Ashworth College Welcomes Joseph J. Piazza as New Chief Financial Officer

NORCROSS, Ga., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, a leading provider of accredited, online education programs, is pleased to announce that Joseph J. Piazza has been named Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Ashworth College.

Bringing more than 25 years of professional financial experience in distance learning to his new role at Ashworth (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu), Piazza's responsibilities will include overseeing the institution's financial, purchasing and distribution functions.

"I'm very excited to join the Ashworth College and Sterling Partners family. Ashworth is more than just a company -- it's an education institution with integrity, passion and the commitment to foster an environment where students achieve their fullest potential and reach their end goal," said Piazza. "I have great affection for the education industry and I'm looking forward to helping Ashworth continue its growth and development now and in the upcoming years."

A native of Scranton, PA, Piazza earned his Bachelor's of Science Degree at the University of Scranton followed by an MBA in Finance and Information Systems from Marywood University.  

After graduating from the University of Scranton, Piazza began as Assistant Controller at International Correspondence Schools (ICS) in Scranton, PA. Over the years, he grew with ICS which ultimately become Penn Foster School, currently part of Princeton Review.  He was first promoted to Domestic and International Controller, followed by Senior Vice President of Finance and ultimately to his most recent position as Chief Financial Officer with extensive operations experience.

In his new post as Chief Financial Officer, Piazza reports to Ashworth College President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Keisling.

"It's very exciting to have Joe join the Ashworth team. His expertise in distance education, financial and strategic planning, operations, and business expansion will help Ashworth continue to grow as a leading player in today's highly competitive and fast changing global education arena," Keisling said.

Over the years Piazza has also been active in professional organizations and within his community serving as Business Evaluator for the Distance Education Training Council, as a Board Member for the Tommy Gaynord Memorial Fund and launching Victory Village, a local co-op educational transitional program for special needs adults.

Piazza enjoys spending time with several nieces, nephews and godchildren, sports, bike riding, outdoors and volunteer work for special needs kids.  

About Ashworth College

As a leading online school, Ashworth College has built a tradition of excellence spanning 25 years, offering students worldwide more than 115 online college degrees, online certificate programs and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu.

Ashworth is a Sterling Partners portfolio company. Sterling, a private equity firm with a 25-year history of generating superior returns invests in industries with positive, long-term trends and provides ongoing support with a diverse and balanced team of industry veterans, operators, investors, strategy experts, and human capital professionals. For more information, please visit www.sterlingpartners.com.

Press Room: http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/about/news/

SOURCE Ashworth College