Executive Leadership
Executive Leadership
“I love that I can wake up every day and be around people who share my commitment to teaching and learning."
Chuck Lanphier
SVP Customer Success
Chuck brings over 25 years of diverse experience spanning education and technology to lead our customer success team. He began his career in industries like hardware and ecommerce before joining Apex Learning in 2000. While at Apex, Chuck held key leadership roles across each customer-facing function, including sales, marketing, virtual schools, and most notably, services. Chuck’s customer-centric approach to services combined with his operational background established Apex as an industry leader in customer success, loyalty, and advocacy.
Chuck lives outside Seattle with his wife and two children. He is a life-long soccer fan, enjoys staying active outdoors, and enjoys cooking.
Chuck’s Why: “I fell into education by chance and quickly realized I was never going to leave. The impact we have on a child or a group of children is so incredibly powerful and rewarding, but those feelings also come with a moral and civic responsibility to do even more. So, I do what I do because I know it makes a difference in the lives of many, but also because there’s so much more work to be done. I’m more committed today than ever.”
Jakki Mathis-Hull
General Counsel
Jakki is responsible for advising the company on a wide range of legal and business issues to include governance, contracts, intellectual property, and employment matters. Prior to joining Edmentum, Jakki worked at Stride, Inc. (formerly known as K12) for nearly 15 years in progressively escalating legal roles. She graduated from Catholic University’s, Columbus School of Law in Washington, DC with a JD, Cum Laude and holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from George Mason University. Jakki resides in Virginia with her husband, sons and dog. In addition to family time, she enjoys jokes, puzzles, music and relic hunting.
Jakki's Why: At a young age, the importance of a good education was instilled in me by my parents and elders. I took that to heart and worked hard in school. I ultimately came to appreciate two critical trends. One, a great teacher can make a huge impact in a student’s life and two, learning styles, strengths and weaknesses vary widely among students. Where one student excels another may struggle and vice versa. I am happy to work at a company that elevates educators and uses technology and other tools to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to learning.
Jill Hedrick
SVP Global Sales
Jill is an accomplished technology executive with 30 years of experience leading global sales, account management, customer success, marketing, and business development teams. She began her career in software and technology, working at leading dev ops, media, and financial services organizations until she pivoted to education and EdTech in 2010. In her words, “I realized that what I was doing every day could have a greater impact, more societal value.” Since that moment, Jill has led sales organizations at NWEA, Turnitin, Schoology, and most recently Apex Learning. She has extensive experience in both the U.S. and international markets. She is passionate about creating strong teams in mission-driven organizations and bringing technology solutions to educational institutions that make a difference in the outcomes for students and the work of educators.
Jill lives in Portland, Oregon, and makes the most of all the Pacific Northwest has to offer – excellent access to outdoor adventures, great food, and great community. She’s a soccer fan and season ticket holder of the Portland Timbers. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find her hiking the amazing trails in the Columbia Gorge and the Cascades with her dog Scout or embarking on ski adventures with her family in search of great powder.
Jill’s inspiration comes from a fundamental belief that the application of technology can make a tremendous impact in the lives and trajectories of both students and educators. As the daughter of a lifelong educator who was a teacher, principal and administrator, Jill grew up with the importance of education as a deeply held value, and a belief in education as the great equalizer. That inspiration extends to working alongside amazing people who share the same mission of using technology to do good and make a difference.
Chrishonda Smith
Chief People & Culture Officer
Chrishonda Smith is joining Edmentum from her current role as Regional Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Mount Carmel Health System. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for more than 9,000 colleagues across 5 acute-care hospitals and the Mount Carmel College of Nursing. As a recognized leader in the areas of Human Resources Strategy, Organizational Development, Executive Coaching, Talent Management, and Diversity Leadership, she’s collaborated with organizations across the healthcare, retail, financial, and non-profit industries. Her results-driven approach has made her a sought after thought-leader, facilitator, and speaker.
Smith is a certified Executive Coach and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from Davenport University, Advanced Strategic Diversity Practitioner Certification from Cornell University, and designation as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. She has been honored with induction into both Who’s Who in Black Detroit and Who’s Who in Black Columbus, is the recipient of the 2022 Seramount (formerly Working Mother Media) Mentor Maven Award and was recently named 2022 HR Impact Awardee by Columbus Business First.
A native of Detroit, Michigan Chrishonda currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with her partner Quinton and their daughter Nylah and lives by the motto “Pay it forward”. She enjoys travel (especially to the beach) and can be found on any dance floor doing “The Wobble”!
