Sylvan Learning, the supplemental and enrichment education brand with more than 45 years of experience, and part of the youth enrichment growth-focused platform Unleashed Brands, has promoted Susan Valverde from Chief Franchise Operations Officer to Brand President of the company, effective May 1.

She will concentrate on implementing Sylvan’s operational strategy and driving profitable growth for its franchise owners. Her promotion comes as John McAuliffe, who has led Sylvan since 2016, retired on April 30.

“After 45 years in business, Sylvan is at a crucial juncture where we can honor how far we’ve come all while planning for sustainable growth and future innovations,” said Valverde. “I look forward to carrying on our legacy and stewarding the brand into our next chapter as an Unleashed Brands company.”

“I credit my time as a franchise owner for every opportunity I’ve been given at Sylvan,” said Valverde. “I’ve lived the experience of our franchisees that I now support and carry that perspective with me into every leadership role and decision. They are the reason I’m so passionate about my career with Sylvan.”

In 2016, she sold her centers and stepped into the role of Vice President of Franchise Operations. A year later, she was promoted to Chief Franchise Operations Officer where she has stewarded the operational arm of the brand for the last several years.

“Susan’s extensive experience and deep knowledge of Sylvan’s operations position her to lead the company’s journey into this next phase of growth,” said Michael Browning, Jr. Founder & CEO of Unleashed Brands.

Visit: SylvanLearning.com or SylvanFranchise.com