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We’re a non-profit, post-secondary readiness organization making college and career education an option for the prepared instead of a privilege for a few. Since 2008, we’ve partnered with districts, schools, and community organizations to help students improve their scores on gateway tests like the SAT®, and ACT®, and TSIA2 (Texas Success Initiative Assessment).
Over 60,000 students nationwide have benefitted from CollegeSpring’s programs and the opportunities unlocked with higher test scores. And we’re just getting started.
Why our work matters
CollegeSpring believes in the power of multiple choices; we believe that all students deserve the opportunity to have multiple pathways, and that all pathways are made smooth by a strong foundation of academic skills and confidence.
Our story
2008-2019
We started as an after-school tutoring program in CA, later expanding to NY.
This time was devoted to developing our curriculum, building out our team, forming key partnerships, and expanding our capabilities.
2020
Adapting to the needs of the pandemic, we converted to a fully virtual model.
We launched national partnerships with nonprofit organizations like College Track and Let’s Get Ready and our first district partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District.
2021
We implemented our first Learning Management System (LMS) to enhance data analysis and align with the new digital format of tests.
2022
We expanded to Texas and piloted programs in Dallas and Houston.
2023
We launched a new suite of programs including digital SAT, ACT, and TSIA2 (Texas Success Initiative Assessment) tests.
2024
We implemented a hybrid model with fully virtual lessons and in-person support and launched our first multi-year district partnership with Alief ISD in Houston.
Our leadership
CollegeSpring is one of the few women of color-led national non-profits, reflecting the diversity of our students. Led by our experienced leadership team and dynamic Board of Directors, we’re helping build student readiness.
Readiness means students are prepared for the rigor of college, career, and life. We draw from our own experiences to advance our mission.
Yoon S. Choi, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Yoon Choi has over a decade of leadership, management, and fundraising experience, primarily with organizations serving underrepresented youth. In 2020, Yoon was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar by the program led by the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She has published articles about testing and college access in Inside Higher Ed, The Hechinger Report, and EdSource. She earned her doctorate in anthropology from the University of California at Irvine, her M.A. from New York University, and a B.A. from Scripps College.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Yoon Choi has over a decade of leadership, management, and fundraising experience, primarily with organizations serving underrepresented youth. In 2020, Yoon was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar by the program led by the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She has published articles about testing and college access in Inside Higher Ed, The Hechinger Report, and EdSource. She earned her doctorate in anthropology from the University of California at Irvine, her M.A. from New York University, and a B.A. from Scripps College.
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Paula Gama Garcia, Ed.D.
President Dr. Paula Gama García's journey spans 25 years of dynamic leadership experience within public education and nonprofit organizations. During her tenure at Teach For America, as Senior Vice President of Regions, she supervised a diverse team of over 25 Executive Directors nationwide. Her primary focus was ensuring communities had the human capital to provide every child with a quality education. Her work at Educate Texas showcased her dedication to expanding educational opportunities. As a critical player, Dr. García took on the responsibility of implementing early college programs in two of the largest school districts along the Texas-Mexico border in the culturally rich Rio Grande Valley. She made a significant impact by providing training and support to educational leaders, facilitating coaching and feedback for classroom teachers, and conducting curriculum audits to ensure alignment with college courses. Her contributions led to a substantial increase in the number of students prepared for post-secondary opportunities. Dr. García was the founding principal of the flagship IDEA Academy, Donna, within IDEA Public Schools. Her dedicated efforts in nurturing the growth and development of IDEA Academy exemplify her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. During her tenure, her school achieved an "A Rating" for closing gaps in reading and math proficiency and gained authorization as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. García's educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts degree and dual Masters in Spanish Literature and Education from the University of Texas, culminating in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University - Kingsville. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. García deeply understands the life-changing opportunities a quality education can provide. Her commitment is unwavering, and she is dedicated to ensuring that more children, particularly those sharing her background, have the opportunity for a better life.