Chrishonada’s Why:
I am honored and excited to join the team at Edmentum. I have spent my career focusing on the advocacy and advancement of equity…for all. This is an opportunity for me to serve at an organization that is focused on equity in education which gives children (including my Nylah) the ability to thrive. My journey has been made possible by the sacrifices that my family made to ensure a foundation of a wonderful education in the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Many of my neighborhood friends didn’t have the same access and it created a disparity in our opportunities at the post-secondary educational level. Being an “Edmentor” gives me a chance to continue advocating for a level playing field…for all.
As the parent of a rising first grader (who operates in full DIVA mode), I am so amazed at the tools that are available to her to advance her learning. Technology is the enabler of these educational tools and I am thrilled to work with the Edmentum team to support our people and culture as we advance innovation!
Jamie Candee leads Edmentum’s strategic vision and long-term growth as President, CEO, and Board Director. Since 2017, Jamie has continuously focused on putting educators at the forefront of all Edmentum programs and services, empowering teachers with the digital curriculum and assessments for learning they need to personalize instruction and create equitable learning opportunities for all students.
In April 2022, Jamie was honored at ASU+GSV with a 2022 POW! Award or Power of Women award, which recognizes influential female leaders bringing about a world that provides equal access to the future through the promise of education.
In 2021, Jamie led Edmentum through the successful acquisition of Apex Learning, a Seattle-based industry leader in 6–12 digital curriculum, marking significant investment in Edmentum’s future. With the addition of Apex Learning, Edmentum becomes the premier provider of high-quality K-12 virtual and blended learning programs.
In August of 2021, Jamie was named an Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 Heartland Award winner for her outstanding entrepreneurial accomplishments and major contributions to her community.
Jamie was also recognized by the Pahara Institute as one of 23 individuals to join the highly selective Pahara Fellowship. This one-year, cohort-based program identifies exceptional leaders in the educational excellence and equity movement, facilitates their dynamic growth, and strengthens their collective efforts to dramatically improve public education, especially those serving low-income children and communities.
In all her work, Jamie continues to live by the credo of doing well by doing good. This is seen through the ongoing work of Edmentum’s We Can Learn foundation, which she founded in 2017 and supported over 10,000 students in the last year. Jamie is fiercely committed to supporting dynamic organizations in her own backyard as well. Jamie was recently selected to join the board of the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. She is proud to be a member of the board of directors for Project Success, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that has grown to serve more than 15,000 Minneapolis students annually in 22 Minneapolis public schools. Additionally, Jamie serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Visitation School Board in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
“I love that I can wake up every day and be around people who share my commitment to teaching and learning. Edmentum is committed to personalizing learning for every student we serve, as well as supporting teachers in their mission to support every student. We will not stop pursuing our goal to ensure every student in this country can learn and be successful.”
Hear From Jamie:
Paying It Forward, Forbes Jamie Candee - Leading Business And You To Success, On the Brink with Andi Simon Do Right for Education with Lifelong Partnerships, The Learning Counsel Inside an Expanding EdTech Company, EdTech Digest Edmentum CEO Jamie Candee on the Importance of Taking Risks, Chief Executive CEO Spotlight, KRLD News Radio 1080 Edmentum President and CEO Jamie Candee on Her Path to Executive Leadership,I Want Her Job Edmentum: Blending Technology with Pedagogy to Help ALL Students, TeacherCast Women in Business Awards 2018: Jamie Candee, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal K-12 Education Delivery After the Pandemic, Knowledge Leaders Distance learning spurs surprising change: More parents consider home schooling, TODAY Parents
Frank Jalufka
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Jalufka joined Edmentum in 2020 as Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Frank is responsible for leading Edmentum’s finance, accounting, and legal teams. Frank has an extensive background in finance and operations management, bringing over 30 years of experience to his role as CFO at Edmentum.
Prior to joining Edmentum, Frank served as Chief Financial Officer at Education Management Corporation (EDMC), overseeing and managing all financial aspects of the business focused on post-secondary education across North America; Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer at The Dolan Company; and Vice President Enterprise Finance at Freedom Communications. Frank holds a BBA from Texas A&M University, Mays Business School.
Why education?
“Now, more than ever, we see that learning can happen successfully both inside and outside of the traditional classroom. Schools and districts all over the world are finding innovative ways to move learning forward, even when faced with unimaginable challenges. I look forward to contributing to Edmentum’s mission of building school around every student.”
Why Edmentum?
“Education is the most important thing we can do for our society. For a student, it is the key that opens up the door to opportunity. I’m thrilled to be part of a company that helps deliver the tools for a student to succeed in that mission.”
