Our People

Cordell Jung
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, NCS Pearson

Cordell Jung is the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NCS Pearson. In this role, he has legal responsibility for GED Testing Service and assists the executive team in enhancing business growth strategies while reducing risks. Cordell manages an international legal team that has designed several global strategies, including data privacy, litigation/protests, and critical incident response management. He has been a member of the GED Board of Directors since 2011.

Cordell has over 20 years of legal experience and 15 years of data privacy experience. His previous and current experience includes mentoring individuals in the welfare to work program, focusing on civil rights issues as the Chair of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission, and tutoring at schools in Washington DC and community colleges in Minnesota. He has won several awards for his volunteerism in the community and mentorship in Washington, DC.

He holds an AMP in business and finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a JD from the Catholic University of America, and an economics and finance degree from St. Cloud State University. Cordell lives in Bloomington, Minnesota with his wife and daughter. They enjoy politics, sports, the outdoors, and listening to debates.

CT Turner
Vice President of Global Operations and Government Relations, GED Testing Service

CT Turner is the Vice President of Global Operations and Government Relations for GED Testing Service. He is responsible for the organization’s domestic and international accounts and the government relations and public affairs functions. Since 2008, CT has worked in several roles in the transition from a paper-based test to a computer-based high school equivalency and college and career readiness program.

He has worked with state, national and international policymakers, elected officials, the business community; workforce development groups; colleges; educators; and students on GED issues for more than a decade. Before coming to the American Council on Education and GED Testing Service, he was a founding partner of SimpsonScarborough – a higher education marketing research and crisis communications company. CT is a member of the National Council for Literacy, a frequent presenter for the Council for Adult and Basic Education and is actively involved in the innovative KC Scholars program.

CT holds a B.A. from Wichita State University and an M.S. in higher education administration from Indiana University. CT is the first traditional-aged student in his family to attend college. His grandfather was a GED graduate who entered college in his 40’s while raising his five children. CT resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and in his spare time, you’re likely to find him cooking or woodworking.

Kellie Blair Hardt
Teacher, Tutor and Education Advocate

Kellie Blair Hardt is an adjunct faculty member and math instructor at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland. She is the founder of Hardt2Heart Tutoring Service for adult learners and has over 20 years of experience as a middle and high school math, science, and technology instructor. Kellie joined the GED Board of Directors in 2021.

Kellie is a GED graduate and is driven by her desire to educate and mentor high school and adult learners of color and students with learning disabilities. She relates her own education experiences during her youth dealing with parental abandonment, homelessness, and ultimately high school expulsion. Kellie has received several awards for her accomplishments, including the Cornelius P. Turner Award from GED Testing Service.

Kellie earned her GED credential through Harper’s Ferry Job Corps, a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Special Education from George Mason University. She is a Washington, DC native and currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, Jason, and daughter, Katrina.

Louis Soares
Chief Learning & Innovation Officer, American Council on Education

Louis Soares serves as the Chief Learning & Innovation Officer at the American Council on Education (ACE). Working with colleagues, Louis integrates the work of ACE’s leadership, research, and innovation teams to optimize membership value for colleges and universities by developing programs and services to advance the success of senior leaders, diversify the executive talent pipeline, and facilitate partnerships to enhance institutional performance. Louis’s prior roles at ACE include vice president for policy research and strategy (2013–2016) and vice president for strategy, research, and advancement (2016–2018).

With more than 20 years of experience in postsecondary education policy and practice, Louis is an accomplished policy analyst and thought leader on emerging trends in higher education. He has developed and successfully implemented innovative education/training programs for and, in collaboration with, college, university, and employer partners for frontline workers, business executives, and higher education administrators. Before coming to ACE, Louis served as the director of the postsecondary education program and fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP), a premier Washington, DC-based think tank.

He holds a master’s in public administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in business economics from Brown University.

Phil Hoffman
CEO, PJH Advisory Services

Phil Hoffman is currently Chief Executive Officer of PJH Advisory Services, a professional consulting company for the education industry. Before this role, he was Chairman of Penguin Random House (the world’s largest consumer publisher). He held several executive positions at Pearson plc, including the most recent as Chief Corporate Finance and Strategic Development Officer. Phil has been on the GED Board of Directors since its formation in 2011.

