Executive Leadership and Senior Management

APUS President Nuno Fernandes is a visionary leader who has been successful in making online higher education more affordable and accessible, while delivering top-quality education and favorable student outcomes. As the fifth President of APUS, he is focused on a global digital journey that integrates personalized, collaborative, technology-driven learning experiences to prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.

Dr. Marie Gould Harper joined American Public University System in 2010 as a Program Director of Management. Prior to joining APUS, Dr. Harper was the Faculty Chair, Business Administration at Peirce College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Erika Orris is the Senior Vice President of Operations for APUS, where she is responsible for several support services outside the classroom, including the Student Support Center, Admissions, Academic Advising, Financial Aid Advising, the Military Assistance Team, and Student and Alumni Services. Ms. Orris is a veteran administrator with over 30 years of experience in marketing and enrollment management.

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, 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.

Travis Durepo serves as the Vice President of Student Support and Enrollment Operations. He leads the Student Support Center, Military Assistant Team, Workforce Management Team and Operations Training Team. As part of his role, he specializes in team development, operational leadership, student engagement, and analytics.

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.

As University Registrar, Dr. Michelle Newman serves the disability services and catalog management, registrar services, and the transfer credit teams. During her American Public University System career, she has grown the academic advising team from 12 to over 80 members and led her team in defining the academic advising needs of an online adult learner.

Caroline Simpson joined APUS in 2005 and played a large role in developing the online advising services offered to University students. She currently oversees Student & Alumni Affairs, Career Services, University Events, Student Conduct & Grievances, and Chaplain Services for APUS’s student and alumni community. Additionally, she serves as the TitleIX Coordinator and is the co-chair of the APUS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Council.

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.