staff
our team
Representing a truly global community, our team brings diverse backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives that enrich the educational experience. United by a commitment to excellence, integrity, innovation, and service, they work collaboratively to provide high-quality education and personalized support that prepares students to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Claude C. "Marty" Martin
Founder/Chairman, Board of Directors
Claude C. "Marty" Martin has over 50 years of experience providing global solutions for the broadcasting, information technology, and satellite communication industries. Marty is a proud veteran who served for 12 years in the US Army. After completing basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he became a trainer at Pershing Missile School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Throughout his military career, Marty worked on cutting-edge technologies such as computer programming and the development of ARPANET, which is considered "the world's first internet."
While on active duty in Laos during the Vietnam War Era, Marty received two medals for his outstanding achievements.
After retiring from the military, Marty continued his career in IT leadership, joining Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. He then went on to become a successful business consultant, facilitating the merger and acquisition of multiple IT and telecommunication businesses.
In 2008, Marty co-founded the University of North America, recognizing the critical need for innovative IT education. The institution places a strong emphasis on "applied learning" for IT and business education, and Marty has been a leader in this field.
Jill Martin
President/CEO, Co-Founder
Jill Martin is an accomplished educator, entrepreneur, and investor dedicated to building bridges between global communities through education, business development, and leadership. As president of the University of North America, she has expanded the institution's international reach, creating new educational and professional opportunities for students and business leaders around the world.
With a distinguished background in journalism, Jill has earned numerous awards throughout her broadcasting career. Her radio and television programs have reached audiences worldwide, reflecting her commitment to impactful communication and public engagement.
Beyond education and media, Jill is passionate about community service and philanthropy. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by President Biden in 2022 and the Community Leadership Award from the International Leadership Foundation in 2025.
She has also received the Top Latinos Award from Latinos Top Magazine, the Super 40 Award from the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and recognition as one of the Top 100 Minority Business Entrepreneurs by the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council.
An accomplished investor, Jill has built a diverse portfolio of properties. Her passion for agriculture and hospitality led to the founding of 600 Winery in Orange, Virginia, where her commitment to excellence has earned numerous accolades, including Gold medals from the prestigious Virginia Governor's Cup.
As an immigrant, Jill's journey reflects resilience, vision, and creativity. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact around the world.
Jason Koo
Vice President
Jason Koo is an experienced IT professional and university educator. He has been teaching college level courses in IT and computer science at universities in the US and abroad since 2005. He served as Associate Dean and Dean at the University of North America before he took on the executive role.
Under his leadership, UoNA has been expanding its international partnerships with universities around the world.
Jason holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a master's degree in Computer Science and is a certified database professional. With his extensive experience in computer programming and system administration, UoNA became one of leaders in utilizing advanced Student Information System and educational technologies to provide quality education efficiently and economically.
Dr. A. J. Gorriaran-Pedraza
Chief Academic Officer/Dean of College of Management
Dr. Pedraza has had a lifetime career spanning the public, nonprofit, educational, and private sectors. He completed a 22-year career in the U.S. military, serving as an enlisted Soldier and noncommissioned officer before completing his career as a battalion commander (Chair and Professor of Military Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, 1997–2000). While serving in the Army, he focused on human resources, information technology, logistics, and recruiting.
Following his military service, Dr. Pedraza held a full-time position at Northwood University, Florida (now Northwood University, Michigan) from 2000 to 2004. He also served as a member of the U.S. Diplomatic Corps in Eastern Europe and Mexico. He subsequently worked in the nonprofit sector at the Smithsonian Institution and later served in a consulting role with the Army Research Institute, where he supported both survey development and content analytics.
Dr. Pedraza holds two doctorates: a Doctor of Business Administration with concentrations in Human Resources and Quantitative Methods from Nova Southeastern University (2005) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology from Capella University (2020). He also holds five master's degrees in the following fields: Business Administration (1984), Public Administration (Troy University, 1990), Information Technology (2009), Cybersecurity (National Defense University, 2023), and Analytics (Capella University, 2025). He completed a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from Strayer University in 2026.
