Richard W. Sunderland, Jr. serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI), a leading provider of online postsecondary education. With over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, Sunderland began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), where he rose to the position of partner. During his two-decade tenure at PwC, he specialized in auditing and advisory services for publicly traded companies in the education, technology, and healthcare sectors, honing his expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance under standards like Sarbanes-Oxley. Sunderland joined APEI in 2013 as Senior Vice President of Finance and was promoted to CFO in 2014. In this role, he oversees all financial operations, including strategic planning, treasury management, investor relations, and risk management for APEI's portfolio of institutions, such as American Public University System and Rasmussen University. His leadership has been instrumental in driving the company's growth through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Hondros College of Nursing in 2021, and navigating complex financial landscapes amid evolving higher education regulations. Under Sunderland's guidance, APEI has achieved significant milestones, including consistent revenue growth, improved profitability, and enhanced shareholder value. His strategic foresight has supported expansions into new markets and programs, positioning APEI as a resilient leader in online education. Sunderland holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from James Madison University and is a Certified Public Accountant.