Connecting Business and Higher Education Leaders

The Business-Higher Education Forum is a national network connecting pioneering corporate and higher education leaders to identify emerging skills and co-develop inclusive pathways that address talent needs. We empower and catalyze collaborations that deliver accelerated, inclusive, and effective solutions across education and work and to meet the changing talent needs of learners, workers, and businesses.

Who we are:

BHEF is a national network that connects corporate and higher education leaders to identify emerging skills and co-develop pathways that address talent needs. We empower and catalyze collaborations that deliver accelerated, inclusive, and effective solutions.

Learn more

Join our network:

Business and university leaders join the forum to lead innovation that meets the changing talent needs of learners, workers, and businesses. We customize engagements that effectively bridge education and employment.

Learn more

Why we do it:

We see a future where higher education and business collaborate seamlessly to develop a skilled, adaptable workforce—one that drives innovation, fuels economic growth, and empowers individuals to thrive in meaningful careers.

Learn more

The Business-Higher Education Forum Board of Directors

Laura K. Ipsen,* President and Chief Executive Officer, Ellucian, and Chair, BHEF Board of Directors

Jeffrey D. Armstrong, President, California Polytechnic State University, and Vice Chair, BHEF Board of Directors

Timothy D. Sands,* President, Virginia Tech, and Immediate Past Chair, BHEF Board of Directors

Jae Lynn Akin, HR Executive, State Farm

Joseph E. Aoun,* President, Northeastern University

Terrence Cheng, Chancellor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities

John J. DeGioia, President, Georgetown University

Lisa Gevelber, Chief Marketing Officer, Americas Region, Google and Founder, Grow with Google

Earl F. "Marty" Martin, President, Drake University

Ryan Oakes,* Global Health & Public Service Industry Practices Chair, Accenture

Jay A. Perman, M.D., Chancellor, University System of Maryland

Madeline Pumariega,* President, Miami Dade College

Chris Reber, President, Hudson County Community College

Kristen Fox, CEO, Business-Higher Education Forum
Ex Officio

*executive committee member

Learn more about who we are

BHEF Fall Convening

November 5-6, 2025 | Atlanta, Georgia

Business-Higher Education Forum’s convening series is its twice annual signature gathering for its network partners. Each spring and fall, BHEF network partners join together for dynamic, in-depth conversations in an intimate, off-the-record event. Convenings are invitation-only, and all BHEF network partners are invited.

Learn More