Dr. Pedraza is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College (1992) and the Navy Staff College (2017). He currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer at UoNA.
Shirley Chen, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Shirley W. Chen is an accomplished financial and accounting professional with extensive leadership experience in higher education and public accounting. As Chief Financial Officer at the University of North America, she leads the full accounting cycle, oversees annual audits, implements internal controls, and supervises tax filings. In addition to her executive role, she has served as an Adjunct Professor since 2015, teaching graduate‑level accounting, developing course materials, and guiding student presentations.
Her career reflects more than two decades of audit and tax experience. At a public CPA firm, she has supervised audit, review, and compilation engagements while preparing a wide range of tax returns.
Shirley holds an MBA in Finance from The George Washington University, and a B.A. in Accounting from Fu‑Jen University. She has completed the CFP Certification Program and holds multiple professional credentials, including Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner. She is an active member of major professional organizations and is multilingual, fluent in English and Mandarin with additional proficiency in Spanish and Japanese.
Kenneth McGhee
Financial Aid Administrator
Kenneth McGhee is an experienced financial aid and enrollment management leader with more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration and student access initiatives. Since beginning his career in financial aid in 1995, he has served in leadership roles ranging from assistant director to executive director for multi-campus colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and a state college grant agency.
He has taught undergraduate and graduate students, including being the Field Instructor/Internship Coordinator for graduate students working on a master’s degree in higher education administration. Kenneth has overseen and led technology and process improvement initiatives and advised institutional leaders on enrollment management and Title IV compliance matters.
A nationally recognized trainer, presenter, and author, Kenneth has delivered professional development programs for higher education administrators, high school counselors, and college access professionals at the state, regional, and national levels since 1998. His work has been featured through organizations including AACRAO, NACAC, the US Department of Education, and Inside Higher Ed.
Kenneth earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a graduate degree from Northern Illinois University, and a post-master’s certificate in Enrollment Management through Noel Levitz and Capella University.
Perliter Walters-Gilliam
Institutional Research and Compliance Officer
As the Institutional Research and Compliance Officer, Ms. Perliter Walters-Gilliam, works to bridge policy and people - transforming compliance into culture and evaluation into empowerment. Whether she is developing tailored training programs, guiding teams through accreditation renewal, or strengthening institutional strategy, she leads with empathy, curiosity, and a belief that quality is everyone’s responsibility.
Ms. Walters-Gilliam has over 20 years of experience in higher education policy, accreditation standards, and institutional quality. She has consulted with institutions seeking accreditation or re-accreditation, agencies building or refining recognition frameworks, and government bodies developing quality assurance infrastructure - across the U.S. and internationally. She translates complex regulatory requirements into actionable strategies, helping organizations build lasting cultures of quality rather than one-time compliance.
Beyond the boardroom, she is passionate about quality education, mentorship, and the bright potential of children everywhere. When not deep in accreditation standards or regulatory reviews, or serving her community, she will be in her garden because the soil, the flowers, and even the weeds, keep her grounded and grateful.
She considers her specialties to be higher education accreditation compliance; organizational strategy; institutional development and growth; training; international education and quality assurance; federal regulations for accrediting agencies; and accreditation standards review.
Dr. David Wallace
Director of Academic Affairs
Dr. David J. Wallace serves as Director of Academic Affairs and Information Technology at the University of North America, where he oversees IT modernization, cybersecurity strategy, and enterprise systems that support academic programs. He leads the UONA Faculty in the development and delivery of undergraduate and graduate coursework in business, technology, cybersecurity, and working on the creation of emerging fields including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
With almost three decades of experience across higher education and federal environments, Dr. Wallace previously managed enterprise IT infrastructure and technical training for DHS/TSA projects, coordinating ITIL-aligned teams and delivering mission-critical cybersecurity and operations training. He has a proven record of integrating LMS platforms, knowledge-management systems, and industry tools to support 24x7 operations and continuity during major transitions.
