Board of Directors

Patrick Kennard is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background and a track record of success in the fields of education, insurance, hospitality, and community service.

Kennard served a remarkable 14-year tenure at National College holding several key positions within the institution. He began as an adjunct instructor and eventually assumed roles of Academic Department Chair and Director of Institutional Planning. Prior to his time at National College, Kennard enjoyed a distinguished 28-year career at the Travelers Insurance Company. During this period, he held various positions, primarily focusing on Claims Management and Managed Care Computer Systems Development and Implementation. He culminated his successful tenure as Divisional Vice President in the Managed Disability operation.

Kennard’s educational background further adds to his extensive expertise. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M, Commerce in 1967, followed by a Master of Science in Management degree from the Hartford Graduate Center in 1991. Overall, Patrick Kennard’s professional journey exemplifies a remarkable blend of leadership, strategic planning, operational excellence, and dedication to both education and community service. With his wealth of experience and accomplishments, he continues to make a lasting impact in his endeavors.

Dr. McGuire has over 32 years of technical and management experience implementing Vulnerability Assessment and Information Assurance (IA) processes. He is a recognized industry expert, speaking on ISS issues at varied forums and federal agency program offices in the areas of cybersecurity, forensic investigation, and process management. His extensive experience ranges from hands-on systems vulnerability analyses, assessments, and mitigation plans to work as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a Chief Information Officer (CIO). He has developed proven successful methodologies for all forms of authorization & accreditation (A&A) processes and documentation according to NIST RMF and various other DoD Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process and standards. Dr. McGuire, as the VP/CIO of SysNet technologies, is currently responsible for all aspects of cybersecurity for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air traffic critical infrastructure. His responsibilities include leading the teams responsible for 24x7x365 cyber threat monitoring, A&A, aircraft cyber testing, red team/blue team, cyber threat hunting, network penetration testing. His educational background, including both an M.S. and a Doctorate in Cybersecurity related disciplines, amplifies Dr. McGuire’s value to federal and commercial agencies. His work as a Dale Carnegie CIO enhanced his management and leadership skills.

Before joining SysNetTechnologies, Kevin was the CIO of the U.S. Navy/Surface Warfare Centers in Bethesda, MD. Before the NSWC position, Dr. McGuire worked for Computer Sciences Corporation and was a CISO supporting the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army through varied programs. He has also been a Senior Director for Research & Development under Telos/XactaCorp., a V.P. of Technology in New York, and the CIO of Dale Carnegie Training, Inc. in New York, responsible for the development and implementation of a worldwide communications system.

Frank Yanez has more than three decades of experience in the education system. Widely recognized for his expertise in strategic advisement for charter schools, Frank has played an integral role in guiding and supporting every phase of charter school development. Throughout his extensive career, Frank has provided invaluable consultation, aiding in the conception, establishment, and successful operation of charter schools. His contributions span from navigating the initial charter acquisition to aiding schools in the construction of brand new educational facilities, managing day-to-day operations, facilitating financial functions, and serving on school boards.

Frank’s experience extends to securing tax-exempt municipal bond financing, ensuring seamless monthly operational oversight and financial compliance, and offering crucial guidance during challenging transitions such as turnarounds and closures. His counsel has been instrumental in launching and advancing charter schools across multiple states, underscoring his dedication to fostering educational excellence within diverse communities. With a deep-rooted passion for transforming communities through education, Frank remains committed to delivering exceptional educational standards and safe learning environments. His collaborative efforts have positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of students across more than 150 charter schools, marking his enduring commitment to educational progress and empowerment.

Dr. Joel Musgrove served as the vice president of operations from 2017 to 2022 and provided key leadership to implement the vision for the University of Fairfax. Before joining the University, he served as the associate vice chancellor of operations, regional vice-chancellor, and campus president for Daymar College. Prior to joining Daymar, he worked for Argosy University, where he worked as senior director of admissions, director of admissions, managing associate director of admissions, and assistant director of admissions. Additionally, he was director of operations at Heritage & Liberty Traditional K-8 Charter Schools in Glendale, Arizona, and community relations & grant director at La Paloma Academy in Tucson, Arizona. Joel earned his Doctorate of Business Administration at the University of Fairfax. He has a Master of Business Administration in Global Management from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Behavioral Science from the University of Arizona.

Frank Longaker was President of the University of Fairfax from 2013-2023. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and Radford University, where he received his MBA, Longaker served as a captain in the U.S. Army and is a decorated Vietnam veteran. President Longaker provided the vision that has allowed the University of Fairfax to increase enrollment, enhance and streamline operations, introduce new programs, and welcome international students. In 1972, President Longaker began his career in higher education as an instructor at American National University’s Lexington Campus and quickly rose to senior leadership positions within the university.  His assignments within the university have included financial aid director, director of student services, federal funds manager, and senior operating officer, becoming president in 1984.

In 2012, Longaker was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Imagine America Foundation, recognizing his 40-plus years of contributions to higher education. Longaker has long been active in the community and has served as a chamber of commerce president, a Virginia state senate candidate, and has been a member of numerous community boards and organizations.

Steve Cotton served as the executive vice president for legal and regulatory affairs /general counsel for the University of Fairfax from 2013 to 2022. A former naval officer and staff judge advocate, Cotton earned his Juris Doctor from the Ohio State University College of Law. His education also includes a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in chemistry from Denison University and a post-graduate fellowship in legal medicine at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

Steve’s 25 years of experience in the career college sector has made him widely sought after for his expertise. He has served as a member of numerous boards and commissions, including the Tennessee Joint Legislative Committee on Proprietary Education. He is currently past president of the Virginia Career College Association and Chairman of the Career College Advisory Board for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.