The Future of Enrollment: Optimizing Student Engagement from Day One

Daniella Nordin is a marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in higher education marketing and engagement. In her role as Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Element451, she leads a team dedicated to ensuring exceptional customer experiences. With a focus on collaboration and communication, Daniella builds bridges between customers and internal teams, ensuring alignment and driving outcomes that exceed expectations. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing marketing strategies that drive growth and increase visibility and influence. Daniella holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from The Ohio State University and a Master’s, also in Communications, from the University at Albany, SUNY. She is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices in higher education marketing and engagement. She thrives on the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and is driven by her passion for helping colleges and universities achieve their goals.

Brendan Henkel is a dynamic force in the tech and education sectors, leading as the Manager of Solutions Engineering at Element451 with a unique flair for merging technology with learning. Not only is he a seasoned expert with 13 years in higher education, but Brendan is also the undisputed Disney nerd in his circles, bringing joy and insights with a touch of magic. In his illustrious career, particularly his 10 years on the institution side, Brendan has mastered the nuances of enrollment management and financial aid, shaping futures with his strategic acumen. His philosophy is simple yet profound: create welcoming spaces and prioritize understanding others. This approach has been the bedrock of his ability to foster lasting, fruitful partnerships. Brendan's superpower lies in his dedication to building personal connections, believing them to be the key to success in any endeavor. Adding another layer to his multifaceted persona is his enthusiasm for AI, positioning him as both an enthusiast and an evangelist in this rapidly evolving field. With a master's degree in New Media Journalism, Brendan seamlessly blends his educational background with his passion for tech, Disney, and AI, offering a captivating narrative that's both informative and entertaining.

John Carrere is the Element 451 Administrator and Director for the Office of Recruitment & First-Year Experience at Pitt Community College in Winterville, North Carolina. John has worked in higher education for over 15 years and has served as Coordinator of New Student Orientation, is a member of the Pitt Community College Foundation Board of Directors, is a member of the Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County Board of Directors and is co-advisor to the PCC Student Ambassador Leadership Program. Prior to his career at PCC, he worked for 5 years as an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at East Carolina University. Among his accolades, John is a two-time recipient of the Pitt Community College Staff Excellence Award, completed the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program, and received the East Carolina University 40 Under Forty Award.