Kevin Briody
Chief Marketing Officer
Kevin joined Edmentum in early 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing 25 years of experience driving innovation and impact with marketing teams across a diverse mix of technology companies, non-profit organizations and marketing agencies. He previously spent four years leading the marketing function at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), a global provider of leadership development and executive education solutions for many of the world's largest brands.
Prior to CCL, Kevin spent nearly a decade working in marketing agencies, most recently as Chief Strategy Officer for Pace Communications, the largest independent content marketing agency in North America. While living in the Pacific Northwest, Kevin held marketing leadership roles at several software startups, a non-profit learning community, and in the Windows, Developer, and Online Services marketing groups at Microsoft.
Kevin earned a Bachelors of Science in History and Business Administration from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and an MBA from the University of Washington. Originally from Northern California, Kevin lives in North Carolina with his wife and three daughters.
Why education?
“Early on in my life I was fortunate to have several truly inspiring teachers whose lessons - about passion, purpose, and curiosity as much as academics - shaped so much of who I am today. The opportunity to play any role, small or large, in helping teachers make that kind of an impact on their students is what draws me to both education and Edmentum.”
Why Edmentum?
“I love working with organizations that have both a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the world, and the ability and opportunity to do something about it. That combination is exceedingly rare, but it's exactly what I've found with Edmentum.”
Debi Crimmins ED.d.
Senior Vice President of Advocacy and External Affairs
Debi began her career in classrooms and districts across Florida, culminating as the Area Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction and Director of Secondary Language Arts for Orange County. Like many Edmentors, Debi left public education, but didn’t stray far from her true passion. Debi took on key leadership roles in prominent education companies like Scholastic, Cambium, HMH, School Specialty, and IXL - most recently serving as the SVP of National Customer Advocacy & Client Success at Achieve3000.
Debi’s Why: I have always known, since the day that I was 5 years old and “teaching” my younger brother and kids from around the neighborhood, at my Raggedy Ann Blackboard, that I was meant to be a teacher. I was meant to help others discover their individual learning styles, unique abilities, and personal grit to build a pathway that was about their own growth. I was meant to have impact and build a culture of learning before I even understood what that truly meant. My why is that my heart is deeply connected to the mission of customer advocacy, internal and external team connectedness, and the power of culture that empowers organizations to partner with customers truly, deeply in a way that builds incredible impact for all. Edmentum embodies that impact and the power of culture and promise, and I am thrilled to have found the right home.
Ryan Hagedorn
Chief Operating Officer
Ryan Hagedorn is the Chief Operating Officer for Edmentum. As someone who has spent his career in both education and technology, he strives to create change through innovation. Understanding the transformative power of education, Ryan remains a life-long learner while constantly seeking out ways to reach new audiences and inspire others through bold new approaches to learning. In his current role, Ryan oversees operations in terms of day-to-day as well as big-picture planning and development. Through his dedication and guidance, he helps to drive the company forward by building strong relationships and exceeding the expectations of all stakeholders.
Prior to his position as COO, Ryan held multiple leadership positions with Edmentum. His journey within the organization began as a marketing lead where he helped to develop a clear voice for the company while carving out innovative strategies to reach new markets. From here, he continued on to bring his love of learning to a wide audience as VP of Sales for both the Higher Education sector and the K-Adult division. His time with Edmentum has been a constant reflection of his passion, his character, and his drive to not only reach heights of personal success but to elevate the field for others. It is this drive and his dedication to expanding learning opportunities that have been the hallmarks of his career.
Before joining the Edmentum team, Ryan worked for nearly a decade in marketing and business development. This experience included multiple roles that dealt directly with advancing technologies and incorporating evolving strategies to optimize growth. Since his youth, Ryan was always interested in learning. He also realized from a young age that learning opportunities were lacking and often too narrow in their focus. His interest in technology allowed him to see an opportunity, and he has embraced technological innovation throughout his career. This led him to push forward with exciting projects like the launch of Edmentum’s virtual academy significantly expanding the brand’s reach.
Ryan has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Hofstra University and sits on the board for Reflection Sciences and EdNorth. These endeavors reflect Ryan’s passion for both technology and entrepreneurship. At the core, however, Ryan’s work is motivated by his love of education and his enthusiasm for the opportunities Edmentum offers to empower educators to better adapt to their student’s needs and help to shape the world of tomorrow.