Phil has been in the education field for nearly three decades and passionately believes in empowering every person to achieve their greatest potential through education. He is honored to work with the board and GEDTS and further its mission to help adult learners succeed in their lives.

He has a BS from Fairfield University and an MS and JD from Pace University. He is a lawyer and a CPA and has published work in a number of professional periodicals. Phil resides in Wilton, CT, with his spouse, Martha. They have four adult sons.

Phyllis J. Kelley
Director of Adult Learning, Central Alabama Community College

Phyllis J. Kelley is the Director of Adult Learning at Central Alabama Community College. She is also the President of the Alabama Adult Education Director’s Association and serving an appointment on the WIOA Workforce Board for Region 2 (East Alabama). Phyllis joined the GED Testing Service Board in 2021.

Phyllis has over 18 years of experience in the adult education field, including experience delivering professional development presentations on the local, state, and regional levels. In 2009 she received an Award of Excellence in recognition for her dedicated service to the Alabama Community College System’s mission. As a board member, Phyllis is excited to work with GED Testing Service to further its commitment to improving the GED test program experience, resulting in better outcomes for students of color.

She has a Master’s in Business Administration from Jacksonville State University, a graduate certificate in Accounting from DeVry University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Huntingdon College.

Randy Trask
Senior Vice President, Pearson Clinical Assessments

Randy Trask is the Senior Vice President of Pearson Clinical Assessments. Randy has executive oversight over the teams responsible for sales, sales operations, customer experience, licensing, and market development. Before this role, Randy was the CEO and President of GED Testing Service for over ten years before stepping down in 2018. During his tenure, he led the formation of the partnership between GED Testing Service and the American Council on Education (ACE). He has been on the GED Board of Directors since 2011 and has been Board Chair since 2019.

Randy is also the former board chair for the Creating IT Futures Foundation. This philanthropic organization offers fully funded scholarships to program participants from populations that were under-represented in IT. He passionately believes that education is the path to a better future for our students, their families, and for future generations to come.

Randy has a BS in Computer Science from Regis University in Colorado. He lives in downtown Minneapolis with his wife Sarah and, more recently, his 14-year-old grandson, Gage. He also has an 18-year-old granddaughter, Whitley, and a six-month-old grandson, Randy III. Randy is a passionate home chef, active church member, and has a tiny four-year-old Maltipoo, Maxine (his near-constant sidekick).

Ted Mitchell
President, American Council on Education

Ted Mitchell is the President of the American Council on Education. He has served on the GED Board of Directors since joining the American Council on Education (ACE) in 2017. ACE is the coordinating body for American colleges and universities and is a partner with Pearson in the work of GEDTS. Among its other roles, ACE certifies learner experiences, including the GED credential, for college credit.

As President, Ted works to expand opportunities for all learners along their lifelong educational journeys. He brings a wealth of education and policy experience to the GED Board, having served as Under Secretary in the US Department of Education, President of the California State Board of Education, President of Occidental College, and a Trustee of Stanford University.

Ted received his BA, MA, and Ph.D. from Stanford University. A California native, Ted currently resides in Washington, DC.

Vicki Greene
CEO and President, GED Testing Service

Vicki Greene is the President and CEO of GED Testing Service. She works with the GED team, adult educators, GED Administrators, employers, legislators, and learners to create pathways of success to a high school equivalency credential. Before this role, Vicki served as the organization’s vice president, where she led a wide array of functional teams, including marketing, technology, operations, sales, and public relations. She has been a member of the GED Board of Directors since 2019.

Vicki works closely with the GED DE&I team to find ways to improve the organization’s overall connection to Black, brown and Indigenous learners who need further investment and focus. She believes it is critical that all learners have an opportunity to improve their lives through learning and earning a sustainable wage. Under her leadership, GED Testing Service has continued its commitment to evolving as a learner-centric organization. Vicki is currently on the board of the Creating IT Futures Foundation. This philanthropic organization offers fully funded scholarships to program participants from populations that were under-represented in IT.

Vicki holds a BA in Public Relations from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She was born and raised in Minnesota and currently resides there with her husband, an educator and dean of students. They have three children. Vicki is a former college basketball and volleyball player. She enjoys coaching, golfing, scenic walks, vacationing, and spending time with family and friends.

