APEI Names Former Staples CEO Shira Goodman to Its Board of Directors

A board seat filled by an executive with retail and governance experience

According to the company, Goodman brings extensive executive leadership and corporate board experience to APEI. She spent 26 years at Staples, where she rose to CEO and held leadership roles in marketing, human resources and global growth.

Goodman currently serves on the boards of Burlington Stores, CBRE and Box Partners. She previously sat on the boards of Staples, CarMax, Henry Schein, Stride Rite and Reef Lifestyle, LLC, and was an advisory director at Charlesbank Capital. Earlier in her career she was a manager at Bain & Company, where she helped develop the initial business plan for the Staples delivery business.

Outside the corporate world, Goodman is an executive coach who works primarily with purpose-driven leaders. She chairs the Jim Joseph Foundation, previously held leadership roles with Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston, including as board chair, and was a member of Harvard University's Finance Committee. She holds a master's degree in management science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a bachelor's degree from Princeton University.

Kenigsberg moves from the board to a permanent executive role

Goodman takes the vacancy created when James Kenigsberg stepped away from the APEI board last year to serve as interim chief innovation and technology officer. APEI says he recently assumed that position on a permanent basis.

Kenigsberg will continue to lead the company's technology transformation. According to APEI, that work uses artificial intelligence, intelligent systems and student-centered products to enhance the educational experience and help more students reach their academic and professional goals.

Angela Selden, president and chief executive officer of American Public Education, Inc., and chancellor of American Public University System, described the decision as "a clear reflection of his personal commitment to the company's mission of expanding educational opportunities for service-minded students." She added that his "thought leadership on advanced technologies along with his global network of technology innovators will continue to propel our education units forward."

What the company says about the appointment

Selden said Goodman's experience "advising organizations on growth and strategy while leading through transformational change will add valuable perspective" as the company advances its mission. Goodman said she was honored to join the board and looked forward to "contributing to the company's continued success and helping advance opportunities for students."

APEI describes American Public University System as serving approximately 109,000 students, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide as of June 30, 2026. The system includes four academic units: American Military University, American Public University, Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of APEI. The company notes that the System is not affiliated with the U.S. Military.

For the company, the two moves settle both a board vacancy and a leadership question at once: the board gains a director with experience in growth and strategy, and the technology transformation keeps its current leader on a permanent footing. The release does not give further detail on committee assignments or the timeline of the technology program.