American College of Education Broadens Scope with New Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer 

INDIANAPOLIS –  American College of Education (ACE) has announced that Dr. Juan “Kiko” Suarez has joined the college as its first chief strategy and innovation officer. A former top executive at the Lumina Foundation and United Way of Central Indiana, Suarez brings his diverse background in strategy, leadership, impact and marketing to ACE as it continues to expand its degree programs and reach.

An emerging leader in online higher education, American College of Education’s offerings of fully accredited degrees at industry-low tuition rates have driven double-digit enrollment growth in recent years. In his new role, Suarez will help develop the strategies and tactics to accelerate that growth.

“Innovation is one of our core values and has been key to our ability to positively impact and drive value to our students,” ACE President Shawntel Landry said. “With Kiko joining our leadership team, ACE will be able to serve an even wider and more diverse population of students, nationally and internationally.”

A native of Spain and longtime U.S. resident, Suarez joins ACE from the United Way of Central Indiana, where he was chief impact officer leading a 24-person team. He has a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University and has more than two decades of experience as a global executive in the education, technology and manufacturing fields. His resume includes serving as vice president of innovation, communications and external affairs at the Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation, whose mission is to expand student access to and success in education beyond high school; and as director of corporate marketing and public affairs for DuPont in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

“ACE represents the future of higher education in the impact economy as a certified B Corp providing online affordable, high-quality degrees to those who serve others,” Suarez said. “As a champion for social impact and higher education myself, I am thrilled to join an organization that so well reflects my own value system.”