaborative approach, which have made him a trusted leader and advisor. Now transitioning into a consulting role after retirement, Rick continues to lend his expertise to various not-for-profit organizations, offering fractional CFO services and project management support. He is actively involved in several boards and committees, including the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropy, where he contributes his knowledge of finance, governance, and institutional growth. Rick's passion for education, leadership, and community involvement extends beyond his professional roles. He is dedicated to using his skills and experience to help organizations achieve sustainable growth, and he remains deeply committed to supporting the communities he serves.

As a sales leader passionate about advancing education, I strive to bridge business and education through innovative solutions and trust-based relationships. I’m dedicated to supporting K–12 educators and fostering impactful partnerships that inspire growth across education. Here is my biography.

Proud to highlight Melia L. Abreu, EdD, LSSBB, a seasoned organizational development leader with over 25 years of expertise in empowering individuals and driving organizational growth! As a consultant at Mana'olana International, LLC, Melia brings transformative people strategies to life, enhancing talent acquisition, performance management, and organizational effectiveness. Her dedication to fostering inclusive environments and cultivating leadership potential is unmatched.

I’m excited to share my professional biography with you! My career has been driven by a passion for sports analytics and educational research. I’m proud of my work developing the Elam Ending for basketball, which has made a significant impact in the sports community. My extensive involvement in various educational and sports organizations underscores my commitment to advancing these fields.

Excited to share the remarkable career journey of Frank Sablan, a distinguished Advisor and ISO Auditor based in Orlando, FL. With over four decades of experience spanning military leadership to industrial excellence, Frank's expertise in quality assurance, ISO standards, and operational efficiency is unparalleled. His strategic vision and dedication to excellence make him a true leader in driving organizational growth and fostering international collaborations. Learn more about Frank's outstanding contributions and legacy of service in quality management and beyond.