Edtech is already a large market, and is steadily growing larger.
According to Grand View Research, the market’s global value in 2022 was $123.4 billion, and it’s expected to expand 13.6 percent from 2023 to 2030. Much of that growth is coming from the industry’s adaptation following the Covid-19 pandemic, which put rocket fuel on digital learning.
Everspring is one edtech company contributing to this growth. Founded in 2011, Everspring provides research-based instructional design services to power its university partners’ success online.
About Everspring
Everspring offers a range of full-service turnkey solutions — as well as standalone single-service offerings and innovative self-service products — that enable universities to establish and maintain themselves as leaders in the digital delivery of education.
In addition to its mission to support online learning, Everspring is also helping to improve the growth of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the industry — particularly in the realm of women in leadership.
Recently, co-founder Beth Hollenberg transitioned from president to CEO, and successful women like Hollenberg can be found leading departments across the organization. The company is a thought leader in DEI and regularly speaks on panels, such as the “Design for All: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Online Learning” workshop it hosted last year at Northwestern University’s TEACHx conference.
The company uplifts women and supports long, stable careers full of opportunity.
“There is a lot of professional and personal growth at Everspring. The reason being: we’re in an environment that values higher education and we have to walk the walk,” said Francisca Acevedo, operations director at Everspring.
Want proof? Take a look at the career progression of a handful of women in leadership at Everspring and consider applying for a role yourself.
Since 2012: President > CEO
Beth Hollenberg trained as an attorney, then started her career as a consultant for program delivery and policy reform in education, health and social welfare. Hollenberg has two decades of experience in education prior to co-founding Everspring. She specializes in “strategic growth and change management, applying product and technology innovation, analytics, talent development and process improvements to revitalize the end-user experience and maximize results.” Hollenberg is succeeding Jeff Conlon, the company’s co-founder, who is stepping away from his position in day-to-day company oversight as CEO.
From her LinkedIn:
“I want to recognize the remarkable women of Everspring (and the men who support you!). … Thank you to those of you who, by your daily actions, advocate for equity not only for your female colleagues, but for equity in all its many forms. Through our work, each one of you contributes to building a more equitable and inclusive world through higher education.”
Her thoughts on Everspring:
“I am proud of what we have built and believe that the Everspring team is poised to lead the next phase of digital transformation in higher education. To enable universities to deliver high-quality programs that help students achieve their career and life goals is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with the Everspring team to take the company and our partners to the next level.”
Since 2012: Executive Director > Vice President > Senior Vice President
Cathy Goodman has 15 years of experience in higher education project management and professional services, and has risen from executive director to SVP in her 11 years with Everspring. She has expertise in regulatory, legislative and accreditation-facing aspects of program implementation. As the current SVP of operations, Goodman supports functions including academic operations, accreditation support and marketing. She also helps identify creative business applications, partners with client universities and develops specific solutions for overall engagement.
Her thoughts on the culture at Everspring:
“Everspringers are extraordinary: whip-smart, super friendly and hard workers. Even in our hybrid structure, we have a strong corporate culture — we’re committed to each other and our community. You can approach anyone for advice, help or just to chat.”
Since 2016: Associate Director > Vice President > Senior Vice President
Kathy Groth possesses two decades of experience in higher education and tech, and has risen from associate director to vice president since joining Everspring in 2016. She’s built online programs for a number of universities and has a predilection for making e-learning engaging. Groth supports faculty by delivering impactful training experiences, responding to faculty support requests and building a sense of community.
From her LinkedIn:
“So proud of my team! DEIB takes many forms and it is exciting to see how they are able to share their knowledge with others while honoring our current challenges … [Everspring] strives to incorporate DEIB into everything we do.”
Since 2014: Executive Director > Vice President > Senior Vice President
Erin McGrane holds more than 16 years of experience in higher education, and has risen from executive director to three different vice president roles in her nine years with Everspring. In that time, she has facilitated coaching and retention for on-campus, hybrid and online students. Currently, McGrane plays a critical role in student service functions and program operations, ensuring seamless student lifecycle support from prospective inquiry through graduation.
Since 2020: Manager > Director
Francisca Acevedo collaborates with cross-functional leadership to ensure smooth and effective performance of key systems and functions in her role as Everspring’s operations director. From evaluating data to implementing process improvements, it’s her goal to ensure Everspring systems do the heavy lifting so her colleagues can focus on fortifying relationships with clients.
Her thoughts on who is a good fit for a role at Everspring:
“The ideal candidate here is someone that acts boldly, shares authentically and is not afraid to ask ‘Why?’ They're not afraid to get their hands dirty and tackle an issue. They know that they’re supported and know that everyone in the room wants to help solve that problem with them.”
2019 - 2021: Manager > Senior Manager > Director
Since 2023: Executive Director
In her tenure with Everspring, Audra Kachonik has supported various business units with their hiring needs. She has overseen a team of recruiters, implemented a new applicant tracking system, developed an intern program and launched diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. A self-proclaimed “scrappy and innovative HR executive who translates business vision into HR initiatives that improve employee engagement, performance, culture, development and retention,” Kachonik recently rejoined Everspring as executive director of HR and organizational development.
From her LinkedIn:
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Executive Director HR and Organizational Development at Everspring. In the words of Eminem: “Guess who’s back. Back again. Let’s go!”