Dr. Wallace earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Educational Technology and holds additional degrees in education technology and business information systems. He is an experienced instructor who designs learner-centered curricula and practical technical training, including UONA’s inaugural AI vs. Business Intelligence course. (Finally) He is currently active in professional and community organizations including Non-Profit Educational Facilities in Southeast Washington DC , Fleet Reserve Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
James Moses
Director of Education
James Moses is an educator, academic leader, creative entrepreneur with more than 14 years of experience in project management, entrepreneurship, leading academic programs, advising small businesses, and developing training, marketing, and sales management programs at various institutions and companies.
James is a talented instructor who had taught both undergraduate and graduate business courses for decades at universities in Hawaii, Virginia, and Washington, DC. He successfully managed a renowned financial and law office in Honolulu helping with its business expansion. He also ran a fashion boutique which created opportunities for many young fashion designers.
He has a Master in Business Studies from Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii and a Master of Public Administration from Madras Christian College.
Dr. Sam Afsoos
Dean of College of Technology
Dr. Sam Afsoos is an AI leader, educator, and technology executive with more than 25 years of experience advancing innovation across higher education, government, and industry. He serves as Dean of the School of Technology and Director of the AI Center at the University of North America, where he leads academic strategy, AI curriculum development, emerging technology initiatives, and industry-aligned workforce programs.
Dr. Afsoos is focused on preparing students, professionals, and organizations for the next era of artificial intelligence. He has designed and taught graduate, executive, and professional programs in Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Advanced AI, Deep Learning, AI Ethics, cybersecurity, and AI-driven digital transformation. His work emphasizes practical application, responsible innovation, and the development of leaders who can translate AI capabilities into measurable organizational value. Beyond academia, Dr. Afsoos brings extensive executive experience in enterprise technology, modernization, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and technology governance. He has held senior IT leadership roles supporting major federal programs, led complex digital transformation initiatives, and advised organizations on the strategic adoption of emerging technologies.Dr. Afsoos holds a Doctor of Engineering degree from George Washington University and completed advanced management and leadership education at MIT. His leadership sits at the intersection of academic excellence, applied research, and industry execution.
Recognized for making complex technologies accessible and actionable, Dr. Afsoos is committed to building programs that connect education with real-world impact. His mission is to help learners and organizations use AI ethically, strategically, and effectively in a rapidly changing global economy.
Z.J. Peng
Director of Admissions and Outreach
ZJ Peng is a seasoned marketing strategist and higher education expert with a distinguished multi-decade, international career. Having lived, studied, and worked in both Europe and Asia across various industries, he possesses a profound understanding of diverse cultural spheres and global dynamics. ZJ brings over a decade of deep expertise in higher education administration to his position as the Director of Admissions at the University of North America. Highly praised by students for his guidance and insight, he has successfully helped countless individuals navigate the competitive academic landscape.
ZJ’s career highlights include a successful tenure at a Fortune 500 company, where his exceptional performance and impactful marketing initiatives earned him an Outstanding Employee Award. By combining global corporate marketing proficiency with an insider’s knowledge of higher education, ZJ delivers a uniquely well-rounded perspective to international strategy, student mentorship, and cross-cultural communication. ZJ earned his BBA in Europe and his MBA in the United States. He enjoys traveling in his free time.
Culver Fortna
Director of Student Services/DSO
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Mr. Culver Fortna has more than 25 years of experience with international students from East Asia and the United States. As director of Student Services, he provides a safe and comfortable environment for our diverse student population; domestic, international, and veteran. As manager of the International Student Office, he coordinates the Designated School Officials and advises the international students. He has been instrumental in designing curriculum, initiating programs, and promoting career services.
Mr. Fortna has a BA in Sociology from James Madison University and an MA in Contemporary Sociology from Lancaster University, UK. He also holds a teaching certificate in Multicultural Education and a TESOL certificate from George Mason University. He has taught English, Writing, Social Studies and Physical Education. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, creative writing, playing chess, soccer and most recently- kayaking.
Joshua Khosrofian
Student Record Specialist/DSO
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