President Dr. Paula Gama García's journey spans 25 years of dynamic leadership experience within public education and nonprofit organizations. During her tenure at Teach For America, as Senior Vice President of Regions, she supervised a diverse team of over 25 Executive Directors nationwide. Her primary focus was ensuring communities had the human capital to provide every child with a quality education. Her work at Educate Texas showcased her dedication to expanding educational opportunities. As a critical player, Dr. García took on the responsibility of implementing early college programs in two of the largest school districts along the Texas-Mexico border in the culturally rich Rio Grande Valley. She made a significant impact by providing training and support to educational leaders, facilitating coaching and feedback for classroom teachers, and conducting curriculum audits to ensure alignment with college courses. Her contributions led to a substantial increase in the number of students prepared for post-secondary opportunities. Dr. García was the founding principal of the flagship IDEA Academy, Donna, within IDEA Public Schools. Her dedicated efforts in nurturing the growth and development of IDEA Academy exemplify her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. During her tenure, her school achieved an "A Rating" for closing gaps in reading and math proficiency and gained authorization as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. García's educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts degree and dual Masters in Spanish Literature and Education from the University of Texas, culminating in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University - Kingsville. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. García deeply understands the life-changing opportunities a quality education can provide. Her commitment is unwavering, and she is dedicated to ensuring that more children, particularly those sharing her background, have the opportunity for a better life.
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Arely Benavides
Chief Operating Officer Arely Benavides began her professional journey as a management consultant for strategy, process improvement, and technology initiatives, and she later assumed pivotal leadership roles in operations and supply chain for brands like Oakley and Vans. For the past decade, she has dedicated herself to leading operations work in education. Arely worked at IDEA Public Schools, wearing different hats from Child Nutrition Director to Senior Vice President of Operations. She later became the Assistant Superintendent of Operations at McAllen ISD in Texas. Most recently, she was the Chief Operating Officer at Phalen Leadership Academies. Currently based in the Rio Grande Valley, Arely earned her BS and MBA from MIT and a M.Ed. from Harvard.
Chief Operating Officer Arely Benavides began her professional journey as a management consultant for strategy, process improvement, and technology initiatives, and she later assumed pivotal leadership roles in operations and supply chain for brands like Oakley and Vans. For the past decade, she has dedicated herself to leading operations work in education. Arely worked at IDEA Public Schools, wearing different hats from Child Nutrition Director to Senior Vice President of Operations. She later became the Assistant Superintendent of Operations at McAllen ISD in Texas. Most recently, she was the Chief Operating Officer at Phalen Leadership Academies. Currently based in the Rio Grande Valley, Arely earned her BS and MBA from MIT and a M.Ed. from Harvard.
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Board of Directors
Susan Goss Brown, Board Chair
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer,
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Susan Goss Brown is a long-time advocate for change and community engagement; her key priorities are working to clear a pathway for women, girls, and underserved communities through supporting organizations that are working to eliminate systemic racism. As Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Susan blends her extensive experience in corporate operations, philanthropy, and leadership to propel the organization forward as well as oversee the national field chapters. Having spent more than 25 years with Gap Inc., Susan is also an apparel retail and operations expert and led corporate social impact and philanthropy as President of Gap Foundation, overseeing the Foundation’s strategies, disaster response, global employee volunteer efforts, and the operation of its signature programs. Susan currently sits on the Advisory Board for the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership (EGAL) at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer,
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Susan Goss Brown is a long-time advocate for change and community engagement; her key priorities are working to clear a pathway for women, girls, and underserved communities through supporting organizations that are working to eliminate systemic racism. As Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Susan blends her extensive experience in corporate operations, philanthropy, and leadership to propel the organization forward as well as oversee the national field chapters. Having spent more than 25 years with Gap Inc., Susan is also an apparel retail and operations expert and led corporate social impact and philanthropy as President of Gap Foundation, overseeing the Foundation’s strategies, disaster response, global employee volunteer efforts, and the operation of its signature programs. Susan currently sits on the Advisory Board for the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership (EGAL) at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
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Aaron Lemon-Strauss
Chief Product Officer, Stride Aaron Lemon-Strauss has built a career leading digital product development that supports student educational outcomes. He currently serves as a consultant to educational nonprofits, mission-focused startups, and a large state educational agency. All are connected by an interest in creating systemic change that propels more students into high-quality post-secondary education and supports them as they complete their programs. Before starting his consulting work in 2021, Aaron joined College Board in 2014 to lead the development of Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy. As Vice President of College And Career Access, Aaron led digital efforts to clear a path for students to college and career success with responsibility for tools such as Big Future and ACCUPLACER. Previously, Aaron held leadership roles at Kaplan in digital product management, sales, and educator support. Aaron lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two children.
