ABOUT US
Create A future where
people are prepared, not just promoted.
Our Advantage:
AscendED brings a perspective few consulting teams can offer: deep, firsthand experience across the systems that shape people before they enter the workforce, the environments where they begin their careers, and the organizations responsible for developing them once they arrive.
We understand how expectations, accountability, communication, leadership, and learning systems shape behavior over time and what happens when those systems are unclear, inconsistent, or no longer producing the results leaders need.
That perspective allows us to see problems differently.
We do not treat leadership challenges, early-career performance gaps, employee development, or organizational inconsistency as isolated issues. We look for the root causes: unclear expectations, weak accountability, inconsistent management, ineffective training, communication breakdowns, or systems that have not kept pace with the needs of the organization.
We build practical solutions that work in the real world.
Rebecca L. Burtram
Co-founder
Rebecca Burtram is a leadership consultant specializing in building cultures of accountability at every level of an organization. With over two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, project management, and marketing, she brings a unique generational lens to her work, helping organizations navigate the challenges of leading early-career team members. Recognized as the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Finalist in 2025, Rebecca is known for her ability to combine research-based practices with real-world expertise in ways that drive meaningful change.
She equips CEOs, executives, and management teams with the strategies they need to set high standards, foster engagement, and build trust with today’s emerging workforce.
By translating vision into sustainable systems of accountability, Rebecca helps leaders move from good intentions to lasting impact. She is also a confident and compelling speaker, skilled at connecting with audiences and inspiring action through her keynotes and presentations.
Adam E. Howard
Co-founder
Adam E. Howard is a leadership strategist, accountability expert, and restorative approaches coach committed to helping organizations build stronger, more effective cultures. With a proven track record in educational leadership, Adam specializes in creating structured, people-centered environments that balance high expectations with meaningful support.
Holding a M.A. in Equity in Education from McDaniel College and currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Bowie State University, Adam brings deep expertise in coaching teams, implementing accountability systems, and designing data-driven strategies that drive measurable growth.
Adam’s approach empowers businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions alike to develop cultures of responsibility, collaboration, and success.
Bruce Macbain
Senior Advisor | leadership & School Culture
Bruce MacBain is a leadership consultant who helps school leaders build high-performing schools and empowered teams. Over his 31-year career in education, including 21 years as a middle school principal, he was named New York State Middle School Principal of the Year and led his school to national recognition as a School to Watch and a Team that Makes a Difference. Bruce is known for creating school cultures that prepare students for the real world while fostering collaboration and teacher empowerment.
He also teaches future educational leaders as an adjunct professor at State University of New York College at Cortland, coaching them to move beyond a “middle management” mindset. Outside education, Bruce has applied his leadership expertise as a campaign manager, helping candidates identify their strengths and lead with impact.
Pamela Hunsinger
Senior Advisor | leadership, Operations, & Strategy
Pamela Hunsinger is a leadership and operations strategist who helps organizations align their people, systems, and resources with what matters most. With over two decades of executive experience across higher education, residential youth services, and community programming, she specializes in building transparent, accountable operational infrastructure that leaders and teams can trust.
Pam recently served as the Senior Director of Budget and Administration at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, where she functioned as chief financial and operations officer for a $115M enterprise spanning 17 academic units, eight specialized facilities, and more than 550 employees. Her career includes nearly two decades at Cornell University, where she chaired the University Assembly, addressed the Board of Trustees, and led operations across multiple colleges and global sites.
She is completing an Executive MPA at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, deepening her expertise in public finance, institutional planning, and organizational leadership.
Pam brings a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on operational fluency to every engagement. Guided by her Five F's leadership philosophy (Fair, Firm, Friendly, Flexible, and Fun), she partners with leaders to build cultures where accountability and collaboration thrive, expectations are clear, and people feel invested in the mission they serve.
Maisie Lynch
Senior Advisor | leadership & Early Career specialist
Maisie Lynch is a college and career readiness consultant, educator, and workforce development leader who helps students, families, and organizations build clear pathways to postsecondary and career success. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has served in several leadership roles including National Board Certified Teacher, business program leader, internship and apprenticeship coordinator, department chair, college and career specialist, and adjunct faculty member teaching adult learners in higher education. She is known for creating practical, student-centered systems that help young people build the skills, confidence, and direction they need to thrive in school, work, and life.
Beyond her work with students and families, Maisie supports schools, organizations, and professional audiences through consulting, curriculum design, speaking, and training. She is a Certified Career Services Provider, published writer, and thought leader in college and career readiness, neurodiversity, and workforce preparation. Her work connects education and employment by helping others create effective, future-focused pathways for learners at every stage.