Executive Biographies
Pedro De Guzman, President/Chief Executive Officer
Pedro De Guzman is an experienced CEO & President recognized for building and revitalizing higher educational institutions. Pedro has over 40 years of higher education experience, which include 26 years of executive management experience overseeing college operations from conception to institutional maturity. He continues to demonstrate success in improving academic viability and prioritizing student outcomes while adhering to the highest regulatory standards.
Before HCI College, Pedro was the CEO & President of a Florida-based ten-campus College group. During his seven years there, the College expanded its program offerings, improved student outcomes, and added 5 additional campuses. Also, during this period, the College obtained and renewed institutional and programmatic accreditations to enhance the quality of the College as well as several of its program offerings.
By focusing on academic quality and growth, Pedro has been able to put the knowledge and experience he has gained to good use. Over the years, he has increased program offerings, obtained and renewed programmatic and institutional accreditation, and led multi-campus expansions for several academic institutions. Pedro may spend his days at HCI College, but it’s the straightforward charge to put students first and providing them with an excellent education, that gets him up in the morning.
Sonia Milavsky, Vice President of Finance
Sonia Milavsky serves as our Vice President of Finance, bringing over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance in various industries such as space, security, real estate, logistics, sports, and air purification. Sonia brings a unique blend of expertise encompassing various aspects of accounting and finance including financial reporting, M&A, IPO, and system implementations. In her leadership roles, Sonia led teams through transitional periods to successful completion of targets. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Cleveland State University and a master’s in business administration from Florida Atlantic University.
David Shelpman, Jr., Group Campus President/Chief Operating Officer
David Shelpman, Jr. is a higher education professional with more than a decade of experience in campus operations, admissions, and marketing. David has worked in both private non-profit and private for-profit colleges and universities over the course of his career. David has worked with accreditations ranging from national, regional, programmatic, and state licensure. David has earned his Associates Degree in Business Administration in 2008 from Daymar College, he has earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management with an Emphasis of Human Resources Management from DeVry University in 2012 and he has earned his Master of Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2015. David has also been a member of the Society for Human Resources Management since 2012.
David has been the recipient of multiple awards such as the Gold Key Award in 2008 and 2009, the President’s Award in 2010 and Campus of the Year in 2010 and 2011. Additionally, David received a 2-year and 5-year in service award for one of his most recent organizations in which he was promoted from the smallest campus to the largest campus within the collegiate system. David was instrumental in leading his campus through a 10-year reaffirmation process with regards to the regional accreditation with the distance learning and student support services. As a result, David was selected to be nominated as an accreditation site reviewer for distance education. David has also been a Designated School Official for SEVIS for multiple schools and a VA Certifying Official. In addition, David has been promoted on several occasions due to his student-focused mentality which resulted in the growth of several campuses.
David is 100% student-focused and committed to changing lives … one person at a time!
Celeste Blackwell, Chief Academic Officer/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
Mrs. Celeste Blackwell serves as the Chief Academic Officer/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, overseeing both campuses Academic Departments. Mrs. Blackwell has over a decade of experience with post-secondary education and has served in many roles including Faculty, Career Services, Campus President, and the longest as a Dean of Education. She has a master’s degree majoring in Adult Education, with a minor in Faculty Training and Developing. Mrs. Blackwell holds a bachelor’s degree in Alternative Medicine which allowed her to become a Board-Certified Holistic Practitioner and included extensive studies in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology. Her passions include supporting the Deans and faculty in their roles by ensuring that teachers have the resources needed to be successful in the classroom as well as supporting students through their educational journey.
Dana Moritz, Executive Assistant for Academic Affairs
Dana Moritz serves as the Executive Assistant for Academic Affairs, based out of the West Palm Beach campus. Dana has been in post-secondary education for 5+ years, first joining HCI College in 2018. In 2019, Dana led the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC) Membership Drive and received an award for her contributions to the higher education sector.
Dana is responsible for supporting the executive team with a primary role assisting the Chief Academic Officer/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. As an Executive Assistant, Dana is dedicated to ensuring the alignment of organizational objectives with comprehensive administrative knowledge. Meticulous and task driven, Dana is committed to the success of HCI College and its students.
Dana earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hofstra University, and she is a Florida State Notary Public.
Vladimir Adonis, Group Director of Financial Aid
Vladimir Adonis serves as our Group Director Of Financial Aid, bringing over 15 years of expertise in financial aid, admissions, and higher education. His extensive experience includes roles such as Admission Advisor, Financial Aid Officer, Financial Aid Director, and Marketing Consultant in both private non-profit and for-profit colleges, as well as public institutions. Additionally, Vladimir has entrepreneurial experience, having launched and operated multiple small businesses.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Keiser University, highlighting his commitment to diverse approaches to problem-solving. Vladimir believes in the importance of maintaining focus on goals, a philosophy he applies when guiding students through the complexities of financial aid to help them achieve their educational objectives.
He emphasizes the significance of collaboration between the financial aid team, bursar’s office, and admissions team in ensuring a successful start for students. Vladimir has demonstrated his ability to lead teams towards student-driven outcomes, prioritizing student success above all else.
Roxana Caceres, Systems Registrar
Roxana Caceres is a highly skilled and dedicated registrar with over 10 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in education administration and a passion for supporting students and faculty, Roxana has consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational and communication skills. Throughout her career, Roxana has successfully managed student records department, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. Roxana has a deep understanding of student information systems and is proficient in utilizing various software applications to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
In addition to her technical expertise, Roxana is known for her exceptional interpersonal skills. She has a proven ability to build strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff, providing them with the necessary support and guidance. Roxana is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, always striving to bring out the best in others and herself.
As an education registrar, Roxana is dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation of academic processes and supporting the success of students and faculty. Her strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational abilities, and commitment to excellence helps her make a difference in education.
