PlattForm Announces Steve Fireng as New CEO

01/13/14   |  
Dani Damaske

LENEXA, Kan. 鈥 (Jan. 13, 2014) 鈥 PlattForm, a leading provider of comprehensive marketing solutions to colleges and universities worldwide, has announced the hiring of Steve Fireng as CEO. 聽He succeeds founder Michael Platt, who continues as executive chairman.聽

PlattForm is a portfolio company of Sterling Partners, a Chicago-based, growth-oriented investment firm with more than $5 billion of assets under management.

Fireng, a 25-year veteran in postsecondary education, previously was president and CEO of Pearson Embanet, which provides resources for academic institutions to finance, launch, market and support successful online programs. Fireng was instrumental in the growth of Embanet, which led to its acquisition by Pearson.聽

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more excited about the future of PlattForm with Steve taking over the reins," said Platt. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience in both the for-profit and public sectors of higher education and, more importantly, he鈥檚 an innovator with a commitment to growing business by growing people.鈥 聽Platt will offer insights and assistance to Fireng.

Fireng began his journey in admissions and then gained a wide range of experience in education areas that range from financial aid and career placement to distance education and marketing. He worked for Career Education Corporation for nearly 20 years, leaving there in early 2008 as group president.

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be happier to join the talent and expertise of the PlattForm leadership team,鈥 Fireng said. 鈥淚 have spent my entire career helping institutions grow and students realize their educational dreams. This is a unique opportunity to bring both my backgrounds together, in working with career colleges and not-for-profits schools in the U.S. and abroad.鈥

Fireng received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University.聽

For more information, please contact us at 847-597-6410.

About PlattForm

Since 1989, PlattForm (PlattForm.com) has set the standard of excellence in providing marketing services and enrollment solutions for colleges and universities worldwide. The firm, headquartered in suburban Kansas City, boasts an internal staff of more than 550 industry experts. As thought leaders in postsecondary education, PlattForm has helped more than 4,000 colleges and universities improve the lives of millions of individuals. Specialties include search engine marketing, interactive lead generation, online marketing, traditional media placement and creative services.