Chief Product Officer, Stride Aaron Lemon-Strauss has built a career leading digital product development that supports student educational outcomes. He currently serves as a consultant to educational nonprofits, mission-focused startups, and a large state educational agency. All are connected by an interest in creating systemic change that propels more students into high-quality post-secondary education and supports them as they complete their programs. Before starting his consulting work in 2021, Aaron joined College Board in 2014 to lead the development of Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy. As Vice President of College And Career Access, Aaron led digital efforts to clear a path for students to college and career success with responsibility for tools such as Big Future and ACCUPLACER. Previously, Aaron held leadership roles at Kaplan in digital product management, sales, and educator support. Aaron lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two children.
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Alex Farman-Farmaian
Partner & Vice Chairman,
Edgewood Management Alex Farman-Farmaian is Vice Chairman, Partner and Portfolio Manager at Edgewood. He joined in 2006 and helped implement the current valuation approach of the Edgewood Investment Committee. Alex is an analyst on portfolio companies, served as Director of Research, and produces the “Economents™”, a periodic economic and financial markets update for clients. Prior to joining Edgewood, Alex was for 19 years a senior member of the Portfolio Management team at W.P. Stewart & Co. where he chaired the Investment Oversight Committee. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR – NY), the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO), and serves as a Trustee of the International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC), an organization that promotes access to health services and fundamental human rights of women and girls around the world. Alex was formerly President of the Princeton Club of New York, is a member of the Economics Club of New York, and is on the board of Kalinat S.A., a potato chip manufacturing company in Caracas, Venezuela. He received a BA in Economics from Princeton University in 1987, and speaks fluent French, Spanish, Farsi and conversational Italian.
Partner & Vice Chairman,
Edgewood Management Alex Farman-Farmaian is Vice Chairman, Partner and Portfolio Manager at Edgewood. He joined in 2006 and helped implement the current valuation approach of the Edgewood Investment Committee. Alex is an analyst on portfolio companies, served as Director of Research, and produces the “Economents™”, a periodic economic and financial markets update for clients. Prior to joining Edgewood, Alex was for 19 years a senior member of the Portfolio Management team at W.P. Stewart & Co. where he chaired the Investment Oversight Committee. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR – NY), the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO), and serves as a Trustee of the International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC), an organization that promotes access to health services and fundamental human rights of women and girls around the world. Alex was formerly President of the Princeton Club of New York, is a member of the Economics Club of New York, and is on the board of Kalinat S.A., a potato chip manufacturing company in Caracas, Venezuela. He received a BA in Economics from Princeton University in 1987, and speaks fluent French, Spanish, Farsi and conversational Italian.
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Fred Crawford
Senior Vice Chairman,
AlixPartners LLP Fred Crawford is an internationally recognized strategist and operations restructuring specialist who has been involved in many of AlixPartners’ most-high-profile situations. He is the architect, board sponsor, and senior mentor of AlixPartners’ global leadership program. Fred was AlixPartners CEO from 2008 – 2015, and is now Senior Vice Chair and member of the Board of Directors. Prior to joining the firm, he held senior positions at other major consulting firms and worked in operations and brand management in industry. Prior to consulting, he was in the areas of supply chain and brand management in roles of increasing responsibility. Fred has an M.B.A. from Indiana University and is a sought-after presenter and presence in the media. He is coauthor of “The Myth of Excellence,” a BusinessWeek and New York Times best seller that details his research on consumer motivation and corporate strategic response.
