Meet Our Board & Leadership

Mike Nylund

President & CEO, Ex Officio Board Member

Mike Nylund leads Scholarship America, the nation’s largest private scholarship provider, administering more than $300 million annually across more than 1,300 unique programs. Working with Fortune 500 companies, community foundations, individuals, and philanthropists, Mike brings a deeply personal mission: removing financial barriers so that every student can achieve their dream of a post-secondary education. As a former scholarship recipient, Mike understands firsthand the transformative power of scholarships, not just as financial support, but as a message of recognition and belonging.

Since becoming President and CEO in 2022, Mike has fundamentally transformed Scholarship America through his philosophy of servant leadership and data-driven approach. He has positioned the organization as a true partner to sponsors, helping them elevate their work by bringing in expertise, technology, and administration. Under his leadership, Scholarship America has shifted its focus to prioritize students with the greatest financial need while streamlining operations to provide the best possible support to partners.

Mike’s strategic vision extends beyond traditional scholarship distribution toward a collaborative model works with partners to help them deliver impact and elevate their organizational goals while ensuring every initiative delivers positive, life-changing impacts to students throughout their educational journey and careers.

Mike joined Scholarship America in 2013 as Vice President of Product Strategy and Partner Solutions. In this role, he led product strategy and positioned Scholarship America as a strategic partner. Previously, he led one of the nation’s largest financial aid offices at Capella University, managing a team that disbursed close to $800 million annually.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Mike resides in St. Paul, Minnesota with his husband Scott, where they spend every winter dreaming of a life someplace other than Minnesota. For Mike, leadership is rooted in the belief that recognition and opportunity can unlock human potential, driving his commitment to give as many students as possible the same pivotal moment of recognition he experienced.

Richard S. (Rick) Greene

Chief Financial Officer

Rick Greene joined Scholarship America in June 2013. As CFO, Rick leads our finance team and has primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial activities of the organization.

Abigail Seldin

Chief Growth Officer

Abigail Seldin joined Scholarship America in December 2023 in the role of Chief Growth Officer, leading the marketing, development, and partner solutions departments.

A Rhodes Scholar and experienced executive, Seldin co-founded and led two technology-driven startups from inception to acquisition. In 2012, Seldin co-founded College Abacus, an edtech company that integrated the financial aid calculators for 4000+ institutions, and led its 2014 acquisition by ECMC Group, one of the nation’s largest student finance organizations. In 2022, Seldin co-founded the Civic Mapping Initiative, a national research center that identified 5000+ last-mile transit expansion opportunities to support workforce development; it was acquired by the National League of Cities in November 2023.

Seldin’s track record includes building corporate partnerships, industry coalitions, and philanthropic initiatives to support access to higher education.

Jonell Sanchez

Chief Product and Technology Officer

Jonell Sanchez is an internationally recognized leader in education and business. Prior to joining Scholarship America, he served as the president of learning at ACT, vice president of education solutions at the National Student Clearinghouse, and has held senior positions at Pearson and the College Board. He has vast experience in strategy development and implementation, strategic partnerships, and designing and launching educational products and services.

Jonell is also a first-generation college student. His experience as a childhood immigrant from Cuba and English as a Second Language (ESL) student has driven his lifelong commitment to educational opportunity, access, and success. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Andreina, and their two children.

Kimberly Hanson

Vice President, Student & Partner Solutions

Kimberly Hanson joined Scholarship America in January 2016 as the Director of Strategic Clients, moving into a Senior Director role later that year and becoming Vice President for Student & Partner Solutions in 2022.

During her tenure, Kimberly has been recognized as an outstanding leader for developing talent, driving engagement, partnering cross-functionally, delivering on her team’s objectives, and participating in initiatives beyond the scope of her role. Kimberly joined us from her previous role at Artful Leaders, where she spent her time coaching, consulting and training other business leaders and teams. Prior to that, she worked at Inside Track as the VP, Operations and Client Management and at Capella University as the Director, Operations & Customer Experience.

Jen Menke

Vice President, Human Resources

Jen Menke joined Scholarship America in April 2014; she leads the organization’s Human Resources department, helping ensure we have a high-quality and engaged workforce that is focused on driving our mission.

Having worked with companies such as GE Commercial Finance, Target, and Ceridian, her career prior to Scholarship America led her through a variety of industries with valuable opportunities to work in both large and small organizations. In addition to her HR experience, Jen has gained valuable knowledge in the areas of operations and account management. Before joining Scholarship America, Jen served as the Senior Vice President, Career and Incentive Development at Stream Global Services, where she was responsible for the creation and execution of the Career Hub, a new non-profit organization focused on education and building careers.

Along with 20 years of experience within the field of Human Resources, Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of St. Benedict, a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Purdue University, and a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.