Leadership Team
The LearnStage leadership team is composed of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in education, technology, and business management. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and a shared commitment to leveraging innovative solutions to enhance learning outcomes.
Rod Clarkson, M.B.A., Ed.S.
President/CEO
Meet Rod Clarkson, the dynamic and visionary Founder and CEO at the helm of Learn Stage. Rod's journey is a testament to his deep commitment to revolutionizing online education. His rich blend of expertise in business, marketing, and technology has been the cornerstone in establishing Learn Stage as a beacon for high-quality, accredited online educational services.
A trailblazer in the realm of innovative online education technologies, Rod's leadership extends beyond mere management. He is the driving force behind our marketing team and business operations, championing the Learn Stage mission with a passion that's as personal as it is professional. Rod's extensive experience in executive leadership is matched only by his profound dedication to the success and well-being of every student we serve.
Beyond the boardroom, Rod's heart for service shines. He dedicates his time to various community outreach initiatives, always seeking ways to give back. In his downtime, Rod is a connoisseur of life's many adventures. Whether he's engaging in market analysis or spending cherished moments with his two adult children and close friends, Rod embraces every experience with enthusiasm.
An avid aviator, Rod's love for flying is more than just a hobby—it's a journey of exploration. His passion for flying takes him to serene destinations where he enjoys camping and fishing, embracing the tranquility of nature.
Rod's educational background is as impressive as his career. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, with a focus on Marketing, and a Master of Business, specializing in Management, both from Ashworth College. His pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there. Rod advanced to Northcentral University for his Doctoral-level studies in Educational Leadership, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning and leading in education.
At Learn Stage, Rod Clarkson isn't just our CEO; he's the heart and soul of our quest to redefine online education, one student at a time.
Dr. Mark Ulven, Ed.D.
Chief Expansion Officer
Meet Dr. Mark Ulven, the inspiring Cheif Expansion Officer at Learn Stage. A licensed educator with a rich history in the public school system, Mark has shared his passion for math and science with countless students. His enthusiasm for education extends beyond the classroom, deeply embracing the transformative power of online learning.
Mark's educational journey is as diverse as it is impressive. He holds a B.A. in Education from Bemidji State University, an M.Ed from St. Mary's University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Capella University. These academic achievements underpin his profound understanding of the educational landscape and fuel his commitment to fostering a student-centered approach to learning.
Joining the team at EHS, Mark brought with him a wealth of experience and a dedication to continuous quality improvement. His previous role at Capella University showcased his talent in ensuring student success, a skill he continues to cultivate at Learn Stage.
Outside the realm of academia, Mark is a family man, cherishing moments with his spouse and two children. His love for the great outdoors finds him on the golf course, relishing the game's challenges and tranquility. A fervent baseball enthusiast, Mark's passion for the sport mirrors his dedication to education and personal growth.
At Learn Stage, Mark is more than just a leader; he is a mentor, an innovator, and a guiding force, continually striving to elevate our academic standards and enrich the lives of our students.
Nate Herrmann, M.B.A, SHRM-CP
Chief OPerations Officer
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education administration, Nate brings a strategic blend of academic leadership and business expertise to his role as Chief Operations Officer. Holding an MBA from Globe University and a SHRM-CP certification, he integrates sound human resource management principles with operational strategy to strengthen institutional performance and organizational culture.
Nate’s career began with a deep commitment to student success, spanning roles from admissions counselor to executive leadership. Throughout his progression, he has consistently focused on optimizing employee performance, strengthening cross-department collaboration, and building environments where faculty, staff, and students can thrive. His background in employee relations and operational leadership enables him to align people, processes, and institutional goals effectively.
In addition to his administrative leadership, Nate has volunteered as an accreditation evaluator, conducting on-site institutional reviews across the United States and internationally. His work has taken him to institutions in Spain, Germany, Denmark, and France, providing him with a global perspective on educational quality, compliance, and innovation.
Heather Farmakis, Ph.D.
Chief Strategy Officer
Heather Farmakis, PhD, is a distinguished executive in global education and strategic operations, currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Excel Education Systems. With more than 25 years of leadership experience across education, international organizations, nonprofits, and the private sector, Dr. Farmakis brings a powerful combination of strategic vision, operational discipline, and global perspective to the organization.
Prior to joining Excel Education Systems, Dr. Farmakis held senior leadership roles at the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC), including Chief Operations Officer and Chief Program Officer. In these capacities, she led complex international initiatives, secured significant funding, optimized revenue streams, and cultivated strategic partnerships across diverse global markets. Her work required navigating regulatory environments, aligning multi-stakeholder interests, and delivering measurable program outcomes at scale.
Dr. Farmakis also brings extensive experience in K–12 education, having served in Palm Beach County Schools, the 10th-largest school district in the United States. There, she advanced educational strategy and program development efforts, strengthening institutional effectiveness and student outcomes. This combination of domestic and international experience positions her as a comprehensive leader within the global education landscape.
In addition to her executive leadership, Dr. Farmakis has successfully owned and managed several businesses, providing her with firsthand experience in financial oversight, operational scalability, and strategic growth. Her background enables her to bridge mission-driven education initiatives with sound business strategy.
At Excel Education Systems, Dr. Farmakis leads enterprise-level strategy, aligning long-term growth objectives with market analysis, regulatory compliance, partnership development, and revenue diversification. She plays a critical role in expanding B2B initiatives, identifying strategic opportunities, and implementing actionable plans that drive sustainable innovation and organizational excellence.
Dr. Farmakis holds a PhD in Global Leadership and a Master of Education (MEd) from Lynn University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Florida Atlantic University. She also earned a Certificate in Financial Success for Nonprofits from Cornell University and is a certified Lean Six Sigma specialist—credentials that underscore her commitment to operational rigor and continuous improvement.
A visionary leader grounded in servant leadership principles, Dr. Farmakis is dedicated to empowering teams, fostering integrity-driven cultures, and advancing educational impact on a global scale.
Kate Clarkson, M.B.A.
Director of Product Enablement
Meet Kate Clarkson, MBA, the dynamic Director of Product Enablement at Learn Stage, whose journey in the world of sales and education is nothing short of inspiring. With an MBA from the University of St Thomas, specializing in Transformational Change and Organization Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Capella University, Kate's academic achievements set the foundation for her exceptional career.
Kate's five-year tenure at Learn Stage is marked by her incredible contributions and growth. Before joining us, Kate honed her skills as a Sales Manager at Life Time, Inc., where she distinguished herself as a top performer among 600 sales team members nationwide. Her ability to drive outstanding sales performance caught the eye of the higher-ups, leading to her recruitment for training and developing talent across the company’s national staff of account managers. At Learn Stage, Kate's passion for serving our education partners and providing solutions to those in need shines through in every initiative she undertakes.
More than just a sales expert, Kate is a versatile and enthusiastic team player who is deeply involved in driving continuous improvement at Learn Stage. Her collaborative efforts span various departments, contributing significantly to areas like artificial intelligence, strategy formulation, and process improvement. Always forward-looking, she keeps a keen eye on the future of education technology, ensuring that Learn Stage is at the forefront of every innovative stride.
Outside the professional sphere, Kate's life is a tapestry of varied interests and commitments. She loves spending quality time with her fiancé and dog, dedicating herself to volunteer work both locally and globally. An avid reader and traveler, Kate has explored 15 countries and continues to add to that impressive tally. Her love for staying active is evident in her regular participation in workout classes at her local gym, reflecting her dynamic approach to life and work.
At Learn Stage, Kate Clarkson is not just a director; she's a visionary, a motivator, and a pivotal part of our journey towards redefining educational excellence.
