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.
David Shelpman, Jr., Group Campus President/Chief Operating Officer
David Shelpman, Jr. joined HCI in February 2018 and serves as Group Campus President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing daily operations at the West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale campuses. He ensures the delivery of quality education and student support services while driving operational excellence and accountability.
With over 17 years of leadership experience in higher education, David has held senior roles in proprietary, private non-profit, and for-profit institutions. His expertise spans campus operations, admissions, marketing, and accreditation. He has successfully led teams through institutional and programmatic accreditation processes.
Academically, David holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Daymar College (2008), a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management from DeVry University (2012), and a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School of Management (2015).
Committed to student success, David is passionate about making a lasting impact—one student 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.
Daniel Albano, Vice President of Finance
Daniel Albano is an accomplished financial executive and Certified Public Accountant with over two decades of experience in accounting, finance, and operations leadership, primarily within higher education, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. He plays a critical role in guiding the institution’s financial strategy, overseeing and leading organizational budgeting and forecasting and leading financial compliance.
Prior to his current role, he served as Controller at HCI College, where he implemented key automation initiatives, integrated financial systems, and enhanced operational workflows across accounting and HR functions. His earlier career includes leadership roles at Keiser University, Melior Health Partners, and Cosmetic Solutions, where he led financial reporting, internal control development, and audit readiness.
Known for his ability to modernize systems, drive financial transparency, and build high-performing teams, Daniel combines deep technical expertise with a strategic mindset. He has successfully led multiple system integrations, streamlined revenue recognition processes, and improved the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting across complex, multi-entity organizations.
Daniel Albano holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s College. He is a licensed CPA in the state of Florida.
Kera Kollman, Controller
Kera Kollman is the Controller at HCI, where she leads the College’s financial operations with a focus on accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strategic alignment. Bringing over two decades of experience in both higher education and corporate finance, she offers deep expertise in financial and managerial accounting, treasury management, GAAP/GASB/FASB/CFR-compliant reporting, Title IV financial aid accounting, budgeting, auditing, and internal controls.
Prior to joining HCI, Kera spent more than seven years at Pennsylvania State University as the Financial Officer for the College of Information Sciences and Technology. There, she managed the financial operations of multi-million-dollar academic units, led complex budgeting processes, and directed monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close cycles. She played a key role in aligning financial planning with institutional goals. Her responsibilities also included overseeing treasury activities and providing executive-level financial modeling and analysis in partnership with senior leadership. Additionally, she led cross-functional teams on major strategic initiatives such as ERP system implementation, internal control enhancements, the development of new budget models, and the creation of pro forma financial statements.
Earlier in her career, Kera held various finance roles across both academia and industry. As Director of Finance & Administration in the Office of the Provost at Florida Atlantic University, she managed complex annual budgets and oversaw a diverse range of state, federal, and institutional funding sources. Her earlier roles in accounting and financial analysis provided her with foundational experience in accounts payable and receivable, payroll, tax compliance, procurement, and revenue recognition.
Kera earned both her Master of Finance and Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Pennsylvania State University. She is recognized for her ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights, her dedication to maintaining strong compliance standards, and her commitment to building collaborative, high-performing finance teams. Additionally, Kera has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to digitize and streamline accounting functions. She has implemented advanced software solutions to enhance reporting accuracy, expedite processes, and improve overall efficiency, ensuring that financial operations are both modernized and optimized.
In her role at HCI, Kera partners closely with executive leadership to safeguard the College’s financial health, support regulatory compliance, and provide forward-looking financial strategies that strengthen institutional growth.
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.