Senior Vice Chairman,
AlixPartners LLP Fred Crawford is an internationally recognized strategist and operations restructuring specialist who has been involved in many of AlixPartners’ most-high-profile situations. He is the architect, board sponsor, and senior mentor of AlixPartners’ global leadership program. Fred was AlixPartners CEO from 2008 – 2015, and is now Senior Vice Chair and member of the Board of Directors. Prior to joining the firm, he held senior positions at other major consulting firms and worked in operations and brand management in industry. Prior to consulting, he was in the areas of supply chain and brand management in roles of increasing responsibility. Fred has an M.B.A. from Indiana University and is a sought-after presenter and presence in the media. He is coauthor of “The Myth of Excellence,” a BusinessWeek and New York Times best seller that details his research on consumer motivation and corporate strategic response.
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Garrett Neiman (Emeritus)
Co-Founder & Former CEO,
CollegeSpring Garrett Neiman is the co-founder and former CEO of CollegeSpring. Garrett incubated CollegeSpring at Stanford University, where he majored in Economics and realized that his experience could help other students prepare for college. During his time at Stanford, Garrett interned at the U.S. Department of Education, conducted research with America’s most prominent education economist, served as an advisor to Google’s Education Applications Team, and co-directed Stanford Dance Marathon, the largest student-led philanthropic event in the Bay Area. He also served as a voting member of Stanford’s Board of Trustees and Public Service Student Advisory Board and Co-Chair of the Senior Gift Committee, where he led an effort that doubled the previous class gift record. Garrett has been honored as an East Palo Alto Social Venture Fellow, Stanford Nonprofits Board Fellow, Public Service Leadership Fellow, and Young People For Fellow. His work has been profiled in the New York Times, BusinessWeek, the Orange County Register, the Stanford Daily, and the USC Trojan, and he has served as an invited speaker at events hosted by The College Board, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Stanford University, among others.
Co-Founder & Former CEO,
CollegeSpring Garrett Neiman is the co-founder and former CEO of CollegeSpring. Garrett incubated CollegeSpring at Stanford University, where he majored in Economics and realized that his experience could help other students prepare for college. During his time at Stanford, Garrett interned at the U.S. Department of Education, conducted research with America’s most prominent education economist, served as an advisor to Google’s Education Applications Team, and co-directed Stanford Dance Marathon, the largest student-led philanthropic event in the Bay Area. He also served as a voting member of Stanford’s Board of Trustees and Public Service Student Advisory Board and Co-Chair of the Senior Gift Committee, where he led an effort that doubled the previous class gift record. Garrett has been honored as an East Palo Alto Social Venture Fellow, Stanford Nonprofits Board Fellow, Public Service Leadership Fellow, and Young People For Fellow. His work has been profiled in the New York Times, BusinessWeek, the Orange County Register, the Stanford Daily, and the USC Trojan, and he has served as an invited speaker at events hosted by The College Board, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Stanford University, among others.
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Joel Jones
Vice President, Sales Planning
and Operations, Facebook Joel Jones led Facebook's global Business Operations and Engineering teams from 2012 through 2022, which scaled Facebook’s businesses through planning, enablement, and operations. Prior to Facebook, Joel worked at Yahoo! for five years with roles leading the Americas Ad Marketplaces team, as the Chief of Staff to the CEO, and in the Corporate Strategy group. Prior to that, Joel spent seven years with McKinsey & Company leading digital media business growth and go-to-market strategy in high tech. Joel is currently spending his time mentoring and advising a range of leaders and organizations. Joel has an M.S. in Applied Physics from Caltech and a B.S.E. in Engineering Physics from the University of Michigan, and currently resides in San Jose, CA.
