Executive Leadership and Senior Management

Nuno Fernandes is the fifth President of APUS, a role he has held since Sept. 1, 2022. He is a visionary leader who has been successful in making online higher education more affordable and accessible, while focused on delivering high-quality education and favorable student outcomes.

An experienced academic administrator, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson has served in roles of increasing responsibility over the last 20 years as a professor, department head, dean and provost. Most recently, she was Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Post University, a regionally accredited, online and on-campus for-profit university in Waterbury, CT, for over seven years. 

Ms. Erika Orris joined APUS in October 2022. Prior to joining the organization, she served as the Executive Vice President of ThriveDX, one of the fastest growth Bootcamp companies in the United States.

Mr. Richard Sunderland has 20+ years leading the financial and operational functions of large established public companies, as well as building the financial operations of emerging growth companies. He was appointed APUS CFO in January 2014.

Dr. Michael Cottam leads several departments including Instructional Design, Media Development, Faculty Hiring, Center for Teaching and Learning, Curriculum, Assessment, and Course Materials.

Dr. Jennifer Douglas joined the School of Graduate Studies as associate dean in 2015 and was promoted to dean in August of 2017. She has been instrumental in the creation of the school’s first doctoral level programs.

Mr. Durepo joined the American Public University System in January 2023 to lead the Student Support Center, Workforce Management and Quality Assurance teams. Prior to joining the organization, he served as the Associate Vice President of Tuition Planning with the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Dr. Leslie P. Filippelli-DiManna has been in higher education for the past 15 years. Before joining APUS, she was an Associate Dean, School of Business, Arts & Sciences; Director of Business Programs; and Associate Professor at American International College (AIC).

Dr. Brian Freeland started at APUS as a faculty member in 2006 and has steadily advanced into his current leadership roles. Dr. Freeland regularly presents at academic conferences on topics relative to sport management leadership and online education issues.

Dr. Anthony R. Garibay is an accomplished Pre-K-12 and Higher Education professional with over 23 years of experience as an instructor and leader in student and academic affairs.

Mr. Hill joined the American Public University System in 2007. His 12 years of recruiting and leadership experience have proven vital to transforming the onboarding experience for prospective students.

Ms. Lindsey Larson joined American Public University System (APUS) in 2012 and has held a variety of positions across the institution prior to her current role as Chief of Staff.

Dr. Michelle Newman oversees the academic appeals, disability services, graduations, registrations, and scheduling teams at APUS. In her previous role for the university, she led the growth of the academic advising team from 12 to 80 advisors staffed to meet the needs of our adult learners.

Roman Ortega Jr. stands as an exceptional figure in the realm of higher education and military service, having forged an impressive career spanning decades of dedication, innovation, and leadership. Roman's vast experience, ranging from serving as a professor to being a strategic planner, fundraiser, and expert in international and governmental affairs, has made him an invaluable asset in the ever-evolving higher education landscape.

Ms. Caroline Simpson joined APUS in 2005 and played a large role in developing the online advising services offered to university students. She currently oversees academic advising, transfer credit evaluations, student and alumni affairs, career services, and student appeals.

Dr. Jennifer Stephens Helm has an extensive background in learning outcomes assessment. She has consulted with schools districts, state departments of education, and school reform organizations. She worked with the Accelerated Schools Project at Stanford University prior to joining APUS in 2005.

Ms. Carolyn Todaro joined American Public University System in 2005 and currently serves as the Vice President of Academic Advising. Among her accomplishments, she championed the implementation of a proactive academic advising model to better serve the university systems 80,000+ students.

Mr. Keith Wellings oversees all components of the university's financial services compliance and default prevention. He led the design and implementation of the university's process to identify and prevent potential student fraud with regard to Title IV funding.

Dr. Danny Welsch has been serving the students of American Public University System since 2007 as a part-time faculty member, full-time faculty member, program director, associate dean, and dean for the School of STEM.