Hear From Ryan:
Career Technical Education, 411 Teen A Data-Informed, Advice-Packed Toolkit to Boost Teacher Retention, EdSurge Edmentum's Exact Path, Oklahoma Department of Education
Amanda Kocon
Chief Strategy Officer
As Chief Strategy Officer, Amanda works to bring Edmentum’s long-term vision to life by connecting strategy to execution and ensuring that our goals for growth and impact are aligned to the current and future needs of our education partners and the students we serve. She has extensive experience setting strategy, growing and diversifying revenue across markets, and leading complex change.
Amanda most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer at The New Teachers Project (TNTP) and has also previously held senior leadership positions at JP Morgan Chase, including Chief Operations Officer of Global Futures and Options.
Why education?
“Growing up in Northern New Mexico I saw first-hand the devastating impact that inequities in educational opportunities has on students and communities, and the power of great teaching in bridging the divide. I am deeply committed to doing my part to create exceptional experiences and educational outcomes for all students and families.”
Why Edmentum?
“Edmentum is uniquely positioned to play a lead role in supporting teachers to not only accelerate student learning, but to boost the academic and life trajectories of all students. One model of school cannot be expected to serve all students and families, Edmentum’s commitment to providing the tools to build school around each student is a radical step in the right direction.”
Hear From Amanda:
The Opportunity Myth Is Teaching Undervalued Because It’s “Women’s Work”? The Irreplaceables: Understanding The Real Retention Crisis in America’s Urban Schools
Todd Mahler
Chief Product Officer
Bio
For over 25 years Todd has led the development of educational technology products for the nation’s leading publishers and is proud to have impacted the lives of millions of students. As Chief Product Officer, Todd drives product strategy for Edmentum, ensuring our solutions meet the needs of the educators and students we serve.
Prior to Edmentum, Todd served as Chief Product Officer for Apex Learning and has held senior leadership positions with McGraw Hill Education, Redbird Advanced Learning, and Six Red Marbles. Todd holds a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy & Astrophysics from Villanova University.
Why Education
Since learning to code at a young age, Todd has been inspired by technology’s ability to educate, connect, and transform lives. With a background in science Todd also recognizes the value of research and its critical role in designing effective solutions. “After several decades in edtech I believe we’re still in the early stages of realizing its potential. The opportunity to smartly apply technology to personalize learning and empower teachers remains vast.”
Why Edmentum?
“Very few organizations combine amazing talent, a real passion for supporting educators, and powerful technology solutions the way Edmentum does. We’re uniquely positioned to ensure every student can be successful.”
Board of Directors
Edmentum Policy Council
Jamie Candee leads Edmentum’s strategic vision and long-term growth as President, CEO, and Board Director. She has served as CEO of Edmentum since 2017, and has extensive experience in education technology, private equity, and policy. Edmentum is a global education leader, delivering research-based digital curriculum, assessments for learning, and quality educational consulting. With over 60 years of experience, Edmentum is both a pioneer in online teaching and learning solutions and is continually committed to making it easier for educators to individualize learning for every student.
As CEO, Jamie is focused on ensuring that Edmentum programs and services empower teachers with the digital curriculum and assessments for learning they need to personalize instruction and create equitable learning opportunities for all students. Her vision is to ensure Edmentum programs are aligned to every teacher’s instructional strategies and demonstrate evidence of growth and learning. Leading with an educator first approach, Jamie ensures that teachers and students are always top-of-mind – from development through implementation of their Edmentum programs.
Jamie lives by the credo of doing well by doing good. In 2018, Jamie founded Edmentum’s We Can Learn foundation. We Can Learn is committed to making a meaningful impact in education through philanthropic giving and service, that supports equitable and innovative learning opportunities. Since its inception, We Can Learn has supported the development of a school in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, partnered with multiple local and national organizations, and provided support to over 10,000 children.
Jamie is an active member of her community, providing mentorship, speaking, and leading through a variety of volunteer opportunities and board memberships. Jamie has spoken or been quoted on leadership, education, technology, finance, and professional development in The New York Times, Forbes, Today, ASU+GSV, and AASA. Jamie is on the Board of Trustees for Visitation School, and she sits on the board of directors for Project Success and Learning Tree International. Additionally, Jamie has been recognized by various industry-leading organizations for her leadership including the Minnesota Business Magazine, Ernst & Young, The Software Report, and EdTech Digest. Jamie holds a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University and a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Wisconsin.
Why education?
“I am inspired by the students and educators I meet on a regular basis.” Jamie began her undergraduate studies in elementary education before shifting to focus on to public policy and business management. She is a committed lifelong learner and has always chosen career opportunities that allow her to both teach and continue her commitment to lifelong learning.
Why Edmentum?