Vice President, Sales Planning
and Operations, Facebook Joel Jones led Facebook's global Business Operations and Engineering teams from 2012 through 2022, which scaled Facebook’s businesses through planning, enablement, and operations. Prior to Facebook, Joel worked at Yahoo! for five years with roles leading the Americas Ad Marketplaces team, as the Chief of Staff to the CEO, and in the Corporate Strategy group. Prior to that, Joel spent seven years with McKinsey & Company leading digital media business growth and go-to-market strategy in high tech. Joel is currently spending his time mentoring and advising a range of leaders and organizations. Joel has an M.S. in Applied Physics from Caltech and a B.S.E. in Engineering Physics from the University of Michigan, and currently resides in San Jose, CA.
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Lindsay Page
Annenberg Associate Professor
of Education Policy, Brown University Lindsay Page’s interest focuses on policy efforts to improve college access and success for students who would be first in their family to reach postsecondary education. Lindsay is the Annenberg Associate Professor of Education Policy at Brown University and is a faculty research fellow of the National Bureau of Economic Research. Her work focuses on quantitative methods and their application to questions regarding the effectiveness of educational policies and programs across the pre-school to postsecondary spectrum. Much of her work has involved large-scale experimental or quasi-experimental studies to investigate the causal effects strategies for improving students’ transition to and through college. Lindsay holds a doctorate in quantitative policy analysis and master’s degrees in statistics and in education policy from Harvard University and earned her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College.
Annenberg Associate Professor
of Education Policy, Brown University Lindsay Page’s interest focuses on policy efforts to improve college access and success for students who would be first in their family to reach postsecondary education. Lindsay is the Annenberg Associate Professor of Education Policy at Brown University and is a faculty research fellow of the National Bureau of Economic Research. Her work focuses on quantitative methods and their application to questions regarding the effectiveness of educational policies and programs across the pre-school to postsecondary spectrum. Much of her work has involved large-scale experimental or quasi-experimental studies to investigate the causal effects strategies for improving students’ transition to and through college. Lindsay holds a doctorate in quantitative policy analysis and master’s degrees in statistics and in education policy from Harvard University and earned her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College.
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Mindy Rogers (Emeritus)
Philanthropist Mindy Rogers is dedicated to her community. At Sacred Heart Preparatory Atherton, Mindy served for seven years as a member of the Board of Trustees, including four years as Board Chair. For four years, she chaired the Board, where she launched a $95 million capital campaign and led a search for a new head of school. Mindy served as a founding member of CollegeSpring’s National Board for 13 years. Currently, she is a Board Member for Stanford New Schools-a network of charter schools in East Palo Alto run by the Stanford School of Education-and an active volunteer with Project Read, the Boys and Girls’ Club of the Peninsula, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Stanford University. began her career at Bain & Company and later joined Wells Fargo Bank as Vice President where she held a variety of managerial positions in banking operations, including General Manager of Northern California check processing, a 24/7 operation with over 300 employees and an $11 million budget. After leaving Wells Fargo, she became a consultant to the bank on a range of issues, including merger integration support, cost reduction, operational management, marketing, and new product launches. Mindy earned her B.A. in Economics, with Honors and Distinction, and her M.B.A. from Stanford University. She is married to Jesse Rogers, with three children.