Eugene Anderson
Vice President for External Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

Eugene L. Anderson, Ph.D., currently serves as Vice President for External Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (EDEI) at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). In this role, Dr. Anderson is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the Office of EDEI and for ensuring that APLU’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion are integrated into APLU’s external work. He provides strategic leadership and direction across the association’s various offices and has a primary responsibility for supporting the APLU Council of 1890 Universities and the Commission on Access, Diversity, and Excellence (CADE).  

Dr. Anderson previously served as the Chief Policy Officer and Managing Vice President at the American Dental Education Association. In this role he led the ADEA Policy Center (APC) and integrated the Association’s educational research, access and diversity programming and public policy advocacy activities to address contemporary issues facing dental education and the oral health needs of the public. Prior to joining ADEA in 2007, Dr. Anderson served in various roles at the American Council on Education (ACE) from 2001 to 2007 including Associate Director –National Initiatives, Division of Government and Public Affairs, Associate Director, Center for Policy Analysis and Senior Research Associate in the Office of Minorities in Higher Education.

Dr. Anderson has published and spoken extensively on diversity in higher education and higher education trends including coauthoring a The 2018 Status Report on Engineering Education.

Dr. Anderson holds a doctorate in education policy and master’s in urban and environmental planning from the University of Virginia and a baccalaureate degree from the University of Pennsylvania. A member of several advisory committees including the American Council on Education Advisory Committee for the Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education Status Report and Diversity and the Law Advisory Committee (EdCounsel and the College Board).

Kellie Blair Hardt
Teacher, Tutor and Education Advocate

Kellie Blair Hardt is an adjunct faculty member and math instructor at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland. She is the founder of Hardt2Heart Tutoring Service for adult learners and has over 20 years of experience as a middle and high school math, science, and technology instructor. Kellie joined the GED Board of Directors in 2021.

Kellie is a GED graduate and is driven by her desire to educate and mentor high school and adult learners of color and students with learning disabilities. She relates her own education experiences during her youth dealing with parental abandonment, homelessness, and ultimately high school expulsion. Kellie has received several awards for her accomplishments, including the Cornelius P. Turner Award from GED Testing Service.

Kellie earned her GED credential through Harper’s Ferry Job Corps, a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Special Education from George Mason University. She is a Washington, DC native and currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, Jason, and daughter, Katrina.

Kim Reed
Program Director, Adult Education, GED Program at Prince George’s Community College

Kim D. Reed is the Program Director for the GED Program at the Prince George’s Community College. She started her career in adult education as an adjunct math instructor in 2005. Before becoming the Program Director, she worked as a Lead Instructor, Center Coordinator, and Program Coordinator, giving her a well-rounded view of adult basic education. Kim’s interests lie in refining math education, financial literacy for adults, and improving the quality of adult education instruction.

Prior to adult education, Kim owned a fee-only financial planning and tax practice; and worked as a financial advisor for a Virginia wealth management firm. She has been quoted in personal finance articles in the Washington Post and Black Enterprise magazine. Every year, Kim observes Financial Literacy Month with financial education activities for GED instructors and students. She conducts financial literacy workshops for PGCC staff, adult education instructors at MAACCE, and the Washington-area community. In 2019, she wrote an article for the PGCC newsletter, Thrive, called “You May Be Experiencing Financial Stress”.

Early in her adult education career, Kim noticed an inconsistency in the way GED math classes were conducted. That gave her the vision to pursue standardization of instructional quality. She created an OER (Open Educational Resources) website for PGCC GED students where students can access free materials, which became a critical need as remote instruction evolved during the pandemic. Currently, she is working on a project to create an OER textbook for GED students.

She also chairs a PGCC committee to create a Center for Teaching and Learning. Previously she served on the TLSS Committee (Teaching, Learning and Student Services) which worked to improve the instructor evaluation process for instructors; and the WDCE (Workforce Development and Continuing Education) Web Committee to standardize the division’s web presence.

Kim completed her undergraduate education in Engineering at University of the District of Columbia. She also holds an MBA in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and a Financial Planning certification from Virginia Commonwealth University. Kim lives in Greenbelt, MD. She is an avid traveler, practices yoga, considers herself an amateur foodie and hopes to one day become a personal chef.

