Staff
Dr. Nasser H. Paydar is the President of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a national organization that advocates for academic quality and the independence of accreditation in the United States. He began this role in August 2025, following a distinguished career in federal service and higher education leadership.
Dr. Paydar served as the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education from 2022 to 2025. Prior to his federal appointment, he was the chancellor of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), now Indiana University Indianapolis, and executive vice president of Indiana University (IU).
An IU faculty member for more than 36 years, Dr. Paydar has held numerous administrative and executive leadership positions across the university. He joined IUPUI in 1985 as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and later served as chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, associate dean for graduate programs, associate dean for academic programs, and executive associate dean. From 2004 to 2007, he was vice chancellor and dean of Indiana University–Purdue University Columbus.
Dr. Paydar was appointed chancellor of Indiana University East in 2007, serving in that role until he returned to IUPUI in 2012 as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer. He became IUPUI’s fifth chancellor in 2015, leading the institution until his federal appointment. Under his leadership, IUPUI strengthened student success initiatives, expanded research activity, enhanced community engagement, and advanced efforts to improve affordability and access to higher education.
Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for academic excellence, institutional integrity, and student success, with a deep commitment to fostering innovation, access, and accountability in higher education.
Michelle Claville, Vice President for Research & International Initiatives, joined CHEA in September 2021. Most recently, Dr. Claville served as Program Officer in the Division of Human Resource Development at the National Science Foundation. She has previously served as Assistant Dean of the School of Science and tenured professor at Hampton University and as Chair of the Department of Chemistry and tenured associate professor at Southern University and A & M College, among other positions.
Ashley Corley, Assistant Manager for Data and Media Technology, joined CHEA in September 2019. Most recently, she served as Coordinator of Administration and Technology Operations for American University’s Academic Support and Access Center. She previously served in administrative positions with the Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and American University’s Washington College of Law.
Jahan Culbreath, Director of Federal Relations, joined CHEA in August 2020. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Central State University. Previously, he held positions as Director of Athletics and other senior positions at Central State University.
Megan Doyle, Administrative Assistant, joined CHEA in November 2021. Prior to moving to Washington, DC she worked at the University of Kentucky for 11 years, providing administrative support for the Department of Mining Engineering.
Joél Espinoza, Special Assistant to the President, joined CHEA in December 2011. He has served as an executive assistant at companies including Hildebrandt Baker Robbins, Russell Reynolds Associates, Opus8, Inc. and Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Previously, he served as Senior Knowledge Analyst, Program Management in the Global Office of Knowledge Management at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.
Kathleen Ford, Website and Technology Manager, joined CHEA in December 2017. She previously was Creative Director of Health Affairs, a nonprofit organization for whom she served in a number of Website management and design capacities for nearly 15 years. She has also worked for organizations including Health Strategies Network and Kaiser Permanente.
Jan Friis, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, joined CHEA in May 2006 from Final Analysis Communication Services, Inc. where he was Vice President of Administration and Director of Government Relations. Jan has served as chief of staff for two former Members of Congress (Mr. Fox of Pennsylvania and Mr. Forbes of New York) and served as district administrator for a third Member, Mr. Schulze of Pennsylvania. Jan has also been in private law practice.
Jeanne Hamrick, Director of Communications, has more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record of success in external communications and media relations. She joins us from the financial industry where she previously worked as Communications Director at NASAA, CFP Board, and Freddie Mac. Jeanne previously worked in communications and media with nonprofit organizations including the national headquarters of the American Red Cross and Goodwill Industries International. Jeanne earned a BA degree from St. Bonaventure University and is accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America. She is an active member of the National Press Club.
Eric Selwyn, Membership and Outreach Manager, joined CHEA in May 2011. He previously served as Production Manager for Bulls Eye Marketing, Inc., where he handled day-to-day operations for a data management company. He also has served in administrative positions for the George Mason University School of Management, Washington Gas, First Union and Bank of America.
Loretta Waldron, Vice President for Recognition Services, joined CHEA in January 2022. Most recently, she served as Director of Accreditation Services for the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). She previously served as Associate Director for the Council on Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association and as Research and Financial Analyst with the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. Earlier in her career, she worked as the Registrar at Mount Vernon College and was a Compliance Specialist with the Education Licensure Commission of the District of Columbia.