Philanthropist Mindy Rogers is dedicated to her community. At Sacred Heart Preparatory Atherton, Mindy served for seven years as a member of the Board of Trustees, including four years as Board Chair. For four years, she chaired the Board, where she launched a $95 million capital campaign and led a search for a new head of school. Mindy served as a founding member of CollegeSpring’s National Board for 13 years. Currently, she is a Board Member for Stanford New Schools-a network of charter schools in East Palo Alto run by the Stanford School of Education-and an active volunteer with Project Read, the Boys and Girls’ Club of the Peninsula, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Stanford University. began her career at Bain & Company and later joined Wells Fargo Bank as Vice President where she held a variety of managerial positions in banking operations, including General Manager of Northern California check processing, a 24/7 operation with over 300 employees and an $11 million budget. After leaving Wells Fargo, she became a consultant to the bank on a range of issues, including merger integration support, cost reduction, operational management, marketing, and new product launches. Mindy earned her B.A. in Economics, with Honors and Distinction, and her M.B.A. from Stanford University. She is married to Jesse Rogers, with three children.
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Munyette Moore
Executive Vice President of Operations,
International Scholarship and Tuition Services Munyette Moore is the Executive Vice President of Operations at International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), where she leads multiple departments to maximize the operational performance of the organization. With more than 20 years of experience in leading teams and initiatives, Munyette has demonstrated a history of success in managing a portfolio of clients to meet their goals and objectives. In this role, her strengths in problem solving, strategic planning and driving results through accountability supports the achievement of the company’s mission. Munyette’s vision in accomplishing operational excellence is to build an effective team, internally and externally to establish the ideal partnership to determine program success. Munyette’s extracurricular activities include attending fashion events, utilizing her general contractor’s license and spending time with her family.
Executive Vice President of Operations,
International Scholarship and Tuition Services Munyette Moore is the Executive Vice President of Operations at International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), where she leads multiple departments to maximize the operational performance of the organization. With more than 20 years of experience in leading teams and initiatives, Munyette has demonstrated a history of success in managing a portfolio of clients to meet their goals and objectives. In this role, her strengths in problem solving, strategic planning and driving results through accountability supports the achievement of the company’s mission. Munyette’s vision in accomplishing operational excellence is to build an effective team, internally and externally to establish the ideal partnership to determine program success. Munyette’s extracurricular activities include attending fashion events, utilizing her general contractor’s license and spending time with her family.
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Todd Penner
Portfolio Director, College Success,
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Todd oversees the U.S. Education team’s College Preparation & Completion portfolio, which empowers more high-need students to graduate from high school college-ready, enroll in college, and obtain a bachelor’s degree. Prior to joining the foundation in May 2008, Todd spent 13 years at Dell Inc. in various marketing and support positions, his last being Director of Worldwide e-Support. Before Dell, he worked with Exxon Chemical Company and Deloitte Haskins & Sells. In addition to CollegeSpring’s board, Todd serves as the Treasurer at Girlstart, an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit that empowers girls in science, technology, engineering and math. Todd holds a BBA in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in finance from the University of Michigan.
Portfolio Director, College Success,
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Todd oversees the U.S. Education team’s College Preparation & Completion portfolio, which empowers more high-need students to graduate from high school college-ready, enroll in college, and obtain a bachelor’s degree. Prior to joining the foundation in May 2008, Todd spent 13 years at Dell Inc. in various marketing and support positions, his last being Director of Worldwide e-Support. Before Dell, he worked with Exxon Chemical Company and Deloitte Haskins & Sells. In addition to CollegeSpring’s board, Todd serves as the Treasurer at Girlstart, an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit that empowers girls in science, technology, engineering and math. Todd holds a BBA in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in finance from the University of Michigan.
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Tom Friel (Emeritus)
Retired Chairman and CEO of
Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. Tom Friel retired as chairman and CEO of Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. in 2007. Tom joined Heidrick & Struggles in 1979 and played an important role in developing the firm’s leadership position in key markets. He was co-founder and then later assumed the responsibility of managing the firm’s technology practice, which he led from 1987 to 1995. From 1992 to 1999, Tom undertook the additional role of managing partner, Asia Pacific. From 1999 through 2001, he served as president of Heidrick & Struggles Ventures, the firm’s division responsible for all future initiatives, new business strategies, investments and alliances. He served as Chairman from 2003 to 2007, and CEO from 2003 to 2006. After serving as CollegeSpring’s founding Board Chair for 13 years, Tom currently serves as a Board Member of the Computer History Museum and TalentSky, and is a member of the advisory boards of Docusign Corp. and the Seraph Group. Tom is a graduate of Purdue University, where he majored in industrial engineering. He also holds a master’s degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and served on the Business School Advisory Council.
