Meet our Executive Advising Team

Dereje Tessema, PhD, PMP, PMI-ACP, CEA, SAFe-SPC

Dr. Dereje Tessema is a scholar-practitioner, consultant, and educator with over 25 years of experience managing large-scale government and private-sector programs. He specializes in enterprise architecture, EdTech, and infrastructure projects, and has led numerous multimillion-dollar initiatives. 

An accomplished author of three books and multiple research papers on leadership and management, Dr. Tessema developed the Tessema Multiple Intelligence Model, advancing organizational transformation and agility theory. He holds Ph.Ds. in Management and Sustainability, two master’s degrees, and several industry certifications. 

Dr. Tessema has taught graduate and professional courses worldwide in project management, leadership, enterprise architecture, and agile methodologies, including at Georgetown University, where he teaches in the Master of Professional Studies in Project Management Program. He also trains and consults executives and leaders globally. 

Ayenachew Aseffa, PhD, MPM, SAFe-SM

Dr. Ayenachew Aseffa is an experienced academic administrator, educator, consultant, trainer, and project manager with over a decade of international experience in both academic and non-academic roles. He has worked with several international organizations, including serving as a consultant to the World Bank, and has led international projects such as the Higher Education Forum for Africa, Asia, and Latin America, a multi-country initiative spanning three continents. 

As an academic administrator, Dr. Aseffa has overseen institutional transformation efforts that strengthened all aspects of organizational capacity. He is also an established scholar with numerous publications and completed research projects. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the Center for International Higher Education, Boston College, where he also completed a postdoctoral fellowship. His academic background further includes studies in public administration and management. ​

Eskindir Jembere (PhD, MA, BEd) Coordinator, School of Professional Studies

Eskindir Jembere, Ph.D., currently serves as the Coordinator of the School of Professional Studies (SPS) at FUSE. He holds a Ph.D. in International and Comparative Education and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. With nearly two decades of experience in academia and the public sector, Eskindir is an established expert in the field of Education. His background in teaching, research, and scholarly publication has led to a commendable record within academic circles. In his role as SPS Coordinator at FUSE, Eskindir coordinates with students, faculty, and staff to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that equips students for successful professional careers. As an education specialist, he also actively contributes to quality assurance endeavors, ensuring the maintenance of high educational standards and facilitating the integration of academic knowledge with real-world professional applications.

Heidi DiCicco, JD, PMP, President

Heidi DiCicco, the President of Florida University Southeast (FUSE), brings a diverse background to her roles, with over a decade of experience as an educator, an eclectic educational background, and extensive administrative practice. She holds a master’s degree in business, a Juris Doctorate with multiple academic recognitions, and is a JSD Candidate. Ms. DiCicco has taught various subjects at the college level, served as a court administrator and attorney for a child advocacy program, worked briefly as a Senior Attorney for Florida’s Office of the Attorney General, Children’s Legal Services, and previously held a position as a Department Director for a nonprofit.

Seble Mengesha (PhD, PMP, CISSP)

Seble Mengesha (PhD, PMP, CISSP), brings a unique blend of experience from both the academic and industry sectors, focusing on cutting-edge technologies. Holding a PhD in Electrical Engineering along with several certifications in networking, wireless technology, system development, and deployment, and enterprise architecture, Seble’s contribution is pivotal to FUSE’s transformation into a leading educational technology company. As a scholar-practitioner, Seble oversees the operations of both FUSE’s academic projects and the EduSuite360 products