Natalie Stute
Chief HR Officer, Gainwell Technologies

Natalie Stute is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Gainwell Technologies. Her previous positions include Chief HR Officer at Consilio, head of HR at Jostens, and leadership roles at Travelers Insurance and Best Buy.

As a Transformation Team member, Natalie is excited about helping people achieve their goals, making a difference, and investing in others to help them grow and learn new skills.

Natalie received a B.A. from Florida A&M University and an M.A. in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. Natalie resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband and four sons. She enjoys traveling, watching sports, cooking, and taking long walks with her family in her free time.

Phyllis J. Kelley
Director of Adult Learning, Central Alabama Community College

Phyllis J. Kelley is the Director of Adult Learning at Central Alabama Community College. She is also the President of the Alabama Adult Education Director’s Association and serving an appointment on the WIOA Workforce Board for Region 2 (East Alabama). Phyllis joined the GED Testing Service Board in 2021.

Phyllis has over 18 years of experience in the adult education field, including experience delivering professional development presentations on the local, state, and regional levels. In 2009 she received an Award of Excellence in recognition for her dedicated service to the Alabama Community College System’s mission. As a board member, Phyllis is excited to work with GED Testing Service to further its commitment to improving the GED test program experience, resulting in better outcomes for students of color.

She has a Master’s in Business Administration from Jacksonville State University, a graduate certificate in Accounting from DeVry University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Huntingdon College.

Randi Congleton
Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Chatham University

Dr. Congleton (she/her/hers) is the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Chatham University. In addition to leading and supporting a thriving campus climate, Dr. Congleton co-chairs Chatham’s Intergroup Relations program and is a Student Success Coach. Prior to Chatham, she served as Director of Multicultural Programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. Most recently, Dr. Congleton was named a 2019 Woman of Excellence by the New Pittsburgh Courier. She received her B.S. in Agricultural and Extension Education from The Pennsylvania State University, M.S. in Community Services from Michigan State University, and her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In her downtime, Dr. Congleton can be found cooking, reading, and traveling.

Robin Baliszweski
Managing Director, Higher Education Sales

Robin is the managing director for Pearson North America with responsibility for sales and field marketing in higher education academic, corporate and government markets.

From 2009-2014 Robin served as Pearson’s Director for People with responsibility for the recruitment, retention, development and succession of Pearson talent. Additionally, she was responsible for global HR.

She was president of Pearson’s North American career and professional education business from 2000-2009 where she helped solidify Pearson’s presence in the career and technical sectors. Robin forged partnerships with associations representing two of the largest employer groups in the US; NCCER, and the National Restaurant Association. She worked with them to launch and strengthen national certification programs linking students with employers.

From 1998-2000 Robin held the position of president of Heinle & Heinle, a global English as a second language and foreign language publisher serving higher education and secondary schools. Prior to that, between 1996-1998 she was the president of Regents, Prentice-Hall’s English as a second language division. During her career at Prentice Hall Robin held various positions in sales, marketing and product development.

Robin graduated from Colby College with a degree in Biology. She is a first-generation college graduate and her passion for education runs deep believing in servant leadership and the power of education to shape people’s hearts and minds, empower them to achieve their dreams and make the world a better place.

She served on the board of the GED Testing Service and has held board positions with the Pearson Foundation and the Mary Maguire Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping cancer survivors.

In her free time she loves to cook, run and travel to destinations off the beaten path.

Adora
State Relationship Manager

What I do: I work with state program leaders as an advisor about the GED program.

Why I love my job: Having been here for over 29 years, I’ve worn many different hats. Currently, I enjoy toggling between representing GED Testing Service and giving voice to a state’s unique way of utilizing the GED program. Together, we make positive outcomes happen for our learners.

Fun facts: Studied Management at the University of Phoenix. Music keeps me going; I’m always singing! I love to cook and organize outdoor gatherings with friends and family.

Azeem
Product Support Analyst

What I do: I’m the point person between the technical teams and business partners to make sure our products run smoothly.

Why I love my job: It’s exciting to be part of a team that delivers new products and features to help our students learn in engaging ways.

Fun facts: I’m originally from India and I love to travel—after visiting places in the United States, such as Disney World and New York, next on the map for me are Egypt and Russia. To unwind at home, my go-to’s are cooking, shopping and watching movies.