Retired Chairman and CEO of
Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. Tom Friel retired as chairman and CEO of Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. in 2007. Tom joined Heidrick & Struggles in 1979 and played an important role in developing the firm’s leadership position in key markets. He was co-founder and then later assumed the responsibility of managing the firm’s technology practice, which he led from 1987 to 1995. From 1992 to 1999, Tom undertook the additional role of managing partner, Asia Pacific. From 1999 through 2001, he served as president of Heidrick & Struggles Ventures, the firm’s division responsible for all future initiatives, new business strategies, investments and alliances. He served as Chairman from 2003 to 2007, and CEO from 2003 to 2006. After serving as CollegeSpring’s founding Board Chair for 13 years, Tom currently serves as a Board Member of the Computer History Museum and TalentSky, and is a member of the advisory boards of Docusign Corp. and the Seraph Group. Tom is a graduate of Purdue University, where he majored in industrial engineering. He also holds a master’s degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and served on the Business School Advisory Council.
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William Acevedo
COO, Ever/Body William Acevedo was the COO of Ever/Body, a beauty service founded with the mission to make cosmetic dermatology more accessible. Ever/Body offers a curated collection of clinically-tested face and body treatments, delivered by trusted medical professionals and designed to deliver natural-looking results. Through an elevated, seamless, and personalized experience, Every/Body strives to help its clients establish a modern approach to skincare as part of their self-care routine. Acevedo helps drive this mission forward by developing business strategies, maximizing financial objectives, and elevating employee performance, collaboration, and engagement. Previously, Acevedo was a chief operating officer at Glamsquad, and before that the senior vice president of retail and outlet channels at The Limited. Early in his career, he worked with Macy’s East as a senior vice president and regional director of stores. Acevedo earned an undergraduate degree in Hispanic language and linguistics from Brown University.
COO, Ever/Body William Acevedo was the COO of Ever/Body, a beauty service founded with the mission to make cosmetic dermatology more accessible. Ever/Body offers a curated collection of clinically-tested face and body treatments, delivered by trusted medical professionals and designed to deliver natural-looking results. Through an elevated, seamless, and personalized experience, Every/Body strives to help its clients establish a modern approach to skincare as part of their self-care routine. Acevedo helps drive this mission forward by developing business strategies, maximizing financial objectives, and elevating employee performance, collaboration, and engagement. Previously, Acevedo was a chief operating officer at Glamsquad, and before that the senior vice president of retail and outlet channels at The Limited. Early in his career, he worked with Macy’s East as a senior vice president and regional director of stores. Acevedo earned an undergraduate degree in Hispanic language and linguistics from Brown University.
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Yoon S. Choi, Ph.D. (Ex Officio)
CEO, CollegeSpring Dr. Yoon Choi has over a decade of leadership, management, and fundraising experience, primarily with organizations serving underrepresented youth. In 2020, Yoon was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar by the program led by the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She has published articles about testing and college access in Inside Higher Ed, The Hechinger Report, and EdSource. She earned her doctorate in anthropology from the University of California at Irvine, her M.A. from New York University, and a B.A. from Scripps College.
CEO, CollegeSpring Dr. Yoon Choi has over a decade of leadership, management, and fundraising experience, primarily with organizations serving underrepresented youth. In 2020, Yoon was named a Presidential Leadership Scholar by the program led by the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She has published articles about testing and college access in Inside Higher Ed, The Hechinger Report, and EdSource. She earned her doctorate in anthropology from the University of California at Irvine, her M.A. from New York University, and a B.A. from Scripps College.
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