Fernando Bleichmar is CEO of Academic Partnerships (AP) and serves on its board of directors. He leads a world-class AP team dedicated to helping universities develop and grow their online degree programs so more students can access affordable education, improve their career opportunities, and meet employer and community needs.

Before joining AP in 2022, Fernando led the U.S. Higher Education division of the global EdTech company Cengage Group. He previously served on the management team of Elsevier Health Sciences and spent the first decade of his career with The Boston Consulting Group, advising leaders on strategy and corporate development.

Fernando’s passion for education and student success was inspired by his parents, who founded a school in Mexico City during his youth. Both of his siblings are now professors at U.S. colleges.

Fernando holds an MBA from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Cristina, have two children. Outside of work, Fernando enjoys traveling, sports, hiking, and reading.

---

What traits do you admire in a leader?

Listening, empathy, communication, thoughtfulness, joy/fun, customer focus.

Which AP culture pillar resonates most with you and why?

Two resonate the most: first – student centered, as ultimately everything we and our partners do is to expand the impact we can have on students, so it needs to be embedded into how we think and operate. Second – empowering – how do we make sure we create a culture that motivates and empowers everyone to do their best work and feel energized, not just by our mission, but by the impact each one of us can have.

What would you name your autobiography?

Impact Forward