“I love that I can wake up every day and be around people who share my commitment to teaching and learning.” Jamie’s dedication to the company truly shows in the positive results Edmentum’s customers experience in their program implementations and student outcomes. “Edmentum is committed to personalizing learning for every student we serve, as well as supporting teachers in their mission to support every student. We will not stop pursuing our goal to ensure every student in this country can learn and be successful”. Jamie is supported by a team that is invested personally and professionally in making a difference in students’ lives.
Hear From Jamie:
Paying It Forward, Forbes Jamie Candee - Leading Business And You To Success, On the Brink with Andi Simon Do Right for Education with Lifelong Partnerships, The Learning Counsel Inside an Expanding EdTech Company, EdTech Digest Edmentum CEO Jamie Candee on the Importance of Taking Risks, Chief Executive CEO Spotlight, KRLD News Radio 1080 Edmentum President and CEO Jamie Candee on Her Path to Executive Leadership,I Want Her Job Edmentum: Blending Technology with Pedagogy to Help ALL Students, TeacherCast Women in Business Awards 2018: Jamie Candee, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal K-12 Education Delivery After the Pandemic, Knowledge Leaders Distance learning spurs surprising change: More parents consider home schooling, TODAY Parents
Edmentum Product Council
Jamie Candee leads Edmentum’s strategic vision and long-term growth as President, CEO, and Board Director. She has served as CEO of Edmentum since 2017, and has extensive experience in education technology, private equity, and policy. Edmentum is a global education leader, delivering research-based digital curriculum, assessments for learning, and quality educational consulting. With over 60 years of experience, Edmentum is both a pioneer in online teaching and learning solutions and is continually committed to making it easier for educators to individualize learning for every student.
As CEO, Jamie is focused on ensuring that Edmentum programs and services empower teachers with the digital curriculum and assessments for learning they need to personalize instruction and create equitable learning opportunities for all students. Her vision is to ensure Edmentum programs are aligned to every teacher’s instructional strategies and demonstrate evidence of growth and learning. Leading with an educator first approach, Jamie ensures that teachers and students are always top-of-mind – from development through implementation of their Edmentum programs.
Jamie lives by the credo of doing well by doing good. In 2018, Jamie founded Edmentum’s We Can Learn foundation. We Can Learn is committed to making a meaningful impact in education through philanthropic giving and service, that supports equitable and innovative learning opportunities. Since its inception, We Can Learn has supported the development of a school in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, partnered with multiple local and national organizations, and provided support to over 10,000 children.
Jamie is an active member of her community, providing mentorship, speaking, and leading through a variety of volunteer opportunities and board memberships. Jamie has spoken or been quoted on leadership, education, technology, finance, and professional development in The New York Times, Forbes, Today, ASU+GSV, and AASA. Jamie is on the Board of Trustees for Visitation School, and she sits on the board of directors for Project Success and Learning Tree International. Additionally, Jamie has been recognized by various industry-leading organizations for her leadership including the Minnesota Business Magazine, Ernst & Young, The Software Report, and EdTech Digest. Jamie holds a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University and a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Wisconsin.
Why education?
“I am inspired by the students and educators I meet on a regular basis.” Jamie began her undergraduate studies in elementary education before shifting to focus on to public policy and business management. She is a committed lifelong learner and has always chosen career opportunities that allow her to both teach and continue her commitment to lifelong learning.
Why Edmentum?
“I love that I can wake up every day and be around people who share my commitment to teaching and learning.” Jamie’s dedication to the company truly shows in the positive results Edmentum’s customers experience in their program implementations and student outcomes. “Edmentum is committed to personalizing learning for every student we serve, as well as supporting teachers in their mission to support every student. We will not stop pursuing our goal to ensure every student in this country can learn and be successful”. Jamie is supported by a team that is invested personally and professionally in making a difference in students’ lives.
Hear From Jamie:
Paying It Forward, Forbes Jamie Candee - Leading Business And You To Success, On the Brink with Andi Simon Do Right for Education with Lifelong Partnerships, The Learning Counsel Inside an Expanding EdTech Company, EdTech Digest Edmentum CEO Jamie Candee on the Importance of Taking Risks, Chief Executive CEO Spotlight, KRLD News Radio 1080 Edmentum President and CEO Jamie Candee on Her Path to Executive Leadership,I Want Her Job Edmentum: Blending Technology with Pedagogy to Help ALL Students, TeacherCast Women in Business Awards 2018: Jamie Candee, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal K-12 Education Delivery After the Pandemic, Knowledge Leaders Distance learning spurs surprising change: More parents consider home schooling, TODAY Parents