Caitlin
Business Analyst

What I do: I make sure the GED.com site and online tools make sense and are easy to use.

Why I love my job: I’m part of a brand that helps student succeed even when the traditional education system let them down.

Fun facts: I love math, it’s what I majored in at University of Minnesota. I love to discover new cultures and places through food. I basically travel to eat! Ice skating is my favorite sport. Books are my thing too—I don’t just buy them, I read them all!

Deven
GEDWorks Implementation Specialist

What I do: I work with organizations to attract new talent and help employees grow in their careers.

Why I love my job: My job enables me to transform people’s passions and interests into opportunities in life.

Fun facts: Got my A.S. in Business at Normandale College. I spent years doing Tae Kwon Do and Muy Thai. I love beatboxing and have gotten into producing music on the weekends. Also a big-time foodie.

Gaby
GEDWorks Advisor

What I do: I’m like a guidance counselor to students throughout their GED journey, from prep to graduation.

Why I love my job: Students inspire me the most with their stories of hope and progress. I love that I can help motivate them to succeed.

Fun facts: Studied Business and Marketing Management at Normandale College. On the weekends, I explore parks and trails with my dog, Lola. Volunteering is a big part of my life too; I teach US citizenship classes at Copal, an organization that helps people from the Latinx community in Minnesota.

Kerry
Senior Graphic Designer

What I do: I help people connect with the GED brand through designs that tell a story. I’ve ventured into video editing too.

Why I love my job: A creator at heart, I love to help others. It’s amazing to know that my work plays a role shaping how students see the GED and the positive impact that the GED has on so many lives.

Fun facts: I graduated from Howard University and have been doing graphic design for over 20 years. HUGE fan of Star Trek and Star Wars, I love building model spaceships to make those stories come to life. In my free time, I write a blog about how graphic design affects business. Last but not least, my favorite treat is cake!

Luke
Developer

What I do: For students, I work on the login side of GED.com, building web apps that enable them to prep for the GED. For teachers, I work on GED Manager, a site that helps them manage their adult ed program.

Why I love my job: It’s rewarding to be part of a team that makes education possible for people around the world.

Fun facts: Originally from Austin, Texas, I majored in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at Texas State University and moved to Minnesota a few years ago (missing Tex-Mex food!) I love to cook, play music, travel the world and play with my two dogs, Gracie and Hank.

Qing
Lead Psychometrician

What I do: My team and I get to work directly on the GED test; we create and develop reliable and valid test questions for students.

Why I love my job: I’m proud to put my PhD in Education Measurement to use by being part of making the GED test that helps millions of students improve their lives through education.

Fun facts: I moved to the United States in 1992 from China. To relax, I like to listen to audiobooks and go hiking with friends.

Tara
International Marketing Manager

What I do: Working with our team in the United States, I help grow the GED brand in Asia and Africa through marketing campaigns and social media.

Why I love my job: I got my GED in 2010 in Thailand. I know first-hand how the GED leads to career opportunities and am proud to be part of opening doors for more students globally.

Fun facts: I love baking—croissants are my favorite thing to make. What goes well with croissants? Coffee! I’m also a trained barista. Thailand has amazing beaches, so my workout is wakeboarding.

Teko
Customer Technical Support Representative

What I do: Dedicated to supporting users who may be experiencing computer or device issues as they use our products.

Why I love my job: I get to help others everyday by being on phone and email with them to make sure everything is working smoothly for them. Just knowing that my support helps them get a step closer to their GED is an amazing feeling.

Fun facts: I love spending time with my kids on art projects and coloring. And I binge watch way too many shows. I dream of going sky diving and deep-sea diving someday—so exciting!

Thia
Technical Project Manager

What I do: I’m the go-to person among the content developers, content management and test publishing teams to publish the GED test. I also manage vendors to adapt the content for online testing.

Why I love my job: My works brings technology into a positive, helpful light so that all students can count on balanced, unbiased, and reliable tests.

Fun facts: Got my Master of Science in Project Management at George Washington University (Go G-Dub!). Ever since I was a kid, stationery makes me happy: pens, pencils, markers, paper, journals, stickers, you name it. I love checking out restaurants with cuisines from around the world with unique ingredients and then recreating the dishes at home.